top of page
Our Team
We have a dedicated team here at Somerset Arts Therapies Centre (SATC) with the single aim of supporting as many people as we can on their mental health and creative journey. This work is driven by our talented team of amazing volunteers.
.jpg)
WORLDWIDE
Bridget Rees
Founder & Director
I founded SATC as a place where the Arts Therapies can have a home - a base in which people can feel safe, supported and free to express themselves in whatever forms their expressions take. As an independent practitioner, it can be a challenge to find a suitable place which can accommodate people, art materials, space to move, both indoors and outdoors. When I first saw the office space at Bartlett’s Farm, I could feel its potential straight away as a space to share with others in a similar position to myself.
I share the responsibility of directorship with my wonderful colleagues, Elaine and Lousia. I take responsibility for the clinical side of operations – therapy and working with the therapists and organisations. I am an art psychotherapist and supervisor with training organisations that are approved by HCPC, UKCP and BACP, and a certificated trainer for Neuro-Dramatic-Play®. I have a background in art teaching, in both mainstream and specialist settings.
I was part of a team that brought the work of the Family Counselling Trust (FCT) to Somerset in 2016 and sat on the committee and referral panel until sadly, FCT ceased operating in Somerset in 2024. Working alongside family therapists has been a key part of informing how I practice and how we can work together at SATC in a more systemic and team-based way to support everyone we work with. I am also passionate about integrating body and mind practices in therapy and life, and so an holistic and integrated approach is what we are hoping to achieve together here at SATC through the expressive Arts Therapies.
I founded SATC as a place where the Arts Therapies can have a home - a base in which people can feel safe, supported and free to express themselves in whatever forms their expressions take. As an independent practitioner, it can be a challenge to find a suitable place which can accommodate people, art materials, space to move, both indoors and outdoors. When I first saw the office space at Bartlett’s Farm, I could feel its potential straight away as a space to share with others in a similar position to myself.
I share the responsibility of directorship with my wonderful colleagues, Elaine and Lousia. I take responsibility for the clinical side of operations – therapy and working with the therapists and organisations. I am an art psychotherapist and supervisor with training organisations that are approved by HCPC, UKCP and BACP, and a certificated trainer for Neuro-Dramatic-Play®. I have a background in art teaching, in both mainstream and specialist settings.
I was part of a team that brought the work of the Family Counselling Trust (FCT) to Somerset in 2016 and sat on the committee and referral panel until sadly, FCT ceased operating in Somerset in 2024. Working alongside family therapists has been a key part of informing how I practice and how we can work together at SATC in a more systemic and team-based way to support everyone we work with. I am also passionate about integrating body and mind practices in therapy and life, and so an holistic and integrated approach is what we are hoping to achieve together here at SATC through the expressive Arts Therapies.
Dr Sue Jennings
Patron
I am very happy to be a patron of Somerset Arts Therapies Centre. It is a unique place in South West UK and provides an innovative collaboration between the play and arts therapies.
It is a very friendly place, full of arts resources, library, and set in beautiful countryside.
Dr Sue Jennings
Dr Sue Jennings has always been involved in theatre as a performer, director and dancer. She is the pioneer of Dramatherapy in the UK and other countries and founded the first PG Dramatherapy Training. She is a prolific author and has published over 50 books on drama, skills and creativity with children and adults. She is also developing some children’s books: ‘Moose and Mouse’ and ‘Miss Penny-Weather’s Country School’. Recently she has established Neuro-Dramatic-Play as an innovative approach for working with children at risk and applicable at any age. It is now taught in 35 countries as a method for therapists, teachers and parents. Sue works in Somerset as a Supervisor and Trainer.
drsue@ndpltd.org. www.ndpltd.org
I am very happy to be a patron of Somerset Arts Therapies Centre. It is a unique place in South West UK and provides an innovative collaboration between the play and arts therapies.
It is a very friendly place, full of arts resources, library, and set in beautiful countryside.
Dr Sue Jennings
Dr Sue Jennings has always been involved in theatre as a performer, director and dancer. She is the pioneer of Dramatherapy in the UK and other countries and founded the first PG Dramatherapy Training. She is a prolific author and has published over 50 books on drama, skills and creativity with children and adults. She is also developing some children’s books: ‘Moose and Mouse’ and ‘Miss Penny-Weather’s Country School’. Recently she has established Neuro-Dramatic-Play as an innovative approach for working with children at risk and applicable at any age. It is now taught in 35 countries as a method for therapists, teachers and parents. Sue works in Somerset as a Supervisor and Trainer.
drsue@ndpltd.org. www.ndpltd.org
Elaine Dearling
Co-Director
Finance & Administration
I joined Bridget in 2022 to help support the administration at SATC, and I’ve loved every minute of being part of such a welcoming and inclusive space.
My career began in banking, where I spent many years in customer service and front-of-house roles. I later retrained as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant, specialising in supporting children with special educational needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma, and speech and language difficulties. Working in a school environment was the most rewarding role I’ve had—it gave me the chance to have a real, positive impact every day.
Creativity has always been close to my heart—especially music and singing. More recently, I’ve teamed up with Lou to help organise and deliver children’s holiday craft activity workshops here at SATC, blending indoor and outdoor craft and play sessions that encourage imagination, play, and expression. It’s so much fun and pure joy to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they proudly share their creations with everyone.
Finance & Administration
I joined Bridget in 2022 to help support the administration at SATC, and I’ve loved every minute of being part of such a welcoming and inclusive space.
My career began in banking, where I spent many years in customer service and front-of-house roles. I later retrained as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant, specialising in supporting children with special educational needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma, and speech and language difficulties. Working in a school environment was the most rewarding role I’ve had—it gave me the chance to have a real, positive impact every day.
Creativity has always been close to my heart—especially music and singing. More recently, I’ve teamed up with Lou to help organise and deliver children’s holiday craft activity workshops here at SATC, blending indoor and outdoor craft and play sessions that encourage imagination, play, and expression. It’s so much fun and pure joy to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they proudly share their creations with everyone.
Louisa Stockley
Co Director
Community Liaison & Childrens Activities & Craft Club Lead.
As a co-director at Somerset Arts Therapies Centre, I bring my passion for family, creativity, and nature into everything I do. I love helping children tap into their imagination through the craft and nature-inspired workshops I lead, where they’re encouraged to explore, create, and express themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment. As a mindfulness coach, I’m inspired by the calming, grounding presence of the natural world — something I aim to reflect in both my work and daily life.
Before joining SATC, I worked for several years as Head of Wellbeing in a nursing home, a role that deepened my belief in the importance of connection, compassion, and creativity at every stage of life. At SATC, I’m responsible for networking with local organisations, engaging with our wider community, and overseeing the ongoing development of our beautiful outdoor spaces.
Outside of work, I’m happiest spending time with my family, spending time in nature, and finding inspiration in the little things — all of which fuel my work and remind me why I love what I do.
Community Liaison & Childrens Activities & Craft Club Lead.
As a co-director at Somerset Arts Therapies Centre, I bring my passion for family, creativity, and nature into everything I do. I love helping children tap into their imagination through the craft and nature-inspired workshops I lead, where they’re encouraged to explore, create, and express themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment. As a mindfulness coach, I’m inspired by the calming, grounding presence of the natural world — something I aim to reflect in both my work and daily life.
Before joining SATC, I worked for several years as Head of Wellbeing in a nursing home, a role that deepened my belief in the importance of connection, compassion, and creativity at every stage of life. At SATC, I’m responsible for networking with local organisations, engaging with our wider community, and overseeing the ongoing development of our beautiful outdoor spaces.
Outside of work, I’m happiest spending time with my family, spending time in nature, and finding inspiration in the little things — all of which fuel my work and remind me why I love what I do.
Our Therapists
We have a team of approved clinicians and practitioners.
Our Referrals Manager will help
you to find the right person.
See Referrals section.
Liz Loud
Referrals Manager
Hello, my name is Liz. I come from a primary education background; I began teaching in 2002 and went on to become a special need co-ordinator and designated safeguarding lead.
I was lucky enough to spend 2.5 years working for a children and young people's mental health charity, as the family liaison officer, triaging referrals and speaking with families seeking support.
It was during my time working for this charity that I met Bridget and saw all of the wonderful work at SATC and was invited to support the work that they do.
I have a passion for championing Children and Young People's mental health and hold a level 2 counselling certificate.
Hello, my name is Liz. I come from a primary education background; I began teaching in 2002 and went on to become a special need co-ordinator and designated safeguarding lead.
I was lucky enough to spend 2.5 years working for a children and young people's mental health charity, as the family liaison officer, triaging referrals and speaking with families seeking support.
It was during my time working for this charity that I met Bridget and saw all of the wonderful work at SATC and was invited to support the work that they do.
I have a passion for championing Children and Young People's mental health and hold a level 2 counselling certificate.
bottom of page