I have divided my work into three broad categories: Expressive Arts Therapist, Rites of Passage Ceremonialist, and Leadership Facilitator.
Expressive Arts Therapist
I am registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Dance Movement Therapist, specialising in the Expressive Arts Therapies. These therapies are creative modalities which use art, poetry, sound, movement and dance, play, drama and music within the context of therapy and healing. When I work with a client, I introduce various forms of the expressive therapies in order to assist them deepen their contemplation, and allow the created image to reveal that which has previously been lying hidden from conscious awareness. When we delve into the imaginal realm, we are able to tap into deeper parts of ourselves, which may well hold the key we seek in releasing ourselves from suffering.
The expressive arts, when used therapeutically are based on the premise that words are sometimes not enough to fully express the complexity of the human experience. The main focus of expressive arts therapies lies in the non-verbal mode of communication, and also on the basic assumption that the creative process is spiritual in nature, and has healing properties. Many people have the ability to respond to the arts, and may find a personal, more self-expressive “language” evolving through their involvement with the arts.
The expressive arts therapies subscribe to a holistic view of the person, and is based on the premise that there is a body-mind-soul connection within each individual. The ease with which many people defend through the spoken word, through intellectualising or rationalising, is reduced by the introduction of the arts, which tend to ‘expose’ and share unconscious material and defences alike.
The soulful is often not only difficult to conceptualise, but also to express, and for this reason the arts, through image-making, may assist people to safely project the core of their spirituality in a fuller way. In this respect, the expressive arts rely on the use of metaphors and symbols. While the therapist may play a crucial role in assisting the individual to make sense of their creation (in the art, for example), the relationship is based on equality, which makes it possible for individuals to derive their own meaning from their work, without having to endure others’ interpretations. In this way, the therapist-client relationship becomes one of companionship.
Who I Work With
Within this space I mainly work with adults.
Rites of Passage Ceremony Priestess
I help hold ceremony for various passages, including:
• Marriage and commitment ceremonies
• Divorce and the cutting of the cords
• Transitioning to, and coming of age
• Letting go of Fear and Limiting Self-Beliefs; Entering into the space of the Sacred Self
• Significant birthdays
• The passing of love ones
• Baby blessings
• Hospice Accredited Death and Dying
For this work I usually sit with you to hear your desire for the Rite of Passage. I then craft a number of ideas, which I share with you for your feedback. Depending on the Passage, I may encourage you to involve one or two loved ones in your process, where they can act as witness to this important ceremony.
Once we have arrived at a ceremony which pleases you, I will give you some homework and play, to help ready you for the ceremony. It is important to clarify the intention of the Rite, so that you can go through it with the openness it requires. Finally, what remains is the ceremony itself, which I will facilitate, guide and hold for you. I usually allow for a follow-up check-in space, where you may explore what the ceremony meant for you, and if there are other needs that have emerged and are needing some servicing.
How I Work
My work is influenced a great deal by the Expressive Arts, as well as by methods used in spiritual activities:
• Art-making
• Dialogue
• Ritual
• Yoga
• Movement and sound
• Meditation and contemplation
• Silent walks and hikes
• Retreats
I work individually, with couples as well as with groups.
I happily travel to you to undertake this work, or may ask you to come to my space for it. In certain instances we may go out into nature to hold ceremony there. I usually follow the inspiration of my intuition to guide where and how we should work.
Personal Leadership
My work largely (but not exclusively) centres on personal development, and references the self within the context of a larger team/community/system. The paradigm I hold is appreciative and strength-based, where I believe that all human beings are oriented towards, and have the capacity to grow and better themselves. Drawing on this inner space of personal excellence can directly contribute towards organisational excellence and achievement. I make use of rigorous self-inquiry and reflection as tools for understanding and appreciation oneself, in order to serve self, others and organisation. Meaning and purpose (or the search thereof) form a cornerstone of this framework.
My work with clients start with an initial conversation around the identified need for intervention. I then craft a particular programme, based on the expressed needs of the client. The client and I will then collaborate on the proposed intervention, co-shaping it, until it meets the desired outcomes. The mid-way project is the delivery of the programme, followed by the closure, composed of further interaction with the client around programme evaluation and eventual impact.
Type Of Clients
I work within the NGO, civil society as well as corporate sectors. My work in the NGO sector focuses on personal and interpersonal leadership development, which is intended towards the improvement of self and society. The main beneficiary groups are mainly, but not exclusively women, and young people. My offering in this respect has the primary intention of reconnecting individuals with themselves, with their dream, and with the inner energy necessary to pursue and achieve that dream.
Spaces I Work In
My employment in the corporate sector extends to facilitation on programmes such as Executive Development Programmes, Emerging Leadership Development Programmes, Women in Leadership, Train the Trainer on a number of programmes, Leadership Presence, Leadership for Results, Self-Storying in Stillness Retreats, Mentorship Training Programmes, Business Presentation Skills, various Diversity Training Programme including addressing Unconscious Bias, and Having Crucial Conversations, all conducted with clients representing various levels of government, the private sector, academia and civil society.