Jo Parker is an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, MA UKCP Registered who trained at the Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education. She has worked clinically as a psychotherapist and supervisor with both adults and children in a range of settings for the past ten years: schools, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), Survivors Network, Threshold (women only therapy service), Brighton Oasis Project as well as in private practice. She is manager of Young Oasis Centre which houses a multi-disciplinary team supporting infants, children, young people and parent/carers affected by familial drug or alcohol misuse. Joanna is working with vulnerable families where there are themes of trauma, domestic violence, separation, loss, neglect, stigmatisation, isolation, anxiety and depression. One of her successful initiatives was the development of a programme of outdoor art-oriented and creative projects with children and young people culminating in public exhibitions. Before training as a Psychotherapist, she studied Fine Art (BA Hons). The use of traditional, as well as less typical, art materials underpins her therapeutic approach. The therapy room provides paints, clay, ‘sand-tray’ and objects, puppets, dressing-up clothes and musical instruments. This toolbox allows children and adults to express what they are feeling in a range of ways.

In this talk, Jo will look at how she works with attachment in the therapy room with children and young people affected by substance misuse.