Therapeutic Work

The Transformingthreads website was created in 2015 and looked very different. It offered workshops where topics such as self concept, relationships, taking care of self and other similar interests were explored, enabling a focus on issues of living more congruently and authentically. The unusual component in these workshops was that all this was explored via the use of fabric and thread.

In my professional life as a clinical psychologist I had worked mainly with deprived families in communities and in children’s homes. I had for decades searched for a way of working psychologically with people that was more tangible and felt in the body rather than the conventional more cerebral way into the psyche.

Fabric may seem an odd vehicle to do such work, but think again. Fabric envelops us throughout our life. It has always made statements about us, whether of wealth, status or position. Fabric has told many stories and often holds the memories of crucial events in life and so is ideal to use in a psychological way.

In 2017 my own life had a blow, and over the four years that followed my physical body demanded virtually my full attention. I temporarily suspended running workshops and concentrated on making my own art. 

I recently (2021) moved to East Sussex and am exploring how my therapeutic work can once again find a place to come into action. Previous work includes running groups in schools, in community centres and in consultation settings. Purpose and content of groups is adapted to the individuals. If you think that my approach could benefit your situation please do get in contact so we can discuss your particular requirements.

Here are some of the Participants Comments.

Participants Comments

 

Was an unexpected and 'transforming' journey, sensitively facilitated. Ours was a taster session, left me hungry for the main course! Thoroughly recommend the aperitif, just come with an open mind and heart. Ana creates a wonderfully safe space which allowed us to make a unique journey today.
Anon, March '17

I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The tranquility of sitting and playing with threads and materials and watching something unfold was a joy, a meditation and beautiful to watch and be part of the unconscious creation. I also enjoyed the sharing at the end of the day.
JJ, June '16

Really felt affected emotionally by the day in a positive way. Has given me lots to think about. Will be trying out some of the mornings exercises at home, dancing freely, using touch and eyes more and recognising some of the things that make me calmer, e.g. stroking earrings and using that.
PP, March '16

Ana was a wonderful host and facilitator.
Working with fabric and threads and to explore my inner world was very valuable. I realised I was more ready than I thought to move on to new ventures, and that I would bring much of my experience so far with me.
It was fun and the results were insightful. I would like to do more of this work with Ana.
Alison, Oct '15

A retreat, a reflective, creative space, fun, colour, pleasure, beautiful surroundings, well structured and contained in a relaxed way; a very good medium to work with.
Sybil, Oct '15

Throughly enjoyed the Taster Day. Found it thought provoking and I was able to explore my feelings and thoughts in a very creative way, in a beautiful and safe space.
LV, March '17

 

I found the work with threads appealed on many levels - the colours, textures, the invitation to play.
I was surprised how quickly I got in touch with memories and important/significant aspects of my life. My fingers remembered how to do blanket stitch and this connected me with my younger self as well as with my mother teaching me to sew. The materiality of the medium was in itself a holding.
Ana introduced the workshop and held the space in a very professional, safe and creative way. I would (and have) recommended your workshops to other people without hesitation.
Lizzie, Oct '16

As soon as I saw the colourful threads and the wonderful array of materials something inside me responded immediately and I was transported back to childhood. I wanted to touch, to feel and play with an urgency I hadn’t expected. When invited to explore the fabrics, my hands took on a life of their own. It was as if they held memories long forgotten and wanted to tell their part of my story. Thank you so much for this inspiring workshop which helped me rediscover and re-engage with lost magic.
Anonymous, Oct '16

I found the experience very moving and feel full in a very pleasing way. I found the lunch very nourishing, both in terms of flavour and in the communal space it offered.

I really enjoyed being taken back to the joy of feeling materials with a sense of fun, exploration and excitement. Ana offered a safe, warm place where I could explore and create and not feel judged. I felt able to access a sense of something calling me.
Libby, Oct '15

Ana is an inspiration; she created a wonderful place for us all to discover hidden parts of ourselves.
BB, March '16

Loved the fabrics, amazing colours and textures. I was absorbed into creating egis meaningful picture.
SS, March '16

The surroundings and lunch were both excellent.
This day has opened up whole new realms of ways of looking at my creativity.
I feel the day hung together very well and I enjoyed it enormously.
Chris, Oct '15