Heather Demmon - Curriculum Vitae

Art Psychotherapist 

M.Res. Art Psychotherapy (2010)
P.G.Dip. Advanced Art Therapy (1998)
P.G.Dip. Art Therapy (1991)
Registered Mental Nurse (1989) 
B.A .(Hons.) II.I Philosophy & Literature

British Association of Art Therapists

Health and Care Professions Council  (Reg. No. AS01013)

2006-present  Art Psychotherapist, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust

2004-present  Art Psychotherapist, Independent practice
                           

2002–2006     Art Psychotherapist, Suffolk Mental Health Partnership Trust  

1994–2002     Art Therapist, Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Trust

1991–1994     Art Therapist, Stepping Stones Therapeutic Education

1991–1994     Staff Nurse, RMN. PROMIS Recovery Centre, Nonington, Kent

1991-1994      Art Therapist, The Bridge Project, Children’s Home, Kent

1990–1991     Staff Nurse, RMN. South East Kent Health Authority
                           

1989–1990     Staff Nurse, RMN. Kent and Canterbury Health Authority

1985–1989     Nursing Assistant & Student Nurse

Clinical
My first training was as a Registered Mental Nurse which gave me a strong foundation in mental health. For most of my professional life I have worked as an art psychotherapist with both children and adults. My long experience of work within CAMHS has enabled me to work with children and their families who have experienced a wide range of clinical diagnoses and emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioural disorders and bereavement. I have worked within specialist eating disorder teams, in public and private healthcare services. I am particularly interested and experienced in working with attachment and bonding difficulties and currently work part time in a team for Looked After and Adopted Children (LAAC) and their families and carers.

Supervision / Consultation
I have many years’ experience supervising art psychotherapy trainees at master’s level. I enjoy working independently and within the National Health Service as a supervisor to art psychotherapists. Within my clinical work I provide consultation to the many social care and educational professionals that work with young people with mental health difficulties.

Teaching / Training
As part of my work I have participated regularly in the training of colleagues and other professionals.  Subjects have included the use of art making in psychotherapy,  bereavement and loss, attachment difficulties and art psychotherapy in Looked after Children. I have enjoyed running creativity workshops for staff teams who require facilitated sessions.

Research
The subject of my recent research degree at the University of London explored the ways in which LAAC benefit from working within the art psychotherapy space.  My research showed this specific therapy offers considerable benefits to children who need sensory experience to gain a positive sense of self.  It also helps the child have a sense of history as it uses concrete media to make a positive record of the relationship with the therapist. 

Continuing Professional Development
Throughout my career I have enjoyed ongoing opportunities for professional development. Most recently, in addition to the learning of my Masters degree, I have participated in training on attachment disorders and mental health and working with young people with eating disorders. I regularly attend training offered by my professional body.  I maintain my creative practice and identity as an artist; this and my CPD is monitored as part of my HCPC registration as an Art Psychotherapist.