Supportive Conversations with Dr Esther Aslan

18 September 2024

"Ever wonder what happens when different perspectives come together? Sometimes it takes a shared conversation to see the whole elephant... 🐘…

Well what another successful “Supportive Conversations” session for artists we had on 18th September! The focus of the session this month was; ‘Building Rapport when Time is Limited’.

“These interactive sessions provide a warm space to reflect, share experiences, and discuss both highlights and concerns that come up in your work with individuals and groups of people. Over the past year, each session has focused on a theme, such as building rapport, supporting those going through difficult times, or addressing the common worry of “getting it wrong.” It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, gain fresh insights, take care of your own well-being or even just vent about the common struggles that artists may be facing these days . And of course, there will be very yummy biscuits and tea!”
Dr Esther Aslan, host

"At Arts for Health MK we take the health and wellbeing of our artists very seriously. As well as our recently published health and wellbeing guide https://tinyurl.com/3vv7vreb, we have been delighted to host Esther Aslan, Educational and Child Psychologist, at MK Arts Centre to run a number of sessions "In Conversation". The sessions have been well attended and in some instances, over subscribed. Artists have been able to access structured workshops covering critical issues such as exploring best practice, professional boundaries, effective communication, and better understanding mental health. We look forward to being able to hold more sessions in the future, with the next being on Wednesday 11th December, and then into next year. If you are a full-time artist working in a Creative Health space, you can book onto the session by emailing ︎ fiona@miltonkeynesartscentre.org - don't delay!"
Ben Heyworth, Director of AfHMK.

Here is some of the feedback we have received from participants:

“I really love how Esther is able to open up the group, and let people talk. She is an amazing speaker with great skills, and even just from that there is a lot to learn, and this on the top of all the information we address at these sessions. My specific goal is to focus more on the human connection, by offering a non judgemental environment and letting people on my courses freely express themself. Each and every person carries their story with themself, and wants to be understood and heard in some way. I think this is also what we talked about at the first session. To connect with people is not easy but I believe it is a skill that can be developed.”

"The conversation feels natural and comfortable, Esther makes a lot of effort to put participants at ease "

“Since the talk I have made an effort to put people at the centre of all the engagement work I do, instead of projecting a set of things I would like people to achieve during our time together. The most important work artists do, I believe, is to make space for people to discover and explore. Keeping this at the forefront of my work has been an invaluable tool as I move further into my career as an artist and facilitator.”

“Having space to learn from other professionals and share experience and practice was invaluable and highly motivating. The settings artists work in when engaging can vary greatly, and sometimes it is difficult to know what approach is best. Having a simple baseline of what I hope people leave with, and keeping that present during engagement, has been a powerful way to steer the work.”

“It helps me to step back and consider my approach, hearing other opinions is also helpful"

“It was good to have an opportunity to come together with other artists to share our knowledge and experience. It was surprising how few artists are actually qualified in care work. Most seemed to have picked up experience along the way. There is clearly a big demand for working therapeutically within the Arts which has obvious massive health benefits. I’m not sure that I picked up any new skills in particular but it did confirm that I seem to be doing the right thing with my sessions and sharing within the group definitely felt very supportive. It was also useful to have a list of relevant organisations to be in contact with if necessary. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of these conversations.”

Click here to see our event page on Facebook.

In partnership with:

Arts for Health MK: Blog

IATE Student Art Therapist - Julie Laugere

Autumn Newsletter 2024

Our Autumn newsletter has just been published!

Invitation to AGM

40 Years of Care - MK University Hospital at 40

The history of Arts for Health MK is entwined with that of with Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH). In our own anniversary year, we are delighted to also be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the hospital by contributing to a new exhibition curated by Living Archive MK.

The MKUH Art Collection Evaluation Report

This year we were delighted to welcome Dr Nicola Magnusson and colleagues from the Open University to the hospital to conduct an evaluation project.

Supportive Conversations with Dr Esther Aslan

Well what another successful “Supportive Conversations” session for artists we had on 18th September! The focus of the session this month was; ‘Building Rapport when Time is Limited’.

Donate