My Therapeutic Journey
- Katie Barley
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Hello, reader my name is Kat. I have recently finished my undergraduate I recently just moved back to small home town in Yorkshire, England after completing an undergraduate degree in psychology and counselling.
It is no secret that majority of students within this field have some form of lived experience.
My individual therapeutic journey
Keeping it as brief as possible to maintain personal and professional boundaries. During my time as a university student I struggled with my mental health. However I was very lucky to be referred to find help from a young person's Manchester based Mental health charity known as 42nd Street.
My journey has 3 key points or approaches. All serving different purposes.
Step 1 :
My journey started with 1-1 support using the transactional analysis model.
The following link is to a blog I found for those interesting in knowing more about what this kind of approach entails. However simply put this theory is about ego states.
Step 2:
The next step within my journey was within a therapeutic community where i spent around 18 months.
The following documents is the theory that this therapeutic community used to help guide their approach.
To summarise this experience it was a safe space to explore painful memories and grief among peers. This was a place that helped me feel seen. I learnt the how to love being authentic.
During my time within this community. I completed and internship helping with events coordination and this is when I saw the magic of ' The horsfal'
Step 3:
The Horsfal
When I explain the horsfal to people I say you know how Sainsburys has Argos well 42nd Street have The Horsfal.
The horsfall is a space for young people to explore the benefits of creativity. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to be an Arist-in-residence.
My exhibition
Next Steps
i’m now planning to pursue a master’s in art therapy.
Mediums
I’m in this exciting phase of building my creative practice with paintingphotography, poetry, and performance.All inspired by nature & spiritual connections.
This charity changed my life.
Genuinely i have been transformed.
🐛🐛🐛🦋🦋🦋
Stay tuned x
K. B