Therapy Definitions
This article explains some of the different types of therapy available for children and young people in the UK. In the UK currently, there aren’t any laws around who can practice as a therapist, so it is very important to check the training, qualifications and registration to a professional body of a therapist. The professional body the therapist is registered with should be recognised by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Research has highlighted that the effectiveness of psychological interventions is closely linked to the quality of the Therapeutic Relationships the therapist forms with their clients.
Many therapists who work with children use creative tools for expression. The child does not need to be at a particular creative skill level to engage in creative therapy. Some therapists will be trained in multiple types of therapy.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is suitable for children between 3 and 12 years old. It generally takes a non-directive approach. This means the child is free to lead the sessions, within carefully managed boundaries. The child has the freedom to express themselves verbally, physically or with playthings in the room. The sessions help the child to learn more about themselves while encouraging change to come from within. Find out more…
https://www.playtherapylondon.co.uk/what-is-play-therapy
Theraplay
Theraplay is a child and family therapy designed for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem and trust in others. It is suitable for children between 3 and 12 years old. During the sessions the Theraplay Practitioner guides the parent or carer and child through playful, fun games, developmentally challenging activities, and tender, nurturing activities.
https://theraplay.org/what-is-theraplay/
Filial Therapy
Filial therapy is a type of play therapy. It is suitable for children between 3 and 12 years old. Filial therapy involves the parents or carers directly as the agents of therapeutic change.
https://playtherapy.org.uk/in-depth-information-on-how-play-therapy-works/filial-definition/
Art Therapy
Art therapy is suitable for people of any age. An art therapy session uses art alongside talking. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth.
https://baat.org/art-therapy/what-is-art-therapy/
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of talking therapy. It is suitable for people older than 3 years old. It focuses on helping the client understand the link between their thoughts (cognitive) and what they do (behaviours). It is used to help people manage their thoughts and feelings.
Dance and Movement Therapy (DMP)
Dance and Movement Therapy is a type of movement therapy. Body movements and dance are used to communicate during the session.
Dyadic-Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
DDP is a type of talking therapy. It aims to help the child’s relationship with their parent(s). This is done by talking with the child using an affective-reflective dialogue. DDP involves the child and parents working together with the therapist.
https://ddpnetwork.org/about-ddp/dyadic-developmental-psychotherapy/
Dramatherapy
Dramatherapy uses non-verbal and verbal techniques. A drama therapy session can include drama, story-making, music, movement, and art.
https://www.badth.org.uk/dramatherapy/what-is-dramatherapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR uses side-to-side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific, structured format. It was developed as a therapy for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can be used to help with a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioural difficulties, relationship issues and more serious mental illnesses such as psychosis and personality disorders.
https://emdrassociation.org.uk/
Family Therapy / Systemic Therapy
Family or systemic psychotherapy is a talking therapy. It sets out to help people in close relationships better understand and support each other and express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely.
https://www.aft.org.uk/page/whatisfamilytherapy
Music Therapy
Music Therapy draws on music to support people of all ages. Music Therapy uses the ability to respond to music to facilitate positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication. It can help develop and facilitate communication skills, improve self-confidence and independence, enhance self-awareness and awareness of others, and improve concentration and attention skills.
https://www.bamt.org/music-therapy/what-is-music-therapy
Therapeutic Life Story Work
Therapeutic Life Story Work explores the client's life journey and helps them to identify key events, and uncover patterns and themes.
https://tlswi.com/about-tlswi/
If there is a therapy I have missed that you would like to be included contact me and let me know.
