My approach

My approach with children will vary depending on their circumstances and ages. Sometimes it will involve family, or group work, while some children will require individual therapy sessions. Using the arts and play is useful for children of all ages. Some require a non-directive approach, such as very young children, where I discover more about them through non-verbal expression. As is appropriate to each child, I use toys, puppets, a dolls house, drawing, painting, story telling, sand and water play and other games, as a way of trying to understand what a child might be conveying to me, through their play, about their thoughts, emotions and behaviour. With very young children, I then help them put their feelings into words at their own level while, with older children, the approach differs and I use the arts to help them think visually and explore and discuss issues in a more concrete way.

I also make use of visualisations, to help promote relaxation, allowing children to feel more centred. By reducing stress, children are more able to harness their thoughts and communicate their emotions and feelings.

‘Theraplay’ is another technique I find helpful, as it involves parents and child in lively, structured, engaging playfulness that helps strengthen the child-parent relationship. It involves parents observing my work through play with the child, then participating in the structured play, learning skills they can use with their child.