Using creative approaches to therapy enables children and young people to engage in the therapeutic process, build a relationship and to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a way they may struggle to do in a talking therapy either due to age or the direct nature of that work. Art materials used in such sessions may include clay, modelling/sculpting, drawing, sand trays, story-telling and the use of puppets/dolls. Such sessions would usually be more non-directive than a traditional therapy session, however we may also use specific tasks to enable us to better understand the child/young person’s emotional world. Such tasks may also be part of an assessment process, may enhance or add to other therapies such as CBT or EMDR, or may be an intervention in their own right.

This form of therapy can be particularly helpful for Looked After or Adopted children in that it enables the relationship between child and therapist to be formed during the creative activity and gives a non-threatening, anxiety-reducing approach and focus to the work. Trust can be built to allow feelings to be shared and explored as the therapy progresses. For children and young people who have experienced trauma (whether looked after, adopted or with birth family) it can be very painful and difficult to find words to express feelings or to make sense of past trauma memories. We can use creative therapies to enhance a trauma-focused approach. Creative therapies can be a safe outlet for feelings and a great way for children and young people to feel contained and supported in therapy.  Contact us to discuss and find out more.