Why do children come to therapy?
Many of us experience emotional challenges throughout our lives such as the loss of a loved one or peer relationship difficulties. Sometimes these challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and full of feelings that may be difficult to communicate verbally. For children, it can be especially hard for them to find the words to describe how they are feeling. When children feel overwhelmed these feelings are often communicated first through a shift in their behaviour; perhaps in the form of angry outbursts or complete withdrawal. These behaviours can take a toll on their ability to learn, their physical health and their relationships. Psychotherapy can provide children with a safe space to explore these distressing feelings using the arts and play.
Common reasons for referral:-
Gender Identity struggles
Nightmares & difficulties sleeping
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Oppositional or Defiant behaviours
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Self-harm
Stealing & Lying
Substance misuse
Separation anxiety
Suicidal Thoughts
Toilet issues
Trauma
Abuse and neglect
Adoption & Foster Care
Attention difficulties (ADHD, ADD)
Anger outbursts
Anxiety
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Bereavement and Loss
Bullying
Disability & Illness
Eating disorders
Family conflict
Fear & Phobias
How do I work?
I am deeply aware that each child brings to therapy a story that is unique to them. As a result, I use an 'integrative' approach in the therapy room. This means that I draw on many different theories to tailor a bespoke therapy service to meet each child's specific needs. All of these ideas are underpinned by my knowledge of the latest neurobiological research and my background in the arts. I am flexible in my approach and aim to honour and respect every child’s individuality whilst also taking into consideration their age, culture, and reasons for referral.
Initial consultation
During our initial consultation, there will be an opportunity for you and/or your child to talk about your reasons for seeking support and ask any questions. From here, we decide together whether to go forward and arrange further appointments.
Assessment phase
In these initial 3-4 meetings, I will explore the reasons for referral in more depth and ask about your child's development and family history. My aim is to gather as much information as possible in order to find out what may be most beneficial for you and your child.
Therapeutic Plan
We may agree on short - term (3-12 sessions) or long-term (a year or more) therapy, this depends on each child's specific needs. I work on a 1:1 basis with children as well as with parent and child in joint sessions ( where necessary) to help strengthen their relationship. I also offer support and consultancy to parents.
Reviews
We will review progress together regularly and amend the therapeutic plan accordingly.
How do I use the arts?
I am often asked by parents and teachers how the arts are used in therapy. Art created within the context of a therapeutic relationship is intended to help children not only to engage in self-exploration, but it also involves purposeful meaning-making. In fact, one of the strengths of using the arts is its ability to encourage and enhance storytelling and narratives. By its simplest definition, art is a form of non-verbal communication. It is a sensory-based approach that allows your child to communicate on many subtle levels (visually, tactilely, kinesthetically and many more) The experience of expressing these feelings safely via metaphor in the presence of another means their feelings can be both seen and heard. In turn, your child is provided with an opportunity to explore the meaning of what they have created and its relevance to how their feelings and thoughts are being expressed.
Therapy using the arts aims to encourage self-awareness so that your child can begin to adopt healthier coping strategies to nurture their relationship with themselves and others. The body of artwork that develops over the duration of your child’s therapy provides a record of their personal therapeutic journey.
Below are some of the art forms I use with children during our sessions:-
Clay
Dance, movement and bodywork
Drama
Drawing and painting
Music
Play
Poetry
Puppets
Sand play
Storytelling
Songwriting
