Alison Rowley

My Philosophy

In my practice, I use a combination of therapeutic art making and talk therapy. I also integrate mindfulness and nature-based therapy techniques where of interest. Creating a safe and welcoming environment where you or your child feels comfortable exploring the issues that have brought you/them to therapy is of upmost importance to me.

Art Therapy
Art therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic modality that uses a combination of talk therapy and therapeutic art making. For some people making art while talking helps them to feel comfortable and safe to open up about issues or problems they may be having. The art provides an emotionally safe container to process difficult to put into words, feelings and experiences.
Sometimes we just don’t have the words to express what is happening in our worlds.
No prior art making experience is necessary! Art therapy is more about the process of making art than focusing on the end product. I have worked with people with a wide range of backgrounds from artists looking to feel inspired again in their artform to people with no art making experience who do not see themselves as creative.
Art therapy can help to increase self-awareness, coping strategies, emotional regulation, trauma-processing, and it builds resiliency. The act of making art can be therapeutic. From forming clay to painting with watercolours, it can
act to soothe and also inspire. Art therapy can help us to see a problem or issue from a different perspective. Combining art making and talk therapy, engages both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Our left side is connected to our analytical brains that process information verbally; while our right side of our brains is our more creative and emotional side of
our brain. Activating both sides of this during sessions can not only help us see problems from other angles, it can also offer us some solutions too that may not be available with just talk therapy.
I don’t judge or interpret your art! You are the expert of your own art and together we process what the experience was like for you and explore what is meaningful to you. Art therapy does not involve the art therapist analyzing the art or diagnosing mental health conditions. It is my role to get along side you or your child and support you in your journey to know yourself better
and feel empowered.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that encourages participants to be “present” and focus on their senses and the connection between mind and body, in a non-judgmental way. Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed and involves being present in the here and now, not ruminating on the past or
worrying about the future. Where appropriate I use Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy techniques, a practice that combines mindful awareness with creative practices. Art making is explored through all of the senses and combined with breath to calm the nervous system and any over-
thinking, allowing participants to get re-connected with their bodies. Busy hands help to calm an over-active mind.

Horticultural Therapy and Nature-Based Therapy (NBT)
Horticultural Therapy and Nature-Based Therapy are evidence- based healing modalities that use a combination of talk therapy and engagement with plants and natural materials. I often bring in plants and flowers and natural materials such as shells, cones, pods, feathers, rocks, driftwood, and twigs as art materials for clients to engage with. One of my favourite activities to
introduce to clients of all ages are nature sculptures.
Nature is full of examples of resilience, boundary setting, adaptability, and hope. Learning about plants and engaging with the natural world in creative ways can help us reflect on our own strengths, needs and identities.