Candida Benson:
Integrative Arts Psychotherapist (HCPC)
My name is Candida Benson, I am a fully qualified Integrative arts psychotherapist working in both short-term and open-ended therapy in private practice in Haggerston, London, E8.
I believe that much mental distress and profound unhappiness is about a loss of communication, primarily with ourselves.
It can become very hard to locate, and therefore understand, the often intense, feelings of anxiety and pain that make life so challenging. Sometimes it feels hard and complicated just ‘to be’.
Psychotherapy is about beginning a conversation in an attempt to make sense of these difficult feelings. Within the parameters of therapy, we aim to create a common, safe space to begin unpicking the knots.
Carl Jung wrote: “Depression is like a woman in black. If she turns up, don’t shoo her away. Invite her in, offer her a seat, treat her like a guest and listen to what she wants to say.”
Whilst putting aside the gender of depression, if we shoo the pain away it will only come back stronger. Pain needs a voice, to be understood and processed in a safe containing environment. Psychotherapy can allow this to happen.
Often words can feel elusive or tricky, after all, so much communication is non-verbal, and this is where the Arts are helpful. In Integrative Arts Psychotherapy we have the options of using image-making, drawing, clay, bodywork, and sand tray alongside the talking therapy.
Working with the arts can help support a creative, embodied, playful awareness of self that is both flexible and resilient.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT BEING GOOD AT ART! The arts are just another tool that we can use if appropriate, and always it is the client who leads the session. The ‘Integrative’ part of my training means that I have learnt and been influenced by a broad range of psychotherapeutic schools of thought which, like the arts, allows flexibility in determining what resonates most cogently and viscerally with each client.
Training&Qualifications:
- MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy (IATE: Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education)
- Advanced Diploma in the Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts (IATE)
- Certificate in Counselling Skills (IATE)
- I am a member of HCPC and abide by their rules of conduct. I am fully insured to work.
Other experiences include:
- Honorary Psychotherapist role in Substance misuse in Camden and Islington NHS Trust
- Honorary Psychotherapist role in Enfield and Barnet NHS Trust (ongoing) in the Psychology and PTSD streams.
- Honorary Psychotherapist in a Woman’s Charity for those affected by the Justice system
Fees and availability:
I currently have a limited number of spaces available for private clients in Haggerston for weekly therapy. My fee is £65/hour.
I am currently available to work both in person, online (zoom, Skype, etc), and via phone. I offer an initial free 20 min phone conversation.
***If you are interested in contacting Candida Benson or need information and guidance about therapy, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.***
