A space to pause, reflect, and be met with care.
Psychodynamic art psychotherapist and psychotherapist in Highcliffe, Dorset
Hi, I’m Jess (she/her). Over the past 13 years, I have worked therapeutically with children, young people, and adults, offering both art therapy and talking therapy to people experiencing trauma-related stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, burnout, low self-esteem, grief, loneliness, loss, and significant life transitions. I work from a trauma-informed perspective, recognising how past experiences can shape the nervous system, relationships, and sense of self.
My practice is inclusive and affirming, supporting neurodivergent individuals, people from marginalised and minority communities, and those navigating complex diagnoses, identity, and gender expansiveness. I aim to meet you where you are, working collaboratively in a way that feels safe, respectful, and attuned to your experience.
Reaching out for therapy often happens when something feels overwhelming, stuck, or difficult to change, or when familiar patterns continue to repeat. You may not yet have clear words for what is happening — only a sense that something needs attention, understanding, or change.
I came to psychodynamic art psychotherapy from a deep belief that people carry an innate capacity for healing within themselves. Even when feelings or behaviours feel overwhelming, confusing, or self-defeating, I believe they hold meaning and make sense in the context of a person’s history and experience.
Working with me
I offer both art psychotherapy and talking therapy, adapting the approach to each person’s needs and preferences. Both provide supportive ways to understand experiences and support personal growth.
A psychodynamic approach looks beneath the surface to explore how past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious patterns may shape a person’s life today. I focus on the whole person — their history, body, imagination, and relationships — creating a space for insight, expression, and development.
I work with dreams and symbolic material, as well as creative and somatic approaches when these feel helpful. Sometimes art materials or breathwork can help access feelings that words alone may not reach, and can support the body in moving towards a calmer, more regulated state.
My work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and respect for the complexity of each person’s inner world. Rather than seeing symptoms as problems to be fixed, I understand them as communications from parts of the self that need attention, understanding, and care. Therapy becomes a space where these parts can be heard safely, 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 through talking therapy or art psychotherapy:
Depression
Low mood
Trauma
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
Loneliness
Body image concerns
Eating difficulties
Relationship trauma
Dissociation
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Relationship problems
Social anxiety
Grief, loss, or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Complex trauma and post-traumatic stress
Autism and neurodiversity
Creative blocks
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.
