Art Therapy 

Leonie Watson trained in Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths. She has worked in Adult mental health, child and adolescent psychiatric units, drug and alcohol, refugee families, looked after children and their families and more recently ASD adolescents. She has a wide range of flexible approaches and ways of engaging young people. She has also worked as an Art tutor; helping students on the autistic spectrum achieve their potential grades in GCSE and ‘A’ level Art.

Her position at Farleigh FE College in Frome lasted for ten years and involved multidisciplinary team meetings, liaising with outside agencies, regular clinical note writing and senior team meetings. She now works for Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke, a mental health secure hospital dealing with people with personality disorder, eating disorders, attachment issues, addictions , psychosis and depression. She has been there for 6 years so far and works with a team of psychologists and EMDR forensic professionals. Regular CPD includes membership of the British Association of Art Therapists, their AGM and regional meetings. External courses includes those on time limited therapy and metallization, identification and recovery of trafficked children, ASD awareness, challenging behavior, equality and diversity, safeguarding, self harm, amongst others. 

Art is a powerful tool and can be very enlightening, helping to shed light on past and present issues. A creative way to deal with the past and make the present more manageable.