Somerset Arts Therapies Centre

09/01/2026

An invitation to immerse in the world of Neuro-Dramatic Play

🎓 As we move towards 2026, we are pleased to share details of an upcoming Neuro-Dramatic-Play conference in Dublin.

Discovering our Authentic Body-Self: From Chaos to Calm brings together experienced practitioners, including Dr Sue Jennings, Dr Clive Holmwood and Marianne Marcote for a full day of workshops, lectures and presentations.

🗓 Saturday the 7th of March 2026
📍 Hilton Hotel, Dublin Kilmainham
📘 Includes the launch of The Handbook of Neuro-Dramatic-Play
⏱ Worth 7 CPD points

Early Bird tickets are available until the 25th of January, with options to attend with or without the book included.

🔗 Find out more here:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-182163853

15/12/2025

Here is a lovely reel about the importance of dance - our 'first language'.
'Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances' Maya Angelou

What can out long love affair with dance teach us about ourselves?

06/12/2025

If you're shopping online for Christmas (or at any time!) please consider registering with Easyfundraising to help raise money for Somerset Arts Therapies Centre CIC.

Register using this link:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/step-1/?char=375683&invite=8BDPLG&referral-campaign=s2s&utm_campaign=web-referral

There’s no catch or hidden charges and Somerset Arts Centre CIC will be really grateful for your donations.

Thank you!

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

28/11/2025

21/11/2025

Some "bytes" from this article as shared by Cathy Malchiodi:

🐝🐝 "Creative expression works beneath language, engaging the senses and the body to reach parts of the brain that store traumatic memory. Through mark-making, building, and movement, children can begin to tell their stories symbolically, at their own pace, and with a sense of control."
🐝🐝 "Through mirroring, rhythm, and gentle collaboration, the therapist helps the child’s nervous system attune to another person in safety.”
🐝🐝 "Bilateral drawing, using both hands or crossing the midline of the body while drawing, helps re-integrate these fragments. By engaging both hemispheres of the brain, children can begin to connect thought and feeling, logic and emotion, word and image."

For children who have lived through domestic abuse, language can feel unsafe. Words might have been used as weapons, or silence might have been their only protection. Art therapy offers a way through this silence, allowing children to express what their voices cannot yet hold.

13/10/2025

To celebrate the publication of The Handbook of Neuro-Dramatic-Play, there is a book launch on 24th October 7pm - 9pm UK time.

There will be presentations and questions by the editors and some contributors, as well as Cathy Malchiodi and Phil Jones who have written the foreword and afterword.

Plus there will be a 20% discount on the book for all attendees.

Quick link here - https://www.ndpltd.org/book-launch-booking

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003498209/handbook-neuro-dramatic-play-clive-holmwood-sue-jennings

05/10/2025

Two of our members have contributed to this new cross-cultural publication - an essential read for clinicians, practitioners, parents and educators. It's a valuable resource!

https://www.routledge.com/The-Handbook-of-Neuro-Dramatic-Play-Cross-Cultural-Attachment-Based-Play-for-Clinicians-and-Practitioners/Holmwood-Jennings/p/book/9781032807089

14/09/2025

What a wonderful day we had connecting and getting creative. Thank you to participants who had a go at telling stories through using objects and pictures. We all agreed that 'seeing' a story really does add something to just 'telling' it...

14/09/2025

We’re pleased to be out and about in our community at the Wellbeing and Wonder Event in Glastonbury Town Hall today. Come on down and say hello. There’s lots going on during this afternoon including a talk from Bridget on the Joys of Creativity at 4:30pm

04/09/2025

Newly qualified Art or Play Therapist or Practitioner looking for a space to practice? We have rooms available to hire - get in touch today and come and see our amazing centre.

04/09/2025

We're registered on which means you can raise free donations for us when you shop online this year! Over 8,000 retailers will make a donation to Somerset Arts Centre CIC on your behalf when you shop with them. All the big names like Sainsburys, Argos, eBay and many more are ready to donate at no extra cost to you. Plus, sign up today and we could win a £250 donation:

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

22/08/2025

Rooms for Hire at SATC - Flexible therapeutic, creative spaces. Suitable for meetings, workshops, therapy, community clubs. www.somersetartstherapies.org