​Auriel has also undergone training with Ian Siddons and is an Environmental Arts Therapist, working outdoors and bringing natural materials into the art therapy studio.

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Auriel's special interests, aside from working to enhance the wellbeing and expand the creative expression of all her clients using the arts and nature, include using art therapy to support children and individuals on the autism spectrum (ASD).

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In the therapist's own words:

'We all grow, at different paces and through different experiences. Sometimes we get stuck and need company along the journey. Therapy is company through moments of feelings stuck or when life's journey presents us with challenges we feel unequipped to face alone.

I offer a non-judgemental space in which clients can express themselves. I believe that good therapy requires challenge, as well as empathic exploration. My aim is to help clients to discover and accept themselves, developing life skills and moving toward greater flexibility and wellbeing.'

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Working with children:

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I am passionate about supporting children to thrive and reach their best potential in all areas of life. I see each child as an individual and work with their strengths to support them through emotional difficulty or trauma and to develop social and emotional skills.

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I don't shy away from addressing practical and behavioural difficulties. I have a special interest in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and autism (ASD). I recognise that in some cases it is as important to address and explore educational needs and behavioural strategies as it is to support children to achieve emotional wellbeing. Indeed the two are linked. A child who feels confident about their capacity in the world and who understands expectations of their behaviour geared toward their health, safety and wellbeing, is typically a more grounded and happier child. Likewise, emotional wellbeing is often at the root of other difficulties. Unlocking and working through emotional difficulties while building self-resources, helps children to thrive.

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I structure sessions according to the individual needs of the child. Sometimes this will entail a lot of free play and emotional exploration, for example for a child who struggles to play, socially interact and engage with life. At other times sessions might be structured to offer some free exploration and some set activities, for example with children who struggle to accept direction, become over stimulated or chaotic.

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I work with parents and carers to establish children's ongoing needs throughout the course of therapy, though my approach is also very much child-led. I offer both Integrative Arts Counselling (using play-based and arts based interventions to meet children at their level of need and understanding) and 1-1 therapeutic arts workshops geared more specifically to a need or difficulty the child is facing in life, for example working on developing frustration tolerance. The latter is not counselling or psychotherapy as it is directed toward a single goal or outcome, while therapy and counselling will address the broader needs of the child. In cases of trauma or extreme difficulty therapy or counselling will always be recommended, as emotional needs that are left unattended have a direct impact on behaviour and wellbeing.

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Please feel free to contact me to discuss your child's needs. I may refer you to another therapist if I feel they might be a better fit for your child's specific needs.

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