Therapy in Schools
"In an average classroom, ten children will have witnessed their parents separate, eight will have experienced severe physical violence, sexual abuse or neglect, one will have experienced the death of a parent and seven will have been bullied." (Faulkner, 2011)
It's likely that within each year group you will have many children who are facing challenges and stress and who are simply struggling to cope. There are so many different challenges and pressures today that children face in life that are impacting negatively on their mental health and well-being, which is leading to the mental health crisis in society.
When children are not feeling happy it makes it very difficult if not impossible to learn. This can really impact upon the child and the class as a whole. Children can begin to lose confidence and self-esteem becomes low, emotions are running high and often this is expressed through challenging and disruptive behaviours, making learning for the rest of the class difficult too.
This can lead to pupils not thriving or reaching their potential. When so many children are being denied support or are being added to never ending waiting lists to access outside mental health support this can leave teachers feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Teachers face the added pressure and responsibilities of supporting individual children's emotional and mental health needs all while teaching the whole class as well.
If this sounds familiar
then we can help...
Our team specialises in supporting children 4-14 years through Play and Creative Arts therapy.
"Play therapy is to children what counselling is to adults."
To learn more about Play & Creative Arts Therapy
Through our programme of creative therapeutic services delivered by our fully qualified, friendly therapists we can work in partnership to support the children's mental health and well-being in your School.
We can help children to find new creative ways to express their thoughts and feelings safely and discover new ways of coping, helping to reduce emotional distress and the potential long term impacts on their mental health.
We can support teachers in developing new strategies and ways of responding through drop in sessions and our bespoke training packages.
This will help to create a calm, tranquil and happy classroom where children are content and ready to learn from the wonderful teaching.
Our Support Package for Schools
A typical day with a Holding Hearts Therapist will include a mixture of the following;
One-to-one Play and Creative Arts Therapy
These sessions are suitable for individual children, sessions are weekly and usually last 12-18 weeks, depending on the emotional needs of the child or young person. More information on non-directive play therapy can be found here.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is suitable for up to 6 children per group.
It is more directive in approach and focuses on agreed therapeutic objectives.
Groups allow a unique opportunity for children and young people experiencing similar challenges or difficult life experiences to develop friendships developed on understanding and empathy. Group work typically lasts 6-8 weeks for each group – Therapeutic objective may be around difficulties such as; low self-esteem, bereavement, loss, transitions etc
Bereavement Support
The death of a loved one is devastating for anyone but for children in particular it can be especially difficult to deal with. Grief is a normal and natural response to loss, but every individuals experience, how they cope and what they need is different and unique. There are no rules when it comes to grief. We can support children through our creative, bespoke 8-week program of support.
Creative wellbeing sessions
A friendly, creative space for up to 6 children to come during lunch time or after school. Activities available will focus on different elements of wellbeing to promote positive mental health.
Parent/Carer Consultations
Working in partnership with parents/carers is so important throughout the whole therapeutic process. When working together the therapeutic impact is much greater. We will liaise with parents pre and post therapy.
Professional Consultations
We will liaise with the relevant school staff for each child or young person, pre and post therapy and through-out as needed to promote an holistic approach to support. We can also attend professional meetings where possible or provide a summary report of progress. Reports can be provided on request and are useful for supporting other referrals or requests for support, e.g. EHCP, CYPS/CAMHS
Creative Training workshops
All partnered schools will receive an exclusive 10% discount off all of our bespoke training.
Find our current training offers below.
Get in touch to arrange your free consultation
with one of our friendly therapists today.
Currently we are able to work in Primary and Secondary Schools in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle upon Tyne. Alternatively pupils can attend our therapy space in Northumberland for sessions. If you are based outside of these areas get in touch and we can discuss your needs, if we are unable to help you we will support you in finding another North East organisation.
