We work collaboratively with a whole team – child centred approach, being part of the therapeutic web around the child. This enhances our trauma informed, trauma responsive approach, building a safe secure environment for our children to grow and develop in all areas of their lives. We incorporate principles from the PACE model (Hughes 1997), further enhancing our trauma informed, attachment building environment, promoting ‘connection before correction’ enabling our children to increase their tolerance and resilience in difficult situations. Also maintaining our child-centred focus (Rogers 1957), weaving in acceptance, congruence and a belief in each of our children to achieve to their full emotional ability.
Our psychotherapists work closely with all professionals involved in the child’s care, putting the needs of the children at the heart of everything we do, having input into risk assessments and positive behaviour support plans. Relevant information is gathered by the therapist, and a personalised, targeted therapy plan is formulated.
Much of our work begins with developing safe, secure relationships with each child, our therapy team work alongside all teams to enhance these relationships and offer pre-therapy work (Prouty 2002), created for those who have challenges in psychological contact and connection. This is with an aim to offer 1:1 direct work when a child is ready in line with the therapy plan. Our therapy team also deliver in-house training to upskill us as a whole team in response to our children’s needs.
