Therapeutic Play

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Using sand tray play  or drawing this is a creative, playful yet structured approach to emotional expression and healing which supports children expressing their inner world, developing self confidence and managing attachment challenges. 

 

Each of the 12  sessions follows a structure to the frame the session but the main activity itself – the drawing or the sandtray play is non directive.  For some children not being told exactly what to do but being given choice, told there is no right or wrong can feel particularly challenging.  But the environment and support at The Nook nurtures  self esteem and confidence through acceptance, mutual respect, open communication, choice and reassurance.

 

By the end of the group of  sessions children are able to reflect on their journey and recognise themselves a newfound, newly expressed confidence and pride in their journey.  For each child the journey is represented with a picture of their weekly creation which is captured in a book to take home another form of empowerment as the child owns the book and it is up to them how and if they share it.  Its existence also helps to bridge the gap in the end of the sessions and the weekly interaction, supporting and surviving any anxiety around attachment.  

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Children end the programme with more confidence, better emotional regulation and communication skills, better able to manage and engage with their world and the results are tangible.