Have you ever thought about Group Play Therapy sessions for your school? Group Play Therapysessions are a very powerful way to help a child develop peer relations, coping mechanisms and problem solving. The group becomes a mini society where the child learns how to be an individual but also how to build relations with others and be part of a group. Group Play Therapy is ideal for children who present as introverted, withdrawn, shy, over-pleasing, low level aggression and poor attention.

The Group Play Therapy is for groups of  three children , larger groups can be formed but would need another adult to assist. Various groups can be formed such as groups where children have a commonality such as low self esteem, bereavment/loss or for children who are being bullied. If you or your school are interested in Group Play Therapy then please contact me on www.ourchildrenspotential email me at  kerrie@ourchildrenspotential or call me on 07737 788242. Many Thanks

A book about a “Hope”

This is a very touching book. It was recommended by a friend of mine. The images are beyond beautifull and represent the mood of the book very powerfully. It is about a young girls world where she feels sadness, isolation and confusion.Rather than use lots of text the imagery portrays the emotions and I think Shaun Tan does this with grace and beauty. The book represents “Hope” in the darkest of times. This is a very empowering message to any child or adult. This book can be read to any child going through a difficult time to help plant the seed of “hope” and allow it to grow. I would also recommend the book to use with groups as further discussions and exercises can develop from the story. I hope you enjoy this book the way I did. Thankyou

Who May Benefit?

The service will benefit children and young people who are suffering from low self esteem, seem anxious and worried, suffering from bereavement, aggressive or withdrawn. All these issues are likely to have a knock on effect on the students learning, behaviour, attendance and wellbeing.

How it Works

Once a referral is made, an assessment is made to ascertain suitability of the creative therapy. An initial evaluation is made to assess the number of sessions the child may have. Some work is short term some children/young person may benefit from long term work. Goodman’s strengths and difficulties questionnaires (SDQ) are used as an assessment tool, alongside a parent interview. The SDQ’s have been completed by parent, referrer and the child and will be used as an assessment tool both pre and post intervention. Play Therapy is a recognised and scientifically proved intervention. Sometimes the child/young person may wish to work more verbally, so the session will be more like a counselling session. However, if the child is drawn to the creative mediums then Non directive Play Therapy will be used using creative mediums such as sand trays, puppets, clay, Therapeutic storytelling, music and Arts and crafts. The child is given a confidential and permissive space to where he/she can explore their world and give expression to feelings via the creative mediums.

What is Included in the Service?

• An hour a week with the referred child/young person using counselling and Play Therapy techniques
• Group Play Therapy
• Assessment of child :Observation, Interview and using SDQ assessment tool
• Report writing to external agencies
• Telephone calls to Parents and School
• Meetings with head/Deputy Head/SENCO
• Referral Interviews
• Parental Interviews
• Referral Reviews
• Parental Reviews
• Session planning
• Setting up time
• Cleaning up after session
• Providing kit e.g Sand, Clay, paper, paints, felt tips, crayons, puppets, books, miniatures, blankets, toys and sand trays for sessions.
• External supervision
• PTUK membership/BACP membership
• Insurance

If you or your school are interested in this service, or you may wish for me to give a talk at your school please do not hesitate in contacting me.

Kerrie is a counsellor, hypnotherapist and creative therapist. Kerrie is trained in Play therapy. She has worked in schools, children’s centres and charities as a counsellor and creative therapist. She has worked with many different issues such as ADHD, loss and bereavement, anxiety, bullying and children on the autistic spectrum. Kerrie worked as a children’s counsellor focussing specifically with children/young people who had experienced Trauma, Domestic violence and Sexual Abuse. She is a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and also Play Therapy United Kingdom.

Kerrie has also worked for a large government organisation as an adult counsellor. She also delivers training workshops on stress management, confidence and young people keeping safe in the community. She also runs workshops on visualisation and meditation for children and adults.