Clients are provided with a safe space that matches the 6 core conditions of Carl Rogers, unconditional positive regard, empathy, congruence, authenticity, genuineness and freedom of judgment.
Children engage in nondirective, or directive play and art therapy approaches depending on their goals to express emotions, thoughts and unhealthy behaviours in a safe space. The safe space allows for these behaviours to be corrected by learning about emotions, so they can regulate through labelling the specific emotion, talking freely about how they feel, knowing where the feeling is in their body and expressing the feeling in comfortable ways.
Teenagers are provided with a safe space to continue the encouragement of labelling and talking about their emotions with a neutral individual. Discuss the distressing thoughts and emotions that are arising from being a teenager and possibly release any trauma they may be carrying. Teens are exposed to different coping strategies and ways to self-regulate in manners which are effective and comfortable for them. Additionally, show them how they can gain independence, autonomy and agency to develop self-worth and build confidence and self-esteem.
For more information about play therapy, check out the blog section!
