Here at The Village School, the Mental Health Therapies Team supports the emotional and social well-being of our learners and offers expertise and experience in the fields of counselling, music therapy and art therapy; the team works on the understanding that the ability to express ourselves through these avenues is unimpaired by disability. It is possible to convey feelings without the use of words and so for children and young people who find verbal communication or self-expression difficult, using creative therapies can be a positive way to relate to others. The aim for both creative and talking therapies is to facilitate positive changes in behaviour and emotional well-being, which may then carry over into experiences in other environments or settings. 

The provision is a specialist service to which students may be referred by class staff, therapists, families. carers or other agencies who may be involved. Referrals will be assessed for suitability and then prioritised according to need. Close collaboration between the therapists, class and parents or carers is essential and encouraged, to better understand the needs of students and to support their emotional well-being. 

Music Therapy

Music does not rely on words and therefore it can act as an accessible and expressive medium with which children and young people may engage, regardless of any disability. The aim of music therapy sessions is not to teach instruments, but instead to offer an opportunity in which pupils may engage and express themselves via alternative creative communication. 

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy using a combination of art and talking to create a therapeutic environment during sessions. There is no need to have artistic skill to engage with art therapy and rather, the child or young person’s own creativity can be expressed in whichever way they wish to direct it. 

For children who struggle to use or who do not have the words to communicate, Art Therapy can offer a medium through which they can express themselves whilst utilising their own unique creativity and without judgement. 

Counselling

Counselling is like lending another brain to help you think, process and make sense of what is going on in your life. Counselling can help develop emotional awareness and remove barriers to becoming emotionally attuned in relationships with family, carers, friends and partners. Most importantly, it can help nurture self-understanding; building confidence and self-reflection skills and promoting improved self-esteem. 

Parents are invited to telephone the school office if they wish to make an appointment to discuss their child’s emotional and mental wellbeing.