Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session One: Adolescence and the Concept of Toxic Masculinity

Delivered By: Dr Graham Music, Psychotherapist, Trainer, Lecturer & Author

In this workshop, we will be thinking about masculinity and some of the themes that have been making waves recently, notably in the Adolescence series and its aftermath.

Graham will lead off with some ideas and research about masculinity, toxic and otherwise, issues of strength and vulnerability, the impact of cyberspace, social media, Incel culture, pornography and changes seen in the last few years. The invitation will then be to think about cases or personal experiences  in which these issues are rife,  and how we might conceptualise  and try to make sense of what we are seeing, in terms of clinical work and also societal issues

---

Breakout Session Two: The Healing Power of Creativity

Delivered By: Heather Jenkin, MA.,BSc., DipSW.,PTUK Accred., MBACP Accred

During this breakout, Heather will explore the unique contribution of creativity, and how the use of creative methodologies can help reach the client's whole brain and body, giving capacity to unlock, heal and change clients' distress and trauma.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in some creative activities themselves to experience the power of creativity.

About Heather:

Heather originally trained as a social worker at Exeter University and went on to specialise as a child and adolescent therapist. She has over 20 years of experience in working with children who have experienced complex developmental trauma.

As well as lecturing for Iron Mill, Heather runs her own practice, where she offers creative therapy to children and adolescents, adults and DDP informed therapy to children and carers. She also works with EPIC Solutions as their Play and Creative Arts Therapist as well as providing clinical supervision to other therapists.

Heather specialises in working with children who are hard to reach and who exhibit high risk and challenging behaviours. She enjoys finding creative ways to engage children and young people, for instance sensory based creative therapy using fire, water, animal assisted therapy and a range of creative materials, alongside the appropriate therapeutic modality to fit the child's therapeutic journey.

---

Breakout Session Three: Embodiment and the Therapist

Delivered By: Marc Wallach, MPhil/ MA., Dip Biodynamic Psychotherapy, PGCE

ln this breakout session, participants will engage in a direct, embodied exploration of how the body plays a vital role in cultivating a sense of connection and aliveness—both within ourselves and in relationship with others

About Marc:

As well as teaching on the Advanced Diploma in Counselling at Iron Mill, Marc has his own therapy practice offering Biodynamic Psychotherapy to adults. 
Marc’s real passion is bringing the body into the therapeutic process. He believes the stories of our lives are literally held in the body and show themselves in our posture, breathing, muscles, and relationships. He enjoyed his diploma so much, that following completion, he went on to be an assistant trainer for the London School of Biodynamic Psychotherapy.

Marc has been a school counsellor, works at a school for children with emotional and social issues. His work is further informed by a lifelong passion of martial arts which helps to work with the innate startle pattern.