If I work with children and young people, this may be different, it will very much depend on the age and understanding of the therapy process.
Assessment allows the decision if therapy is right for you once you have an understanding of the process expectations and what it entails.If we decide to work together we will draw up a therapy contract or working agreement (adults, adolescents and young people only) where we agree to meet for a minimum of sessions before reassessing our working alliance.
The assessment explores if you wish to continue working in therapy, if your goals have been achieved or new ones need tobe set. There is no obligation to attend all sessions you will be free to end therapy at any given time.
Sessions will usually last 50 minutes to an hour on a weekly basis.
Children adolescents and young people may differ depending on their concentration span. The process of therapy can be short term solution focussed or longer term depending on the therapy aims and goals.
Working with Children, adolescents and young people When working with children and young people I am able to draw upon a range of creative interventions. It is not always easy for young people to verbally express themselves of what is distressing them so it often plays out in they way they behave. Often young people will be referred for therapy from a parent, teacher or health professional.
Children often struggle with feelings and emotions and will need help and support to understand themselves. Many things can cause this such as separation, family conflict, medical or environmental problems, or a history of abuse. Children can feel isolated, alone, sad bad or trapped which can lead to feeling misunderstood alone and confused.
Creative ways of working include, play therapy, sand tray work, drawing, role play, collage and construction along with painting, stories and books.
Experience and research has shown that therapeutic intervention has a positive effect to a persons life, their behaviour and achievements.
