Our Instructors — MINDHEART Creative Therapies

Dramatherapy is a unique form of psychotherapy in which creativity, play, movement, voice, storytelling, dramatisation and the performance arts have a central position within the therapeutic relationship (The Health and Care Professions Council). Dramatherapy allows children and young people to express emotions safely, using creative distance. This can be achieved through using masks, role play, toys, puppets and stories. These techniques enable children and young people to develop socialisation skills, self-esteem and emotional literacy.
Those who engage in Music Therapy, generally experience positive changes in their mood, confidence, and overall wellbeing. This goal-oriented intervention, that may involve creating and listening to music as well as singing and dancing, harnesses the natural mood-elevating propensity of music to help children explore their feelings by actively participating in helpful musical activities they find helpful to them
Play Therapy explores the thoughts and feelings of children in creative and dynamic ways. As play is child-led children can freely express themselves, furthermore they can communicate without words through their play. Play Therapy sessions aim to build a child’s ability to work through traumatic experiences, build resilience, and help children build strong relationships.
Art therapy aims to use artistic processes to aid individuals' self-expression, helping to identify new ways to acquire insight about themselves and supporting the development of better self-regulation. Art techniques - like drawing, painting and colouring, are used as the catalyst to enhance overall wellbeing.
Family Therapy addresses specific issues affecting the health and functioning of a family. It can be particularly useful in helping families through difficult periods and transitions, particularly with understanding around the physical and mental health needs of a family member. This therapeutic approach focuses on strengthening the family system and ‘healing’ any mental, emotional, or psychological problems through clear, meaningful communication.
Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to talk to a trained counsellor about their issues and concerns. Counselling sessions help individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours so they can develop a better understanding of themselves and others.

Therapy: Individual or group Creative Arts Therapies taking place most often in the child’s school, during the school day.
Practicalities: Weekly therapy sessions are between 40 minutes and 1 hour in duration. We will always timetable carefully, to ensure least disruption. Children might come for one or two terms, or longer if this is what is required.
terms.

Who We Support

Therapeutic Support: Using counselling techniques and creativity to support families to process experiences and feelings, and develop coping strategies and resilience
Practicalities: Every family is unique and may have different needs. MINDHEART’s team is flexible and adapts their approach and provision. Support may be in small groups or 1:1. Sessions might be delivered online or in person.

Peer group support or clinical supervision: Ensuring there is adequate mental health support for staff and mental health professionals, to potentially reduce impact of challenges faced in schools / mental health institutions. Offering a place where staff can reflect on their experiences and develop alternative ways of managing situations.
MINDHEART also delivers Inset Days, Workshops and CPD training

Creative Arts Therapies make use of arts-based techniques to help individuals explore and process a range of feelings and experiences.

The approach is supportive as it is indirect, and participants work at their own pace. Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Dance and Movement Therapy and Dramatherapy are legally recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

MINDHEART Creative Arts Therapy sessions can support individuals experiencing difficulties around a range of psychological, emotional
or social issues such as trauma, bereavement, isolation, self-esteem, resilience, communication, stress and anxiety helping to improve coping mechanisms and self-regulation.