Person centred creative arts counselling is similar to child centred play therapy as it is largely client lead but integrates creative arts, such as clay, sand and paint, with talking therapy.
This holistic approach is beneficial for children and young people up to 18 years old and encourages the young person to be fully involved in their therapy experience, from the stage of referral, giving their consent to attend sessions, and having a voice in how the sessions are undertaken.
Some young people may want to talk whilst others may prefer to use creative arts to support in their processing. This approach combines both elements to create a bespoke experience for the client.

The approach is based on extensive research around the client becoming the expert in their own solutions, with the support of the trained therapist.
Instead of being told what to do and how or being given answers that they may not need or want, the client works towards finding their own way to what they are searching for. In doing so the client is empowered and feels more aligned with the outcomes, meaning change from within them is more likely to be sustained.
The client works on exactly what they need to whilst the therapist makes thoughtful observations or reflections to help the client wonder more or self reflect.
A key part of this therapy is that the client and the therapist build a trusting, safe and respectful relationship, whereby the client feels heard, seen and emotionally held by the therapist and both can be open and honest about what comes into the session.
There is no judgement or expectation, which empowers the client feel free to explore themself more deeply.