Rose Thorn

My practice as a therapist has evolved over twenty years and been shaped and informed by: the diverse clients that I have worked with; my supervisors, teachers and colleagues; being a client myself and my own lived experience.

Training

I originally trained as an Arts Therapist specialising in drama; I embrace these creative elements by supporting individuals to explore:

• through movement - connecting with one’s body
• with imagery and metaphor - making art, stories or writing
• using one’s voice - words, breath, listening and feeling one’s story
• engaging with objects or the natural world around us

I am currently studying as a Body Psychotherapist with Embodied-Relational Therapy. I would describe my approach as working relationally – which means I am curious and open to what happens between us in the therapeutic relationship.

Creative Supervision I have an Advanced Diploma in Counselling Supervision which was accredited by the National Counselling Society. I have worked with therapists, body workers and artists who use their art form with community groups. I aim to cultivate a space to reflect and explore your practice in an embodied and felt sense or by using creative means. My training includes:

• Body Psychotherapy in Supervision
• Movement and the Body in Supervision

Qualifications

I am registered as a Dramatherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and abide by their ethical framework.

I am a trained EMDR therapist and am a member of EMDR UK. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy can help relieve the symptoms and emotional distress that can result from disturbing life experiences and complex past traumas.

I am a member of the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network and Radical Therapy Network "dedicated to intersectional and anti-oppressive learning and therapeutic practice".

Experience

I have worked with people from many different backgrounds including:

• women who have experienced complex trauma from domestic abuse and childhood sexual abuse
• adults with mental ill health who have been diagnosed with: borderline personality disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia and eating disorders
• young people with learning disabilities and autistic women

I have also worked in the following settings:

• the third sector - Women's Aid, foster care agencies, care homes, therapeutic artists community and arts projects within the community
• the NHS public health sector - psychiatric hospitals, a medium secure unit and a community learning difficulty team
• the education sector - special schools, colleges, pupil referral units and youth projects

This broad experience has given me an insight into organisational racism and how many of these institutions can re-traumatise both the clients and the practitioners.

Ongoing professional development

I have completed numerous trainings that enable me to work skilfully and sensitively including:

• The Relational Nature of Shame in the Therapeutic Relationship
• Diploma in Embodied-Relational Therapy
• Working with survivors of child sexual abuse; using arts interventions safely
• Awareness in Children & Young People’s Bereavement Care
• Working Creatively with Trauma Survivors
• Dissociation, Attachment Theory & Trauma
• The Challenge Of Racism In Therapeutic Practice
• Embodying Power and Difference in the Clinical Relationship