Arts-Based CPD Workshops in Hertfordshire: Holding Space for the Carers at Bucks Mind
- Debi Magonet
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
This weekend I facilitated an art therapy workshop for the team at Bucks Mind in Hertfordshire - adult and young people's counsellors and therapists, wellbeing practitioners, and trainees. People who spend the majority of their time caring for others, holding space for pain and complexity, witnessing struggle. This arts-based CPD workshop offered them an opportunity for their own nourishment.
We began with sand tray work. Each person chose two objects. The first represented something they wanted to leave behind for the workshop, whatever needed setting down to allow them to focus on their own nourishment. The second object held what needed to be nourished within them.
In a circle, we heard introductions. These parts, the one being left behind, the one asking for care, got to be spoken aloud. Then they were written about. Once the pieces had been written down, we spent time shaping a "home" for this part that needed nourishing. Paper, paint, found objects, string. A place for it to rest.
What strikes me again and again in this work is how willing people are to play. How quickly we can find parts of ourselves that might otherwise stay hidden when we're offered the shape of the arts and genuine care. The materials help and support. There's something about being asked directly, what do you need, that can lead us somewhere quite significant.
It was a wise and beautiful group. We drank tea and coffee. There were roses on the table. We witnessed the parts that need to be nourished in each other. As always, it's an honour to witness, to wander around people's depths and to see people unfurl with their parts of self.
Arts-Based CPD Opportunities in Hertfordshire and London:
If you'd like to explore continuing professional development through art therapy and creative approaches, you can sign up for updates about my workshops and training offerings on my website at theartpsychotherapist.com.
Other excellent providers of arts-based CPD workshops in Hertfordshire and London include:
BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) - their website lists courses and training opportunities
University of Hertfordshire - The institute lectures and offers introductory courses
Oxford College of Arts and Therapies (OCAT) - founded by Val Huet, offering online CPD and supervision training
London Art Therapy Centre - regular CPD workshops at Pioneer House in King's Cross, coordinated by Gary Nash
Supporting Bucks Mind:
The work Bucks Mind does in our community is vital. If you'd like to support their services, you can donate here https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/bucksmind/donation-amount
Art Therapy Workshops in Berkhamsted and Hertfordshire:
If you'd like me to facilitate an art therapy workshop or CPD training for yourself, your friends, your team, or your organisation in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or the surrounding areas, I'm very able to set these up. Get in touch through my website or email me directly.
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