Meet the founder

Completing my degree in Sociology / Theatre studies & Performing arts, drama therapy became my passion.

Using drama as a tool provides self awareness, learning and growth in settings such as special educational schools, prisons and the disability sector. It provided me with many opportunities to witness how an individual can explore their unconscious and express their 'true self' in various scenarios through role play. Drama therapy offers escapism, channels  emotions and feelings and provides a lasting impact on human behaviour. Enabling people to express themselves beyond who they are, in a safe and supportive environment was a privilege.

Unfortunately, life, materialistic needs and finances became my priority. Fast forward twenty years,  spending many years in the education sector developing students and businesses, I entered the corporate world. Life could not be any further from where my heart was. 

The aftermath of Covid, isolated from family and friends, at the beginning of menopause and having crippling anxiety took their toll on my mental, emotional and physical being. My confidence, ambition, direction and passion for life had gone. Unsure of the person staring back at me, unable to describe my feelings, I longed for change... 

A few months later an email came through about the HICAT course. At the time, I had to make a choice between a business qualification or training where I could invest in me, for me. I plucked up the courage and chose the latter! 

Unsure If I had made the right decision added to my stress and anxiety. I questioned everything, doubted my ability, worried how it may impact my career, would I have time? when would I study? could I afford it? the list was endless but, I knew I had to try if anything was to change.

When the course started, I immediately knew that I had made the right decision. I could express my unspoken words, creative arts gave me a voice. I loved being creative; learning more about the impact that emotions have on our body, the self discovery and the reconnection with my well-being, all in my safe creative space.

Getting back to my roots re-ignited my passion, provided fulfilment with purpose that helped me gain sight of myself once more. I was 'Connecting', 'Creating' and 'expressing' myself. My worry reduced,  my body rested, and slowly the overwhelming anxiety started to calm. It was at this point 'Connect with Creativity' was founded.

Research shows that 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year and that 792 million people are affected by mental health issues worldwide. At any given time, 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill health.

I realised I was one of these statistics, so I set out to make a difference. Everyone should have the opportunity to have space to rest, restore and re-align. Connect with Creativity will guide, support and provide you with focus to empower accountability to you, for you.

The HICAT course is more than a practitioner course. It is a journey that teaches us to heal, restore and bring calm to your life.

Creativity is an energy and practice that will always change us. It will improve mental, emotional and physical behaviours, bring alignment to enable you to make different choices, in the present.

When words are not enough....'Connect with creativity' and empower others to do the same...

Creative wishes

Lesley ✨✨✨