About
Service Overview:
Schools play a crucial role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. This service provides both individual and group therapy within the school setting to help address various emotional and psychological needs. This can also include sessions with our therapy dog, "Buckets".
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy allows students to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment. Here are some key features:
Personalised Support: Tailored interventions based on the unique needs of each child and/or young person.
Skill Development: Teaching coping strategies, emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.
Assessment: Regular evaluation of the student’s progress and mental health status.
Animal Assisted Therapy: Using our trained and accredited therapy dog, "Buckets" to support mental health related goals.
Animal Assisted Group Therapy
Animal assisted group therapy in schools offers a unique approach to emotional and social development for children and young people. The presence of a trained therapy dog can enhance the therapeutic experience and foster a supportive environment.
Here are some key features:
Improved emotional regulation
Increased social interaction and communication skills
Reduction in anxiety and stress levels
Enhanced empathy and compassion towards animals and peers
Support in building trust and rapport among group members
Building a sense of community and reducing feelings of social isolation
How It Works
The therapy sessions typically involve a variety of activities that encourage interaction with the therapy dog, guided by a trained mental health clinician. These activities may include:
Group discussions and sharing experiences
Engaging in play and care routines with the dog
Participating in structured therapeutic exercises
Who Can Benefit?
Animal assisted group therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of students, including those who:
Need support with developing social skills and building relationships with others
Experience anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment challenges and/or loss
Children who are neurodivergent
Need support in developing emotional regulation skills and coping strategies
Children who would benefit from a break from the classroom
Conclusion
Integrating individual and group therapy into the school system is essential for promoting mental health and wellbeing among children and young people. By providing these services, schools can help students navigate times of stress and/or emotional challenges and to develop mental wellbeing.