Mike

I first met Thomas about 12 year ago when he was delivering a workshop for around 25 Diploma in Counselling students in 'Experiential Listening and Focusing'.

I was a tutor on that Persona course and previously a Senior Lecturer in Counselling at the University of Strathclyde. Thomas was leading an exercise for the group using a long roll of blank wallpaper stretched out across the floor with a line drawn onto it symbolising your whole life. Students were invited to add images using paint, crayons and all manner of materials. What is endurably printed on my memory is the enthusiasm with which people engaged with the activity and the calm reassuring manner with which Thomas introduced this exercise and subsequently helped the students unpack the meaning and learning from taking part.

I observed a number of his other workshops over a few years and we had lengthy conversations about learning and teaching, group activities and the therapeutic process. He always had something new to offer to these conversations that were littered with personal experiences and insights. I learned a lot.

I got to know Thomas again later, when he was engaged with distributing pianos around various venues in Glasgow! I got to play a number of these pianos and welcomed the opportunity to realise that there were more strings to his bow, or keys to his keyboard than I had first realised. He was generous and efficient in this endeavour, providing me and many others with the opportunity to develop our creative side.

Mags

Listening through the body with art sessions had a big impact on me at a rocky time in my life. I was looking for something playful and nourishing and I was intrigued by the mix of listening through the body and art . . . but didn’t know what to expect…

The sessions often started with a body scan - tuning in and then turning towards the paper. I remember a lot of fun and lightness and play with the drawing / clay and then moments of profound insight and shift. Drawing / mark making in a group brought another layer of fun and surprise – reflection and insight  – I think now when I look back on it – it was a bit like improvising music or movement  in a group but with colour!

Tom facilitates the sessions with humour, sensitivity and groundedness – giving space for each person on their own journey.  Highly recommend the sessions.

Gina

I first met Tom at a conference and almost walked past but was strangely drawn to the pots of playdoh. 

The first thing he asked was what was going on for me today and where I was feeling it? 
I was intrigued but suspicious. I attended one of his workshops and again was reserved and avoidant. Every time he saw me after then he would always ask what was going on and where I was feeling it? Again I would chatter on avoiding this idea. I then employed him to deliver some art and music projects and saw how quickly he gained connections with the people I worked with - how did he do this? He sat alongside them and was interested in them. He started from where they were that day and they responded by opening up. I carried on meeting Tom either at conferences, just for a catchup in a cafe or at a piano. Again he would start from where I was, whereas I was in my own bubble avoiding . . .

After changing my career I suddenly realised what he had done with these people - he got them to stop,  to pause and to focus and I am now reminded of this daily    as I work with vulnerable people. He always got me to focus on what was important that day at that time. Where did this come from?  From his ability not to worry about what had gone on before nor what they wanted to do but what mattered there and then. This connection was vital and I have learnt so much over the 15 years I’ve known Tom for.  

Elle

I found both the group and individual sessions deeply nourishing. Tom is a very intuitive and respectful practitioner. With his guidance, using these playful prompts and activities, it felt possible and safe to explore what was showing up. For me, these techniques helped reveal what needed tending to and have had a lasting impact on my ability to tune in to myself.