How to Know Which Therapy is Best for Your Learners

When children don’t have the words to communicate how they are feeling, Creative Arts Therapy can help them to find their voice through a creative medium. There are a number of creative mediums available, including art, drama, music and play. Whether they prefer painting a picture, or writing a song, engaging in creative activities not only helps to put children at ease in a therapeutic setting, but helps them to make sense of their experiences and process their emotions. However, when seeking out therapeutic support for your learners, how do you know which therapy to choose?

How to Know Which Therapy is Best for Your Learners

Choosing the right creative therapy for children struggling in an educational provision requires careful consideration and a thorough understanding of their individual needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision: 

Step 1: Assess Individual Needs

• Identify Specific Challenges: Take note of the specific emotional or behavioural challenges the children are facing. Are they dealing with anxiety, trauma, social issues, or communication difficulties? 
• Observe Behaviour: Spend time observing how the children interact with their peers and the classroom environment. This can provide insight into whether they may benefit from a particular type of therapy. 
• Gather Information: Speak with support staff, such as Educational Psychologists, Counsellors, and Special Education Professionals. They can provide valuable input on which therapy has previously been effective for similar pupils. 

Step 2: Understand the Therapeutic Approaches

Begin by researching the different therapies: 

• Art Therapy: Utilises creative expression through various art forms to help pupils communicate and process their emotions. 
• Music Therapy: Incorporates musical activities to facilitate emotional expression, enhance social skills, and foster personal connections. 
• Dramatherapy: Engages pupils in role-play and storytelling, allowing them to express feelings and explore scenarios in a safe space. 
• Play Therapy: Offers a playful and interactive approach that helps younger children address emotions and behavioural issues through play. 

Remember to ensure that the therapists involved are certified and have appropriate training in their specific therapeutic modality. This is vital for effective implementation and monitoring. If they are creative arts therapists, they need to be registered with the HCPC. For play therapists, it would be BACP. 

Step 3: Match Therapy to Student Needs

• Consider Developmental Appropriateness: Match the therapy to the developmental level of the children. For instance, younger children may respond better to play therapy or art therapy, while older students may benefit from music therapy or dramatherapy. 
• Select Based on Interests: Take note of pupils’ interests. Children are more likely to engage in therapy that resonates with their personal preferences. For example, a child interested in music may thrive in music therapy, while one who enjoys storytelling might find dramatherapy more effective. 
• Assess Group Dynamics: If working with groups, consider how the dynamics might influence therapy choices. Some therapies, like art therapy, can be done individually or in groups, while others, like dramatherapy, often thrive in collaborative settings. 

Step 4: Collaborate with Professionals

• Consult with a us: At One Education, we have experienced therapists in each discipline who can discuss the specific needs of your students. They can recommend which therapy is best for your learners based on their expertise. 
• Involve Parents and Caregivers: Engage with parents or guardians to gain insight into the child’s home environment and emotional needs. Their perspective can guide your decision. 
• Create a Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Sometimes, a combination of therapy types may be beneficial. For instance, integrating art therapy with play therapy may address both emotional expression and social skills development. We also promote and deliver parent work alongside the therapy with the young people, this can support understanding and recovery from intergenerational issues that may otherwise hamper the progress of the therapy. 

Step 5: Monitor and Evaluate

• Set Clear Goals: Establish specific goals for each child participating in the chosen therapy. Goals could include improving emotional expression, enhancing social interactions, or coping with anxiety. 
• Observe Progress: Regularly assess the progress of the children in therapy. Make note of any changes in behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and engagement in school. 
• Be Flexible and Adaptive: Be open to adjusting your approach based on what is most effective for the children over time. If one type of therapy isn’t resonating, consider trying another. 

Figuring out which therapy is best for a child in your class can be tricky, but collaborating with other professionals and developing a deep understanding of the child’s needs can help you make the right decision.

Ultimately, a child-centered approach that prioritises the child’s unique strengths, challenges, interests and developmental levels will lead to the best outcomes, enhancing both their educational experience and overall wellbeing. 

For further advice and guidance, get in touch with our Creative Arts Therapies team. We’re happy to help!