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The Tree of Life Integrative Arts Psychotherapy and Counselling Service

 

A tree of life is a common motif in various world theologies, mythologies, and philosophies. In therapy, a tree of life metaphor represents growth and resilience. Being centered is being grounded, with our roots firmly planted and digging as deep as possible into the earth; we grow and flourish, with our branches reaching as high into the sky as possible.

Ayesha Yousuf

About Me 

Hello, my name is Ayesha Yousuf and I am an Art Psychotherapist. I am registered with HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council). I have a Masters in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy, an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art. In addition to this I am a trained Level 3 CATT (Children's Accelerated Trauma Technique) therapist.. I understand first-hand the power of using psychotherapy and the arts to support personal resilience, to promote growth and experience living life fully and creatively. I speak English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. 

I have experience of helping people along their journey of becoming more fully and deeply ‘themselves’ through the arts. My experiences are within the mental health and care industry; in a broad range of settings, with adult clients from various backgrounds and a variety of needs, including:

 

  • Anxiety and stress

  • Attachment and relationship difficulties

  • Bereavement

  • Depression

  • Domestic violence

  • Existential crisis

  • Historic physical/sexual abuse

  • Identity/race and self confidence issues

  • Isolation and loneliness

  • Mental ill-health within the NHS

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

My approach

My orientation is predominantly humanistic. As an Art Psychotherapist, I tailor my approach to the individual client. This means sometimes working with what a client brings on the day, working in the 'here and now' moment and using Gestalt techniques to interact with the arts. I also work psychodynamically, meaning we look at how events in your past may be affecting your psyche in the present. I invite the transpersonal into our work as we explore how other aspects of your experiences besides cognitive thinking, such as the somatic and spiritual, can contribute to your psychological health.

As an Art Psychotherapist I work with the client's creative process, this can include using a variety of materials. You do not need any previous art experience or ability to participate.

Below are the seven main art forms that are available to use in my therapy room:

 

Arts (Includes variety of materials)

Modelling clay

Puppetry/Drama

Poetry

Bodywork/Movement

Music

Sandplay

 

Location and Rates

I see clients in a safe, private and a comfortable room in South Ealing, W5, London (5 mins walk from the underground station), easily accessible by bus or car. Sessions are 50 minutes long, and usually once-weekly. Our work together is confidential. I offer a sliding scale rate based on your income. This can be discussed further on phone or on our first meeting.

 

Contact me

If you are interested in starting therapy or need more information on how I work, please feel free to contact me on tel: 07403408110 or email me at yayesha@yahoo.com

Information on this website is meant for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or psychological evaluation or treatment. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please seek emergency treatment immediately.

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