At Unlocking Potential, we offer two types of psychotherapy: long term 1:1 therapy and short-term interventions called 6 Times Talk Time (6XTT).
Counselling and Psychotherapy can benefit children in a variety of ways by providing time and space and a supportive relationship in which to explore aspects of their life that might be causing preoccupation or worry that impacts their day-to-day wellbeing and functioning. During weekly sessions, children are invited to engage in play, imagination and the use of creative media such as art, drawing, painting, puppetry, sand play and music; all of which are methods that assist the child in the exploration of their inner and outer worlds in relation to themselves self and others in order to facilitate psychological healing, growth and transformation
Although each type of intervention uses different tools and theories that aims to help, it is safe to say that at the heart of all therapy interventions is the intention to build a strong and trusting relationship with all children referred to our service, and to offer them a safe place to explore their inner world.
6XTT is a targeted, brief, strengths-based, solution-focused intervention of 6 sessions that supports children with a special area of need. 6xTT can be used as a stand-alone intervention or as an initial assessment to further understand a child’s needs and developmental stage, possibly leading to a referral for longer term therapy. There are a range of themes we o er which include: Emotional Literacy, Anxiety, Bereavement and Loss, Self-regulation and support managing anger, Self Esteem and Confidence Building, Social Skills and Transitions and Moving On.
Our 6XTT sessions have proven to be highly effective: 93% of children report that they feel an improvement in their original goal after attending, and 94% of teachers report that they feel their children have improved after attending 6XTT.
Counselling and Psychotherapy are practiced in an allocated, confidential room. It is important that children are seen in the same place and time. Confidentiality and consistency are crucial components for the building of trust and the feeling of safety between the child and their therapist.
The therapy room is set up with art material and toys; as a child’s main mode of communication is through behaviour and play, the use of the arts and toys/objects can be a supportive medium to apply with children who may have been traumatised, suffer with anxiety and depression or struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings verbally. Engaging in art-making and play can assist the child with exploration and identifying with an issue through whilst also providing a degree of psychological safety and distance.
Any parent or professional in the school can speak to a SENCO about a child whom they think could benefit from our service. Children can also volunteer themselves for 6XTT or Therapy
Our therapy team includes qualified therapists and trainee therapists from a wide variety of schools and universities. All our Therapy Team Managers are qualified therapists.
“Making art helps me forget all the drama from today and now I’ve talked to you about it, it doesn’t feel so big. I think I can go back to class and not let it get to me now.”
Year 5 child, Brent
