Exploring Self in Nature - River and Art in the city: looking back at the GreenHouse workshops

This winter, 10 SHP participants came together for a 7 week series of  workshops at the Tate Modern – using the arts and nature to explore something important and meaningful to them. The group took time to reflect and share in a confidential group setting. 

One participant said: 

‘I loved working collaboratively on art with others, I felt inspired by others’ insights and art, I feel more connected with nature and creativity. Fabulous course. Please redo it...I’ve really enjoyed this course.’ - EF  

Processes included taking inspiration from the Guerilla Girls’ exhibition at the Tate Modern to create an art piece about our own personal voice. We also took a sensory walk to consider how the surrounding natural landscape, including the river and birch trees, helped participants feel grounded and supported. 

The workshops were developed and moulded by participants as we went along, with participants choosing to run a movement session and to create a group artwork to celebrate on the last workshop. 

Group art piece made by participants on the last session 

The group were very supportive of each other, and participants tried a ‘mirroring’ practice where a group member echoes back what they hear you express. Participants said they found this helpful. Sharing within the group in a structured and semi structured way seemed to be a powerful tool for the group members. 

One participant reflected: 

‘I have benefitted creatively and socially and feeling like an equal member of an inspired group. I feel ready to start my own creative project.’ Liza 

Two participants created photo collages to be displayed in the reception areas of supported accommodation settings to inspire others on their journeys: 

As a facilitator of the group I feel grateful to have witnessed each individual’s creative input, personal growth and wisdom and am excited to continue to build on these workshops.  

The workshops are informed by Integrative Arts Psychotherapy and Ecopsychology practices with a person-centred approach at the core of the work. If you like the sound of this and are an SHP adult client, please sign up early to our next Exploring Self in Nature series of workshops. We have limited spaces. 

You can join a session with the GreenHouse project in an allotment in North London (Waltham Forest) and we go on trips and walks too. We can also talk to you about training and local volunteering opportunities in gardens nearby. 

Thanks to: 

All the participants who made this journey so rich and meaningful 

Ruth Milne for continued support and Nicki Carter for invaluable co facilitation and workshop development.  

Thanks also to Ritchie Philip, Tracy Bickley and Roxsanne Rose for incredible co facilitation support. 

Written by Lorena Vila GreenHouse co-ordinator and trainee Integrative Arts Psychotherapist