The Listening Post is a service for artists and arts researchers working in challenging contexts who describe their practice as participatory or socially engaged. It works in a similar way to clinical supervision1 and provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to process their experiences, develop their practice, and attend to their emotional and psychological wellbeing. It has emerged from my own quest to find safer ways to practice that are rooted in the ethics of care.
Drawing on my experience as a social practice artist and the skills and knowledge I have developed as a psychotherapist, I work with clients in a way that is collaborative, flexible, and respectful of their professional expertise. Sessions are 1:1 and can be booked as a one off or as a series; I tailor each session to reflect the needs, preferences, and goals of the person I’m working with. It’s my aim to provide a space that encourages critical thinking and reflection where artists and arts researchers feel safe to talk, listened to, understood, and validated.
Examples of common themes that emerge during sessions are:
Sessions last an hour and take place via Teams. In person sessions are available in Cardiff upon request.
If you are an artist or arts researcher interested in booking a session or finding out more, let’s start a conversation.
1The BACP Ethical Framework defines supervision as: “A specialised form of mentoring provided for practitioners responsible for undertaking challenging work with people. Supervision is provided to ensure standards, enhance quality, advance learning, stimulate creativity, and support the sustainability and resilience of the work being undertaken.”
