Arranging an assessment
Initial Consultation and Assessment
A free initial phone call or online consultation offers an opportunity to discuss your main concerns and reasons for seeking support. It also gives you the chance to ask any questions and decide whether you would like to take the work forward. There is no obligation to continue. If you decide that I am not the right therapist for you, that is absolutely fine. If I am fully booked at the time of your enquiry, you can choose to be added to my waiting list. If it does not seem that art therapy is the most appropriate approach at this time, I will do my best to signpost you to a more suitable service.
Sessions usually take place weekly, at the same time each week. We begin with a six-session assessment period to explore the difficulties in more depth and consider whether ongoing art therapy is likely to be helpful.
Working with Children, Young People and Families
Therapeutic work with children, young people and families differs from individual work with adults, as there are often more complex dynamics to consider. The assessment phase involves careful thought about the most appropriate therapeutic approach for your child or young person. Goal/s are then established with the client and parent/carer.
It is helpful for parents or carers, and sometimes other family members, to attend the first assessment session. This allows everyone to share their perspectives on the difficulties and what they hope might change. The following four sessions are usually individual sessions with your child, providing a safe space for them to express what is on their mind. The sixth session is then held together with parent(s) or carer(s) (and other family members where appropriate) to review how the sessions have been and to decide whether to continue.
A range of creative and play materials are available in art therapy. However, there is no pressure to make art; the focus is always on finding an approach that best meets each individual’s needs.
Continued support
Therapeutic work may be as brief as six weeks, though many families find the 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 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.