My story...

Like most people, I spent my life busy making plans, not realising that life... the universe ... had it's own plans for me. 

I spent 30 years of my working life in hospitality running my own restaurant, and then the next ten years in real estate. 

I was married with one son and our focus was in building a secure future for ourselves.

In between though, I was always going to courses, and they were usually related to natural therapies and spiritual modalities; learning skills  I was passionate about -  creative writing, vision boards, dream analysis, remedial massage, reflexology, Reiki I & II, crystal healing, chakra alignment. 

I considered becoming a Naturopath but the stars never quite aligned for me in that area.  

I told myself this was just the quirky Aquarian in me always thirsty to learn more and happy to dabble in this other side of myself.

Then with the sudden death of my husband a few years ago, I came to a crashing halt.  After 37 years the life that I knew and loved was gone. 

I suddenly had to discover who I was as a person on my own  ... I hated it!  

I was angry at what the universe had done to me. I grieved the loss of my beloved soul mate.

I suddenly felt worthless, with nothing left to look forward to and nothing more to give to this world.  I'd lost sight of my identity- I felt invisible.  It was a dark and scary place to be in.

Thankfully,  l found Creative Arts Therapy. 

Not only did it help me work though my grief, it helped me find my new and exciting self.  It gave me a platform to finally bring together all those alternate healing skills l had been accruing for so long.

I started my training, terrified at first, because I had no artistic ability at all !

That first class sent me into a massive tail spin. I had a panic attack - crying, heart palpitating, shaking, because I could see the other people were all artistic and their work was beautiful. Mine was a childish mess. 

 I laugh now and give thanks for that day, because it opened the first door to my own childhood issues of not being good enough, worthy enough, etc.  Issues that I have since discovered have controlled my every decision and action throughout my life ...  and still do on occasion.

I soon learnt Creative Arts Therapy has nothing to do with the quality of the artwork created... it's all about the process of creating.  Of having that space to allow the creative expression to do what l hadn't ever been able to do with words.

That process is what helps the brain to switch off the stress response, and in doing so allows our STUFF to rise to the surface. It gives us a means to discover those  erroneous self beliefs that told us we weren't good enough, or lovable enough. It provides us with a voice to speak out, and deal with the underlying trauma and issues, before gently allowing us to move towards new, more empowering and positive beliefs so that we can create the life we have always dreamt about . . .   but secretly never thought possible. 

I invite you now to join me and discover for yourself the power and beauty of Creative Arts as a therapy. 

I look forward to helping you start your own journey and help you blossom and find your true authentic self ... the one you were always afraid to let loose.