Rosie Strain - Arts Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor
I am a Bristol based Dramatherapist, Clinical & Creative Arts Supervisor and Storyteller and have been in practice since 2006. As well as a Bachelors degree in Theatre & Art History I hold a Masters degree in Dramatherapy and certificate in Clinical Supervision.
As well as running a private practice, predominantly in adult mental health I am also the Chair of Dramatherapy Southwest, a modest organisation serving dramatherapists in the southwest of the UK. I also serve on the Supervision Sub-committee of the British Association of Dramatherapists and am the Co-Founder of Relight, an initiative offering nourishing CPD and personal development for Psychotherapists, Counsellors and People in the helping professions. You can find out more here on my website or by following us on social media.
For many years I was involved in a charity running a small, residential therapeutic community for adults with acute mental health needs and continue to support the charity to survive these current times. My storytelling at small community events has taken a back seat during Covid times but I have every intention of picking it up when social gatherings can take place with ease. I am also a mum to two young children.
My work is based within the psychotherapeutic 'Humanistic' and 'Person-Centred models which follow the principles of facilitating the therapy according to the needs of the client rather than fitting the client to the pre-planned therapy session. My aim is to lay emphasis on the well being of the whole person, not only considering a person's behaviour and choices but helping them explore their self image, social environment and biography. My approach is to base the therapy around the present needs of the client, taking into account their choices, impulses and present emotional state.
I also consider the developmental stages of the individual and how this can affect and influence their ability to connect with the therapy. While past events are important to consider, the focus is from the perspective of the 'here and now' allowing the client to respond to their internal needs through their current life circumstances. The 'content' of each session is based around the immediate emotional needs of the client and I facilitate accordingly
Stories as a therapeutic tool is a particular interest of mine. Having written my thesis on the therapeutic use of Dramatherapy and Stories I have found that certain stories, myths and fairy tales provide a safe outlet for clients to examine particular relationships, experiences and life events.
**PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT CURRENTLY TAKING ON ANY NEW CLIENTS **
You can find out more about my work with the therapeutic use of stories throughout my website.
I have a wide range of clinical and therapeutic experience in different areas with children, adolescents and adults including:
- Special Needs and Challenging Behaviour
- Social Exclusion
- Isolation and Loneliness
- Mental Health Issues
- Abuse
- Loss and Bereavement
- Eating Disorders and Self Harm
- Depression and Anxiety
- Lack of Self Esteem
- Anger and Forgiveness
- Spiritual Crisis and Existential Issues
I am a fully registered member of the Health Professions Council and the British Association of Dramatherapists and work within their Code of Practice.
For Further Information:
The British Association of Dramatherapy: http://www.badth.org.uk/
Code of Practice: http://www.badth.org.uk/Dth/codeofpract.htm#CODE_OF_PRACTICE
Health Professions Council: http://www.hpc-uk.org/
Humanistic Psychology: http://www.ahpweb.org/
Person-Centered Psychotherapy: http://www.pce-world.org/
