Tag: art psychotherapist trainee

Freelance Reflections #98

News

I can’t believe next week is She Grrrowls! I’ve just discovered this video of Phoebe Wagner’s poem ‘Raul’ from Muddy Feet Poetry. I love it especially as I can relate to the struggle of having Spanish heritage, but not being able to speak the language (though my poem, published in The Rialto, my name in an english accent, looks at this from the perspective of having a Spanish name, whilst this poem is kind of about the opposite). If you’re reading this, you must be a dedicated fan haha, so please do buy a ticket and/or spread the word about the event on Thursday 15th June!

I went to the Apples & Snakes takeover at The Roundhouse. It was such a great day, and so lovely to go with one of my course-mates who also writes poetry! I said hello to a few people and didn’t feel too anxious, at least when approached. I went to the hub events mainly, which were such interesting workshops – yoga and writing, a glorious vocal sound bath, and life writing (writing to movement). The final event was really special, with many of the acts performing bespoke sets.

I’m coming to the end of my first year training to be an Art Psychotherapist, with groups closing, feedback gradually coming in, and our exhibition next week – the private view being the day after She Grrrowls! I don’t feel ready, but I’ve managed to spend some cancelled lessons in the sun reading, so hope to have more time to read up on material, particularly that related to my placement.

I’ve been feeling really fatigued the last few day, suffering with stomach cramps, and trouble sleeping. Waiting for Gabor Mate’s latest book to come out on paperback, I felt drawn to read ‘When The Body Says No’. I’m also currently listening to ‘Period Power’ by Maisie Hill, and at the moment, despite some social plans, I’m leaning into solitude and looking forward to doing more reading over the weekend. I never have cramps with my periods, so I’m hoping this isn’t going to happen every month. It has felt so debilitating.

Again, if you’re able to share or donate to my crowdfund as I train to become an Art Psychotherapist, or buy some books, please do!

Freelance Reflections #97

News

I have kept putting off writing due to a period of intensity. This week I had less paid work due to the half term break, but somehow it still feels overwhelming at times, trying to balance everything and make time for some relaxing moments without it feeling like a checklist. Still, I’m writing this as I wait for the 122 to a student with heavy traffic delays.

Kunst(Zeug)Haus exhibit

I don’t think I’ve written for the whole of May. It wasn’t all work and no play though. I went to Switzerland for the first time, to meet my partner’s parents. I really managed to switch off, saw some great artwork, and caught up with some reading for uni. In order to do that, I had to cancel some work, or where possible move it from one bank holiday to another.

Just before my birthday, I had an interview for my placement at Coram. I found out the next day that I got it! Plus I’ll be working with another Goldsmiths student from my year. I’m really looking forward to it and hope to make lots of time for reading over the summer.

Interview ready

I had a few days off for my own and family birthdays. I went to a comedy night, had family over for food and cake, went to an Everyman Cinema Eurovision screening with a friend, and spent the actual day of my birthday chilling – I went swimming, had a pub roast and watched Rye Lane. There were shitty points, and my roasts are better than the overpriced pub one, but I had a lot of fun too.

Mi Familia

Despite having written my coursework assignment in one sitting at the start of the month, this was just the reflective part. I then had to read and integrate the theory into the coursework and often worked until 11pm/12/1am leading up to the deadline, trying to perfect it. Eventually I had to accept that I couldn’t read more and submitted it.

Mi amiga

The assignment and paid work took over until I submitted on 25th May. I then had a weekend of celebrations, including seeing The Beths with my dad, Wide Awake Festival on the Saturday with my partner, and catching up with a picnic with a friend on Sunday after work.

Mi novio

Monday ended up pretty much being a write-off, and since then I’ve been focussing on my artwork for the MA Art Psychotherapy exhibition, which is done a rough plan for that day. Aside from this and work, I also had a picnic with my partner and parents. As much as I would have loved to stay in the sun, I had to get back to my canvas. It feels so good to paint and I’m really happy with how it’s turning out. The private view will be at Goldsmiths University on 16th June, with the exhibition continuing until Monday 19th June.

I also did my first paid cat-sitting job and got to look after one of my favourite breeds! This is Harriet – hopefully I’ll get to see her again!

Again, if you’re able to share or donate to my crowdfund as I train to become an Art Psychotherapist, or buy some books, please do!