Welcome to
The Listening Room
Therapeutic support with depth, care and flexibility
Where therapy meets creativity, compassion and connection.
Psychodynamic art psychotherapist in Highcliffe, Dorset and online
Hello, I’m Jess, a Psychodynamic Art Psychotherapist working with children aged 5 and above, young people and adults.
Approach
I know that talking about thoughts and feelings can feel difficult, and that therapy doesn’t suit everyone in the same way. While some people prefer traditional talking therapy, others feel more comfortable expressing themselves through creative work, play or a different approach altogether. I tailor therapy to each individual, offering the way of working that feels most supportive and accessible.
Although I am a qualified Art Psychotherapist, sessions do not need to include art. Creativity is simply one of the tools I may draw on when it feels helpful or appropriate. Some clients prefer to talk, while others communicate more easily through play, storytelling, music, games, imagination or creative activity. Together, we find the approach that feels right for you or your child.
I offer a warm, accepting and non-judgemental space where children, young people and adults can explore thoughts, feelings and experiences at their own pace. My work is trauma-informed, attachment-based and neuro-affirming, and I recognise that every person’s needs and experiences are unique.
Background
I am an experienced Psychodynamic Art Psychotherapist working with adults, children and young people across a range of settings. My background includes art therapy in SEN and alternative school settings, parent-child therapeutic work, and specialist addiction counselling within residential treatment. I have also worked with people with autism, trauma and complex mental health difficulties. Drawing on my professional background, I integrate creative, mindfulness and somatic approaches to support regulation, emotional processing and self-awareness.
Whatever brings you to therapy, I aim to offer a consistent, compassionate and collaborative relationship where you feel heard, understood and supported as you move towards lasting positive change.
Positive outcomes
- Feeling calmer and more settled
- Greater understanding of emotions and experiences
- Improved confidence and resilience
- Better coping in everyday life
- A stronger sense of self
- Feeling heard, understood and supported
- Increased confidence and resilience
Working with me
A psychodynamic approach looks beneath the surface to explore how past experiences, early relationships and unconscious patterns may shape life today. I work with the whole person — including history, body, imagination and relationships — to create a space for insight, expression and gradual change.
I work with dreams and symbolic material, alongside creative and somatic approaches when these feel helpful. Sometimes art materials or breathwork can support the expression of feelings that words alone may not reach, and can help the body move towards a calmer, more regulated state. The process is often more important than any outcome, and there is no need to be good at art or to come with imaginative ideas — what matters is simply being open to exploring.
My work is rooted in compassion, curiosity and respect for each person’s inner world. Rather than seeing symptoms as problems to be fixed, I understand them as parts of the self that need attention, understanding and care. Therapy offers a safe space for these parts to be heard, allowing insight and change to emerge over time.
What issues can I help you with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported:
- Depression
- Low mood
- Trauma
- Shadow work
- Problems with confidence or self-esteem
- Feelings of anger, guilt, and shame
- Issues relating to sexuality
- Gender exploration
- Problems with family or school life
- Attachment difficulties
- Self-harm
- Identity concerns
- Life transitions
- Perfectionism and control
- Problems with addiction
- Complex trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Autism and neurodiversity
- Creative blocks
- Loneliness
- Body image concerns
- Eating difficulties
- Relationship trauma
- Dissociation
- Feelings of stress or anxiety
- Relationship problems
- Social anxiety
- Grief, loss, or bereavement
I work with:
- Children
- Young people
- Adults
In-Person in Highcliffe or online
Sessions can take place in Highcliffe. This is easily accessible from Christchurch, Mudeford, Barton-on-Sea, Bournemouth and all surrounding areas.
Online sessions are also available via Zoom, Doxy.me, WhatsApp or Google Meet.
Sessions and Fees
Sessions are 50 minutes and usually take place weekly. I recommend an initial 50-minute consultation. I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for students and people on a low income.
Session fee: £75
Initial consultation fee: £75
Reduced fee for students and people on a low income: £60 per session
I require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations; otherwise, the full session fee will still apply. Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer.
Get in touch
Please feel free to contact me with any questions about how therapy may support you, whether you are enquiring for yourself or as a parent, carer, or professional. You are also welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial consultation, where we can explore what brings you to therapy, whether it may be helpful, and whether I am the right therapist for you.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services. I look forward to your call.
