Hi, I am Rachel Lowden (Pro-nouns She/Her), I am 48 yrs Old, I live in Hastings, East Sussex and I have had the privilege of working within the field of Autism for 28 years in one capacity or another!
The landscape of our understanding has grown and evolved since I first began teaching in FE in my early 20's, and Autism was bracketed as a learning difficulty or not seen at all.
Presently my practice centres around the neurobiology of neurodivergence ( ADHD, Bi-polar, Dyslexia, Dycalclia etc) and focus's on empowering clients in learning how to work with their nervous system through creativity and body work.
My experience as a Performing Arts Teacher, Drama Therapist and then a Registered Court Intermediary within the criminal justice system has enabled me to gain knowledge and experience in -depth and meaningfully.
I work part time for the NHS in primary care, running a small service for ND teenagers and adults undiagnosed or diagnosed but with no co-concurrent learning difficulties. I specialise in women and use my recent work in mental health and creativity (MSc at Queen Mary University) to inform 1-1 therapy and group work.
At The Eggtooth project in Hastings I operate as a supervisor and trainer and I am involved in research and practice in applied, participatory theatre, which has involved working with theatre companies such as WildWorks.
My work is directed away from the Social Disability model of Autism and is gears away from pathologizing neurodivergence. I offer a whole approach in therapy which is relational and always a learning environment for both parties.
I am the Chair person for Boathouse Theatre Arts and a Trustee for Hastings City of Sanctuary. My work takes me across the UK, and internationally.
My Supervisor is an Arts Psychotherapist and runs the Theatre Company https://www.movingpieces.co.uk/