Lydia Hunt
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello.
My name is Lydia and I run South East Art Psychotherapy, an independent art psychotherapy service in Kent. South East Art Psychotherapy began with a vision to offer art psychotherapy in an independent, person-centred capacity; focusing on the individual needs of each client, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
I can also offer talking psychotherapy, which can be held online. As art psychotherapy requires the use of materials, these will be held in-person.
What is art psychotherapy?
In art psychotherapy, the use of art materials can inspire contemplation and open reflection, especially when it comes to experiences, thoughts, and feelings which are difficult to articulate. Words are just one way of communicating and connecting with others, and in art therapy sessions, I encourage clients to explore all forms of expression. During sessions, clients are welcome to use the art materials available in concurrence with or as an alternative to verbal communication in a safe and contained space which offers the opportunity for reflection and understanding.
What happens when you contact me?
After your initial enquiry, I will arrange a free phone call consultation, during which we can ask each other questions and determine whether we are a good fit. We can then organise an assessment session in my studio, so that you can experience art therapy with me and establish whether you would like to proceed further. These initial meetings are informal and gentle, with no obligation on your part, but are a good way for you to enter into art therapy with a wider understanding of what to expect.
Training, qualifications & experience
I qualified as an art psychotherapist after training on the MA Art Psychotherapy course at Goldsmiths, University of London. I have a psychodynamic, trauma-informed approach to therapy, revolving around flexibility and adapting to each environment and person.
The work I do centres around the belief that art psychotherapy, arts education and community arts are vehicles of social change and movement that can support individuals and communities.
The journey towards mental wellbeing is affected by a variety of factors; such as trauma, environment, relationships or finances. I therefore believe therapy must be undertaken with an intersectional attitude and knowledge of how issues of race, gender, sexuality, class and wealth have a direct impact on both physical and mental welfare. With this in mind, I approach therapy as a political phenomena which exists in tandem with many other kinds of support and work closely with other services such as social work, local charities, schools and hospitals.
I have particular interest and experience in working psychodynamically with childhood attachments, trauma, and relationship dynamics.
I am also interested in a movement towards Eco Art Psychotherapy -which incorporates nature and the environment into the therapeutic work- and somatic therapy, which focuses on the emotional experience of the body.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Individual 50-minute sessions with Lydia are £55.00
When I work
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Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays are available for Ashford clients.
Wednesdays and Thursdays are available for Ramsgate clients.
Further information
Our small art studio is located in Ramsgate, Kent in an intimate and peaceful garden. We find that this helps to promote an atmosphere of calm and comfort.
I also see clients in Ashford in a residential setting near the town centre.
When we are referred by schools or charities, we conduct our sessions in their facilities, in order to work as closely as possible with the care team that has made this referral on behalf of a child or young person.
We believe in steadfast communication between services around each person in order to build a strong caring community.
