AboutEssel Therapeutic Services is an adaptive independent service focusing on both the assessment and therapeutic intervention of young people who display harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) in various settings that can include educational, residential and the community.What we offerThe service delivers a bespoke package of therapeutic care which includes a comprehensive HSB (AIM3) Assessment of sexual risk within a young person, and subsequent therapeutic intervention using the modality of art psychotherapy. Alongside the direct intervention, we work with the young person and their collaborating system around them. Often this can involve the family of a young person concerned and/or other agencies that work alongside cases which, where appropriate, would commonly include the Local Authority, education and youth offending teamsOther servicesOther services that can be provided are individual consultancy to practitioners who are working with young people involved in harmful sexual behaviour, supporting their practice as well as developing strategic approaches to safeguard the young people they work with. HSB training can also be offered to institutions that can inform and educate a variety of professionals including teachers, social workers, residential workers and support staff. This would aim to better equip their knowledge and tackle risk factors associated with HSB in order to minimise perpetrating behaviour.

Art Psychotherapist working in a residential, educational & therapeutic community specialising with male adolescents (12-18) who display harmful sexual behaviour treated via one to one therapy sessions and facilitating therapeutic groups. The therapeutic work focuses on resolving historical trauma, addressing distorted thinking and healthy relationships using a psychodynamic and psycho-educative approach. I manage clients risk via Risk and Needs Assessment and am AIM3 trained, with a view on ultimate rehabilitation into the community. I work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team including forensic psychologists, allied psychotherapists, social workers, education staff, youth offending services, team managers and other relevant agencies within the care system.

I offer consultancy with the lead management attending weekly briefings and team meetings offering therapeutic guidance, risk management and reflective feedback on pupils. Client work is facilitated on a weekly one-to-one basis. Presenting issues I work with include ASD, extreme anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, gender and sexuality, and attachment-based issues. I have designed and presented relevant in-house CPD workshops for staff, including self-harm and suicide, complex trauma/dissociation and flashbacks, harmful sexual behaviour, and psychodynamic concepts.

I run two weekly art therapy groups within each care home, the groups are young person lead, the ages ranging from 9 - 18 which provide a safe and informal space to explore their ideas, personal stories & feelings. Successful interventions have been exploring important adolescent issues on identity formation and shared life experiences. Group participants are invited to explore these topics via talking, and using a range of art-making materials including painting, drawing, mask making and graffiti.

I led and supervised a small team of counsellors within the school through the YMCA Downslink Group. Presenting issues at the school can include gender and sexuality issues, trauma-based issues (physical, sexual, emotional) eating disorders & anxiety. The service offers clients a weekly space for up to 10 sessions.

Art Psychotherapy sessions offered within Littlegreen School, a specialist EBD institution in West Sussex on a twice-weekly basis offering one to one work with the pupils plus group work. Pupils have been referred to the school by the local authority for behavioural issues ranging from ADHD, trauma responses and autism. I met with each referred pupil on a weekly, open ended basis to explore their disruptive behaviour patterns and life challenges. A multidisciplinary approach is involved, working closely with the safeguarding, SLT and pastoral team to monitor pupils' progress and wellbeing on a regular basis through report writing and end of art therapy shows.

Sessional role that offered short term art psychotherapy (6-12 sessions) for referred pupils at All Saints with a range of emotional and behavioural issues. Working with a caseload of three one to one clients on a weekly basis, some including fostered and adopted children. The role works closely with the Head Teacher and SENCO coordinator.

I work with a caseload of young people who attend the school on a weekly basis offering art therapy. Pupils have been referred by their teachers for various behavioural issues that are affecting their wellbeing both at home and at school. My role offers the pupils a chance to understand their feelings and anger based issues that are currently affecting them. I liaise closely with the Community Leaders within the institution who oversee this scheme.

I have experience in working with young people in the care of the local authority, working both supportively and therapeutically using art psychotherapy as a main tool of intervention. Pathways to Independence is a best practice service provider based in Brighton and the South East housing and supporting 16-18 year old young people. I have worked both as team leader and subsequently company supervisor for PtI, during this time I have coached, mentored and trained staff within the organisation.From Summer 2014 we have a specialised project to run for a year from lottery funding operating from the Young Person's Centre in Brighton that allows local young people a place to come once a week offering one to one work, plus a therapeutic group.

Trainee position running open art therapy groups on the acute female ward of the hospital. I also co facilitated a closed group at a local arts venue in the city for former patients who were living in the community.

Trainee position working at a residential boys school. I was responsible for taking weekly one to one art therapy sessions over the course of the academic year. Working with areas of emotional need ranging from autism, ADHD, neglect, abuse and abandonment issues, PTSD and attachment disorders.

I taught on the Foundation Course at a specialist design college and lead a design based subject to a group of students who’s age ranged from 18-20 years old who successfully obtained a place at university. I taught Spatial Design three days a week through regular one to one tutorials that incorporated projects centered around theater, interior and architectural design.