Charlotte Lanchester

Project title: How does the El Duende process contribute to self-care from the perspective of an Art Therapist supporting children with complex trauma.

Metamorphosis is defined as the transformational change in appearance or character that is often sudden and extreme. I believe that becoming a mental health art therapist is representative of a metamorphic transformation within my identity. The academic and practicum experiences I have had throughout the Masters in Mental Health Art Therapy program has represented a great change in my perception of self, others and learning as a lifelong ever-evolving process.

I am a trainee mental health art therapist with a passion for supporting children, adolescents and families with trauma, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. My mental health framework is established upon a trauma informed, client and family centred evidence-based practice that is adjusted appropriately to best suit each client and case. My passion for art therapy began whilst supporting children with complex physical and intellectual disabilities after witnessing the transformative nature of art as a tool for healing and growth. My personal art practice examined disability inclusive artworks that highlighted the use of sensory installations and art-based investigation to support individuals’ mental wellbeing. I was intrigued by the similarities that were occurring within my emerging art practice, occupational role within disability support and the concepts of neuroanatomy and development. Art therapy was the perfect utilisation of my interests and aspirations.

My hope is to specialise as an art therapist supporting children and young people with complex physical, emotional and intellectual needs. I recognised that supporting the clientele group of children and adolescents with complex needs is challenging to maintain without appropriate self-care tools in place. Thus, my research project explored the question of how does El Duende contribute to self-care from the perspective of a therapist supporting children with complex trauma. The exhibition illustrates my research journey of reflective artmaking as a tool for therapeutic self-care when supporting children with complex trauma. The artworks evident within the exhibition illustrate my research within paintings, prints of digital artworks, and interactive installations. The transformational journey of examining El Duende reflective painting as a tool for self-care allowed for therapeutic Metamorphosis.