HICAT tutor, Creative Arts Facilitator & Creative Therapist

After successfully completing my degree in Sociology / Theatre studies & Performing arts, drama therapy became my passion.

Using drama as a tool can offer self awareness, learning and growth in settings such as special educational schools, prisons and the disability sector. It provided me with many opportunities to witness how an individual can explore their unconscious and express their 'true self' in various scenarios through role play. Drama therapy offers escapism, can make a difference to emotions and feelings and provide a lasting impact on human behaviours. Enabling people to express themselves beyond who they are, in a safe and supportive environment was a privilege.

Unfortunately, life, materialistic needs and finances became my priority. Fast forward twenty years, after spending many years in the education sector developing students and businesses, I entered the corporate world. Life could not be any further from where my heart was.

The aftermath of Covid, isolated from family and friends, at the beginning of menopause and having crippling anxiety took their toll on my mental, emotional and physical being. My confidence, ambition, direction and passion for life had gone. Unsure of the person staring back at me, unable to describe my feelings, I longed for change...

A few months later an email came through about the HICAT course. At the time, I had to make a choice between a business qualification or training where I could invest in me, for me. I plucked up the courage and chose the latter!

Unsure If I had made the right decision added to my stress and anxiety. I questioned everything, doubted my ability, worried how it may impact my career, would I have time? when would I study? could I afford it? the list was endless but, I knew I had to try if anything was to change.

When the course started, I immediately knew that I had made the right decision. I could express myself without the struggle to find the words, when I was too angry or confused the arts gave me a voice. I loved being creative; learning how emotions and feelings impact our body, and the self discovery of making the connection between a well-mind and well-being, all in my safe creative space.

The feeling of getting back to my roots re-ignited my passion, provided fulfilment with purpose that helped me gain sight of myself once more. I was 'Connecting', 'Creating' and 'expressing' myself. My worrying reduced, I allowed my body to rest, and slowly the overwhelming anxiety started to calm. It was at this point 'Connect with Creativity' was founded.

Research shows that 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year and that 792 million people are affected by mental health issues worldwide. At any given time, 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill health.

I realised I was one of these statistics, so I set out to make a difference. Everyone should have the opportunity to have space to rest, restore and re-align. The HICAT course is more than a practitioner course. It is a journey that can empower, heal and bring calm into your life.

Creative expression can improve mental and emotional well-being, enhance physical activity and brings opportunity that enables you to 'be in the present moment'.

When words are not enough....'Connect with creativity' and empower others to do the same...

Contact Details
Email: Lesley@connectwithcreativity.co.uk
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Author - Lesley Coombes

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