PLAY & creative arts
counselling services
TONBRIDGE WEST KENT
Play and Creative Arts Counselling for Children and Young People
Growing up presents various challenges for children and young people. Changes in behaviour, mood, or relationships are common and can be concerning for those around them.
Play and Creative Arts Counselling offers support during these times, providing a safe space for exploration and growth.
What is Play and Creative Arts Counselling?
Play and Creative Arts Counselling is an integrated approach that combines talking therapy with creative activities. This method provides children and young people with alternative ways to express themselves, especially when words alone may be difficult.
The approach recognises that creative expression can be a powerful tool for communication and emotional processing. Through art, play, and conversation, young people can explore their feelings and experiences in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.
Who Can Benefit?
My counselling services are tailored to meet the needs of children and young people in:
- Upper KS2 (Years 5-6, ages 9-11): Supporting the transition from primary to secondary education
- KS3 (Years 7-9, ages 11-14): Addressing the challenges of early adolescence and settling into secondary school
- KS4 (Years 10-11, ages 14-16): Helping with the pressures of GCSEs and planning for the future
This approach is particularly beneficial for young people experiencing:
- Anxiety or low mood
- School-related stress, including exam pressures in KS4
- Peer relationship difficulties, common across all Key Stages
- Transition challenges, especially between KS2 and KS3
- Family changes or challenges
- Bullying
- Self-esteem issues
- Behavioural concerns
- Trauma or loss
Even when specific issues aren’t apparent, Play and Creative Arts Counselling can provide valuable support for general emotional well-being and personal growth.
The Counselling Approach
My person-centred methodology adapts to each individual’s needs, recognising that the challenges faced by a Year 6 pupil preparing for secondary school are quite different from those of a Year 11 student approaching GCSEs.
Sessions may involve more talking or more creative expression, guided by what feels most comfortable and beneficial for the young person at their particular Key Stage.
This flexible, non-judgemental environment allows children and young people to:
- Express themselves freely
- Develop new coping strategies
- Build self-confidence
- Improve emotional regulation
- Enhance communication skills
The Counselling Process
Sessions are weekly and last 45 minutes. They can take place in a school setting or in a private counselling space, depending on individual circumstances and preferences.
The process begins with an initial consultation to understand the young person’s needs and establish goals for counselling. From there, a tailored approach is developed, with regular reviews to ensure the counselling remains beneficial.
School-Based Support
I offer counselling services that can be seamlessly integrated into the school environment, working in collaboration with teachers and staff to provide comprehensive support for pupils.
In primary schools, my focus is on helping Year 5 and 6 pupils in upper Key Stage 2 prepare emotionally for the significant transition to secondary school.
This support continues into secondary education, where I work with students throughout Key Stages 3 and 4, addressing the varied challenges that come with adolescence and increasing academic pressures.
