When children or teens first come and see me, they feel stuck, like being in a cocoon. It's as if they know there is someone beautiful in there somewhere but whatever they're doing just isn't working for them in one part of their life.
I can see this and trust that together we will work it out. I trust the process and I trust my skills and their desire to change.
In our first session , we explore their world using a sand tray. It's a child-like approach designed to show them that there are no right or wrongs with me and that by going back to play and childish things, we can playfully explore their world.
I can see this and trust that together we will work it out. I trust the process and I trust my skills and their desire to change.
In our first session , we explore their world using a sand tray. It's a child-like approach designed to show them that there are no right or wrongs with me and that by going back to play and childish things, we can playfully explore their world.
Using dinosaurs, moshi monsters, sea creatures and shells, they show me their family, school, home, friends and where they fit in. They can't be judged, I don't know any of these people so they are completely free to allow a dinosaur to represent a teacher, parent or sibling. I simply ask them to tell me about their world and each piece they've used to represent people in it.
I then explain that we can use the time we have together to recreate it in the way they'd like. We can't change their external environment but we can change how they perceive it. Beliefs are not facts.
They then recreate their world in the sand tray, removing dinosaurs perhaps and replacing them with maybe a dolphin or a moshi monster and they move pieces around, perhaps moving some people closer together. Again I ask them to describe this new world of theirs. We then talk about how they can make the changes needed. I describe some of the ways we might do that together. Then I talk to the parent about how many sessions to allow, usually 4 or 6, although sometimes we may come back together for a few more once the changes they've made in their lives have been implemented. I also factor in some sessions with mum and dad and sometimes a family session.
Working with children is all about being creative, positive and trusting that solutions are there when we explore and when we believe in possibilities.
I have a wealth of experience and knowledge of a great many techniques which I happily share with my students. If you think you might be interested in training with me, get in touch. I regularly run free sessions for you to learn more about the work I do.
If you'd like to read more about it, check out my new books.
I then explain that we can use the time we have together to recreate it in the way they'd like. We can't change their external environment but we can change how they perceive it. Beliefs are not facts.
They then recreate their world in the sand tray, removing dinosaurs perhaps and replacing them with maybe a dolphin or a moshi monster and they move pieces around, perhaps moving some people closer together. Again I ask them to describe this new world of theirs. We then talk about how they can make the changes needed. I describe some of the ways we might do that together. Then I talk to the parent about how many sessions to allow, usually 4 or 6, although sometimes we may come back together for a few more once the changes they've made in their lives have been implemented. I also factor in some sessions with mum and dad and sometimes a family session.
Working with children is all about being creative, positive and trusting that solutions are there when we explore and when we believe in possibilities.
I have a wealth of experience and knowledge of a great many techniques which I happily share with my students. If you think you might be interested in training with me, get in touch. I regularly run free sessions for you to learn more about the work I do.
If you'd like to read more about it, check out my new books.
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