Integrative Art & Play Therapy
In-clinic sessions
Cherry Tree Therapy Centre offers art and play therapy at our clinics in Buckhurst Hill and Henley-on-Thames.
How We Can help
Art & Play Therapy
What is an Integrative Arts Counsellor?
When speaking about ‘Integrative’ or Integrative Art Therapy in relation to Child Counselling this means that the therapist does not focus on one singular therapeutic model for treatment instead, their approach combines many psychotherapy models allowing a more flexible approach that reflects the needs of the client.
What is Art or Play Therapy?
It is a safe, non-judgemental, confidential space where a trained professional can help you to explore your experiences using art and play methods.
Counselling Approaches:
Depending on the approach, therapists will use a variety of tools and techniques and apply them as necessary.
The counsellor will use a vast toolkit of creative techniques ranging from:
- Drawing
- Painting and Sculpting
- Puppetry
- Music with Movement
- Sand Tray
- Play
Helps With:
- Negative Childhood Experiences
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Stress
- Depression
- Relationship Issues
- Bullying
- Low Self-Esteem
- Low Confidence
- Attachment Issues
- Plus much more
Session Information
What happens in my first session of Integrative Art Therapy?
In your first session, you will be introduced to the therapeutic space. The therapist will go at your speed and give you some time to get acclimatised to the room and all the exciting things it has to offer.
Within the session, you will be introduced to the therapeutic contract, this consist of the rules and boundaries of the room, confidentiality, times and regularity of sessions. It will also be explained that nothing will change in the room and that the room will stay the same each week.
Depending on the situation you may be asked some questions about why you are coming to therapy. It is your choice how much you share and the therapist will respect your boundaries. You will also be able to ask the therapist any questions.
The therapist will provide a flat pack therapy box which you will be able to make in the session. They will explain that anything made or created in the room will be kept in this box and that the box will be kept safe and locked away after the session has ended.
Why would the Arts help?
These artistic modalities, when facilitated by a therapist, allows children, teenagers and adults to explore the psychological and emotional meanings of their creation. Decrypting and hypothesising the non-verbal messages, symbols and metaphors within their imagery gives the client an enhanced understanding of their situation, allowing them to move on and resolve deeper issues in order to improve their ability to self-regulate, manage their feelings and improve their self-esteem. Art therapy helps to relieve stress, improve depression and anxiety as well as helping them to cope with general day to day difficulties.
Can everyone use the Arts?
Yes! No artistic talent is required for Art therapy to be successful. The process is not about a client’s ability to be dramatic, draw or create masterpieces. It is emotionally demanding to speak about past experiences, worries or concerns directly, the medium of Art allows a client to have an indirect pathway to their conscious or subconscious mind and through artistic creativity, they are able to create a foundation for generating a deeper understanding of their feelings and behaviours.
If you are interested in receiving more information about Art and Play Therapy or any other of our services, please get in contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old can you be to receive Art & Play Therapy?
How much is a session?
Will the parents also attend the session?
Our Counsellors
Integrative Counsellor / Coach / Therapeutic Social Worker / ADHD and ASD Assessments
