Linsey Clark

I am a creative arts therapist, registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist (DMP) and member of UKCP. Over twenty years ago I first discovered my connection and passion for embodied practice, the provision of creativity to express ourselves non-verbally when stepping into a charity Dance Voice. This first experience was with a group of adults with Learning Disabilities, seeing people with such differing body shapes, needs and abilities move together with ease and purpose felt like a coming home. This memory continues to light my fire for the provision of creative arts therapies for people who don’t have a voice, and for those who support them to find a voice.

I soon moved into a permanent position at Dance Voice completed an MA in DMP at Roehampton University and gained my PGCE at UWE. I feel incredibly privileged to have learnt my trade from a wide variety of people from cradle to grave, in schools, CAMHS, addiction recovery, adult mental health, Bristol Autism Project, adult learning disabilities, acquired brain injury and dementia care.

I soon became part of the teaching team, lecturing and supervising students for ten years, managing and then directing the MA in DMP (Canterbury Christ Church University). I recognized my passion for the profession was not just in the dance with the client but also in supporting others to feel the flame and stay true to their own journey into becoming a therapist. Realizing that people learn best when there is mutuality, compassion, respect and empowerment in the learning space, that I am my best teacher when I am being true to myself and role modeling honest reflection to students.

I learnt early on that in therapy and education the relationship is key to healing and learning. My love affair with an Embodied Person-Centred approach began; providing spaces where people feel seen and met for who they truly are in body, mind and spirit,   knowing that from here anything is possible, especially within the creative realm.

When Dance Voice sadly closed, space was made for a developing private practice ‘Dance with Difference’, providing creative clinical supervision, one to one and group DMP. I work across the lifespan in early years, with children and adults and spend a day at Weston Hospicecare. Closing one door and opening another enabled a long simmering flame of an idea with Rosie come to fruition in ReLight.

ReLight keeps my fire burning, I am enriched working in collaboration with Rosie and Ellie and discovering drama therapy.  My passion for providing creative, embodied person-centred spaces for learning and self -development continues to live out in supporting those invested in the helping professions.

I have recently also achieved my level 1 certificate in IFS (Internal Family Systems). I look forward to bring this work creativity into ReLight.

When I am not fueling my fire for the work, my passion and compassion is focused on my family including my two children and lovely dog. Their spirit of unconditionality and courage to act according to their values inspires me.