Lorena Vila – Integrative Arts Psychotherapist

I am an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, practicing with a person-centred, compassionate and humanistic approach.

I believe that everyone has the tools they need already, it’s a case of finding ways to access them, and that is the special work we do when we sit in the room. We are going on a very sacred journey together; it is your life. And we are travelling together to get you where you want and need to be.

The weekly work of psychotherapy can be challenging. It involves looking at painful parts of ourselves, going back in time and re visiting. But in my experience with clients, the rewards are worth it. Being able to build a more compassionate, loving and fuller understanding of self to be able to make the connections you really value and to authentically meet your goals.

I always talk a lot about pacing, making sure the speed we move at is right for you and to ensure that you have the resources you need at every new step. I don’t think I know more than you and I sit with you as someone who deeply respects your journey and wants the best for you.

Whether we meet or not, I’m wishing you the courage and journey you deserve and I fully believe that in changing ourselves, we are changing the world.

Working integratively means that I use the most relevant theories and research for our work together. Whether it’s affective neuroscience, somatic approaches, attachment theory, psychodynamic theory or another model, I share the approaches I’m using as we work.

Working using the arts (e.g. sand tray, body work, image and clay) can allow you to connect with your creativity and imagination and to access paths of healing, discovery and support. When we use creativity or imagination to look at our challenges we’re engaging the right brain, which can be a shortcut to understanding our emotions or what is lying underneath. It may not be for you, but if you do choose to try it, the focus is on the process, which is what you are exploring or focusing on, rather than the product, or what you are making.

We can also use the arts to bring in metaphor, dream work and nature connection to allow a lens to focus on your intuition, needs, your emotions and relationships. It can be difficult to summarise the change that can happen through psychotherapy, as it is so personal, so I can offer a poem for what it has meant for me:

I have found that travelling in,
slowing down
And having a different conversation
Has changed who I am
At a cellular level

I work transparently with you to agree what we will work on together and check in on this at regular intervals to ensure that our work continues to meet your expectations and values.

My approach is LGBTQIA+ affirmative and anti-oppressive, which means keeping your cultural, social and political identity and values central to the therapy.

I have 14 years’ experience of working with both adults and children with a wide range of needs and from diverse backgrounds.

My four-year Integrative Arts Psychotherapy training at MA level is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I am fully insured.

I have further developed my skills through Ecopsychology training and Grief Tending in Community to explore the wide-ranging positive impact I can be part of, working with individuals and community in a holistic and creative way.

I have worked in homelessness settings, developing and facilitating vibrant, client-led and trauma-informed Ecopsychology and Therapeutic Arts-based programmes for the last five years.

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Childhood trauma
• Depression
• Difficulties in intimate relationships
• Grief and loss
• Overwhelm and burnout
• Repeating relationship patterns
• Self-belief and existential questions
• Trauma, including complex trauma and CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Understanding and managing triggers

My journey to discovering the power of Psychotherapy started when working in a therapeutic horticulture setting for a homeless charity. I was talking to the participants and thinking, people just want to talk, not engage with the allotment, and I just want to listen! But I wanted the tools to better understand what trauma really means, how to work with it and how to genuinely support those facing emotional pain.

That was in Jan 2019, and I began my journey in a year long Exploring Ecopsychology training. I became fascinated with the different healing tools we can use to look in, connect, understand and find a sense of lost meaning. I was hooked.

Through my Integrative Arts Psychotherapy training over 4 years, I was amazed and astounded at the wealth of ways we can explore and find meaning. I developed a profound understanding of my own traumas, which was tough, but an essential foundation. And now I am grateful for how these bring meaning to the practitioner and person I am.

I deeply value every piece of work I do with clients and am moved by the ripples of change I am part of.

I offer sessions on a sliding scale, salary dependant, £60-£70 online or £70-£80 in person.

I offer an initial free 20 minute phone call or zoom meeting to give you a chance to get to know me and ask any questions.

I am open to having conversations if cost is a barrier and I have concession spaces available at the moment.

CONTACT ME:

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