Art Therapy Assessment: Arranging an Assessment

A free initial consultation, whether through a phone call or online, provides an excellent opportunity to discuss your main concerns and reasons for seeking therapeutic support. This session also allows you to ask any questions and determine if you would like to proceed with the work. There is no obligation to continue. If you feel that I am not the right therapist for you, that is absolutely fine. Should my schedule be fully booked at the time of your inquiry, you can opt to be added to my waiting list. If it appears that children art therapy may not be the most suitable approach for you at this moment, I will do my best to refer you to a more appropriate service. Sessions typically occur weekly, at the same time each week. We start with a six-session assessment period to delve deeper into the difficulties and evaluate whether ongoing art therapy could be beneficial.

Therapeutic work with children, young people, and families is distinct from individual work with adults due to the often more complex dynamics involved. The initial consultation phase is crucial, as it requires careful consideration of the most suitable therapeutic support for your child or young person. Together with the client and parent or carer, specific goals are established. 

It can be beneficial for parents or carers, and sometimes other family members, to attend the first assessment session. This inclusive approach allows everyone to share their insights on the challenges faced and their hopes for change. The subsequent four sessions typically focus on individual work with your child, providing a safe environment for them to express their thoughts. The sixth session is held with the parent(s) or carer(s) (and other family members as appropriate) to review the progress made in the sessions and determine the next steps. 

Within the realm of children art therapy, a variety of creative and play materials are available. Importantly, there is no pressure to create art; the emphasis remains on identifying the therapeutic approach that best addresses each individual’s needs.

Therapeutic work, including children art therapy, may be as brief as six weeks, though many families find the therapeutic support helpful over a longer period. While therapy can feel like a significant commitment, the positive changes in wellbeing, relationships, and understanding can be a valuable long-term investment. 

Any ongoing work is planned collaboratively with you and your child during the initial consultation and tailored to your individual needs. Sessions may be individual or parent/carer and child. If your child is seen individually, regular parent or carer reviews are included to reflect on progress. Separate sessions for parents or carers can also be helpful, offering space to reflect on parenting approaches, develop greater understanding, and explore new ways of responding to your child’s emotional needs or behaviour. 

We will think carefully together about the right time to end therapy and prepare for this gradually, so that both you and your child feel ready and supported. Once art therapy ends, the child will be able to take their artwork home.