Centre for child mental health
Conferences, Training Days and Lectures. Continuing Professional Development Opportunities for Anyone Working to Improve Child and Adolescent Emotional Well-being.
Read More >>
Why The Arts For Emotional Health and Well-Being?
Many people lack an arena in which to express the powerful and profound feelings intrinsic to any human existence. This can either result in people bottling up their feelings (proven to be psychologically and physically damaging) or discharging them in ways that are destructive to self or others.
We believe a healthier society to be one in which the creative working through of emotional pain, within a safe and supportive arena, is not merely the property of a few psychologically-minded people, or restricted to the confines of the art gallery or theatre. It should be possible for many more people to process their feelings well, rather than simply managing them via neurotic or destructive means.
In recognising the limits of everyday language in the communication of powerful and profound feelings, IATE’s courses offer an in-depth exploration of other forms of expression based on the use of image and metaphor and on seven different art forms. Each art form provides a unique language of expression.
The Role of the Imagination and Creativity in Psychological Change
The arts psychotherapy and therapy courses are concerned with the therapeutic application of the arts and the creative imagination for a more fulfilling life, rather than purely for remedial use, or simply for addressing a particular problem.
IATE also recognises artistic creativity as a human phenomenon, rather than the property of a few talented people. The inner musicality, the capacity to move, dance, paint and act is acknowledged in ALL people.
Child Psychotherapy
The Institute offers a range of child psychotherapy and child counselling courses, all of which are truly cutting edge. Several lead to nationally recognised registration, and there is a Masters Degree in Integrative Child Psychotherapy (accredited by London Metropolitan University).
In each of the child courses, the relationship with the child and specifically the conversational act, are informed by a synthesis of:
- Selective contributions from over 100 years of psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic theory and practice;
- Research studies on the neuroscience and psychology of human relationship and human development;
- Profound insights on the human condition from literature and the arts. The use of imagery, play and art is key to the therapeutic process in all the child courses at The Institute.