Integrative Arts Psychotherapy - in Hackney and online - my approach 

 

I am an accredited Integrative Arts Psychotherapist (HCPC), practicing with a person-centred, compassionate and humanistic approach. I believe that everyone has the tools they need, it's a case of finding ways to access them. 

​

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.

​

The weekly work of psychotherapy can be challenging. It can involve 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 form relationships you value and to authentically meet your goals. 

​

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. I don't think I know more than you about yourself and I sit with you as someone who respects your journey and wants the best for you.

 

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

​

Whether we meet or not, I’m wishing you courage in your journey.

​

Colleague Endorsement

​

"Lorena is a warm, kind and holding therapist. She cares deeply about her clients and works at the pace set by them. Lorena places the integrative approach at the centre of the relationship, so the therapy is tailored to the needs of the individual." Gemma Camlin, Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, HCPC

 

How using the Arts in Psychotherapy can support you

​

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 our emotional and intuitive brain hemisphere, which can offer a new way to understand our challenges, experiences 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, rather than the product.

 

Arts can also mean using metaphor, dream work and nature connection to allow a lens to focus on what you would like to look at. 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

​
 

My training and experience

​

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. 

​​

Fees

 

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

 

I offer an initial free 20 minute phone call 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 sometimes have concession spaces available.