Working with Children

Play and Creative Arts Therapy is a well established discipline based upon a number of psychological theories. Recent research by PTUK suggests that 75% of the children referred will show a positive change.

Play and Creative Arts Therapy

'Special Time'

A safe, confidential and caring environment is created which allows the child to play with as few limits as possible but as many as necessary (for safety). Play and creativity makes room for symbolism which accesses the unconscious mind at a very deep level. This allows healing to occur on many levels and builds a strong sense of self.

The therapist may reflect back to the child observations of what has happened during the session if this is felt to be appropriate.

Above all the child is given “Special Time". So often in modern life we never seem to have enough time to spend with our children - just playing, just being there for them. The child is given strategies to cope with difficulties they face in life and which they themselves cannot change. It provides a more positive view of their future life. Sessions may last from typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on the age of the child. They may be carried out with an individual child or a group of children.

The therapist uses a number of tools to facilitate these sessions:

Storytelling
Creative Visualisation
Drama
Puppets & Masks
Music
Dance, Movement
Sandplay
Painting & Drawing
Clay, Plastacine & Playdough
Games

Annie is a different child, now more able to express her feelings calmly without lashing out at her siblings. She is a pleasure to be around and a lot less unpredictable. She is making friends at school and has stopped attacking other children.

JT, Suffolk

"

My autisic son age 11 was very angry, expressing hatred, loathing and blame at myself pre therapy. Now our relationship as mother and son has improved and he wants to spend quality time with me. Although my son gives little verbal feedback about his school day he was keen and did talk about seeing Jackie. He was very thoughtful about selecting the right ending thank you gift which he usually would not have been interested in. Plus he also wanted to take her in a portion of chips on his last session! Which illustrates to me she had achieved great things with him.

FM, Bury St Edmunds