art therapy
Art Therapy
with children
When working with children, close communication with their caregivers is vital before and during the time spent attending art therapy. We start with an initial consultation where we discuss why your child needs support and explore any relevant issues. The initial consultation will also give you an idea of how I work. Then we can decide together how to proceed. I usually recommend 8 sessions followed by a review. Sessions are on the same day and time each week. This consistency is important in building trust with your child.
It may be beneficial to work with your child alone or with you together alongside your child. This joint work, (dyadic art therapy) focusses on supporting and strengthening the relationship between you and your child which is central to their development and well being. To discuss a referral or for more information you can contact me here
Why choose
Dyadic Art Therapy ?
Working with a parent or caregiver and their child together focuses directly on the child’s primary attachment relationship. The dyadic art therapy approach can help children with both emotional and physical difficulties. I may suggest joint sessions for a variety of reasons.
For example:
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To encourage reflective discussions between caregiver and child
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To work directly on the relationship between a child and their caregiver
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To help a child express and engage with their distress within the safety of the primary attachment relationship
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To facilitate joint creative and playful interactions between a caregiver and child
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To reflect upon and enhance parenting/caregiving skills
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To support a child to solve their own problems whilst being witnessed by their parent/caregiver
Parent and child dyadic art therapy must be grounded in good preparation and structure. Preparatory sessions with parents or guardians before the child is brought it to the therapeutic space are part of the process and inform the direction of the work. If you would like to schedule an appointment you can do so below.