Type of service: Interventions and therapies

Service URL: http://www.helpingchildrensmileagain.com

I specialise in helping children who are suffering from emotional pain that is being inappropriately expressed at home and at school and is labelled, 'bad or naughty behaviour.' Children with autism who cannot be reached and communicate differently, have low self-esteem and confidence, have experienced trauma, who are attention seeking - these are some of the behaviours and issues I work with.

My therapeutic play practice includes working with paint, crayons, play doh, clay, sand, music, drama, storytelling, creative visualisation. My role is to provide a safe space for clients to access their inner resources that may be locked away or shut down, and to express their voice and play out their feelings. Discovering their uniqueness and voice helps children to improve their confidence, self-esteem and independence.

All my clients are assessed at the start and end of their work using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionaire (SDQ) which is used to identify behavioural and emotional problems in children and adolescents. It was developed in the UK and is used in many countries in clinical and epidemiological contexts. The instrument produces scores for five subscales: conduct problems, hyperactivity, emotional problems, peer problems, prosocial problems.

I liaise closely with the families to help them understand how they can help their child during the course of therapy, and once the therapy has ended. I am able to visit a client's nursery, school or college if required.

Aimed at: Child

Covers: East Midlands

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements