Creative Therapy for Children and Young People (Age 11+)
A Safe Space to Explore, Express and Grow
"Images, symbols and creative expression can reveal what words alone cannot." - adapted from the work of Carl Jung
Growing up can be Challenging
Young people often experience a range of emotions and pressures that can feel difficult to understand, manage or talk about. Creative therapy offers a supportive and confidential space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences in ways that feel comfortable and natural to them.
Not everyone finds it easy to express themselves through conversation alone. Creative therapy can incorporate a variety of approaches, including creativity, imagery, storytelling, sand, art, reflection and therapeutic conversation, enabling young people to communicate and make sense of their experiences in their own way.
How Therapy Can Help
Creative therapy can support young people with:
Anxiety and worry
Low mood
Low self-esteem and confidence
Friendship and relationship difficulties
School-related stress
Family changes or separation
Grief and loss
Emotional regulation difficulties
Trauma and adverse experiences
Identity and life transitions
Neurodivergence
Dealing with a chronic health condition or being the sibling of a child with a health condition
Parent and Carer Involvement
Every young person is unique, and therapy is tailored to their individual needs.
For some young people, it is helpful for parents or carers to be involved through regular review meetings, providing opportunities to discuss progress, share observations and consider how best to support them outside of sessions.
For others, having a private and confidential therapeutic space is most beneficial. In these cases, the young person may meet with me independently, while maintaining appropriate communication with parents or carers where needed.
Together, we will decide on the most appropriate approach at the start of our work.
Session Frequency and Length
Sessions can take place weekly or fortnightly, depending on the young person's needs and circumstances.
Some young people benefit from short-term focused support, such as a six-week block of sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy to work through more complex experiences. We will regularly review progress and agree together what level of support feels most helpful.
I offer a free, no obligation chat to find out more
Book a Free 30-minute Discovery Call
Book a 50-minute session
£70
Hi, I'm Melanie...
I work integratively, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches to create a warm, accepting and supportive environment.
My aim is to help young people feel heard, understood and empowered as they navigate life's challenges and develop greater resilience, self-awareness and emotional wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creative therapy?
Creative therapy uses play, art, movement, storytelling, sand, imagination and other creative methods to help young people express emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
Who is creative therapy suitable for?
Children and young people experiencing anxiety, low confidence, emotional difficulties, bereavement, trauma, family changes, friendship issues, school difficulties or behavioural challenges.
Does my child need to be artistic?
Not at all. Creative therapy is about expression, not artistic ability.
How many sessions will my child need?
For primary-aged children, I usually begin with a block of 12 sessions and review progress after 8 sessions. Further sessions can be recommended if needed.
Will parents be involved?
I work flexibly with children aged 11+ with parents and assess this on a case by case basis. We can decide together if parents will attend regular reviews or it may suit your child best to just meet with me independent of parents
What are the benefits of creative therapy?
Creative therapy can improve emotional regulation, confidence, self-awareness, communication, resilience and overall wellbeing.
Still have questions?
The best way to find out whether I am the right person to support you is to book a free discovery call.
We can explore your needs, discuss how I work and decide together whether moving forward feels right for you.