Therapy for Children

Play Therapy

The play therapy package is offered to children aged 5 and above who have suffered or are suffering trauma or loss. It is a non-directive, child centred approach whereby the child explores his or her feelings through play and begins to make sense of their experiences. The therapist will provide and set out a selection of toys that would be relevant to the childs experiences. The child is then free to explore their surroundings in which ever form they choose. The therapist will then enterprit the childs expressive behaviour by observing the play, recording that information and then make a final assesmment on childs emotional state. The sessions are fully supported by the therapist and are delivered in the school setting over a 12 week period.

This non-directive approach enables the therapist to assess and evaluate the childs emotional state and also their current enviroment through the significance of their actions. ‘That information is then used as a basis to refer the family/ child on to other agencies for further assessment.

• 12 Week term
• Therapeautic support
• Child centered
• Delivered in schools
• For ages 5+

Talking Therapy

This package consists of  one-to-one emotional support for children aged 11 to 18 years. The support is client led to promote open discussion & expression. Generally the service is delivered in either school or at college however an agreement can be made between the client and the therapist for the service to be delivered elsewhere. The sessions are delivered at the clients own pace and is strictly confidential. This package is open ended.

Talking therapy will encourage and strengthen relationships, it can also offer a different way of thinking or an alternative way to expressing their emotional issues going forward.

• Emotional support for children
• For ages 11-18
• Delivered in schools
• Client led
• No set term (open ended)

Bereavement Counselling

This is a twelve week programme whereby the child engages in direct work with the therapist to produce a reflective manual and memory box. Therapy is an effective tool that helps children modify their behaviours, clarify their self concept and build healthy relationships. During therapy, a child enters into a dynamic relationship with the therapist that enables them to express, explore and make sense of their painful experiences. Therapy helps children find healthier ways of communicating, develop fulfilling relationships, increase resilience and facilitate emotional literacy. Children who are often referred to therapy may not have the words to describe their feelings, or perceptions of their external or internal world due to their experiences such as trauma or loss. Each session lasts between 30 to 40 minutes, in the school setting.

This process includes:

•  Consultation with the family
• Assessment of child (the child is informed of the reason for referral.)
• Weekly therapy sessions in school will take place
• Regular reviews with teaching staff and primary carers
• Planned sessions for endings with the child
• Discussions with the referrer and primary carer regarding outcomes of work.

Direct sessions with child will include the following:

• Exploring feelings and identity
• Factors that change in life
• The event
• Creating a memory box/memory jar
• The outcome of the event
• Creating a film clip
• Saying goodbye
• Moving on and having fun