Therapeutic Techniques
The main therapeutic techniques used with young people are:
Anger management exercises.
All staff receive training in the use of these techniques which assist the young person to release anger in a controlled and safe manner. They support the more advanced therapeutic work of the qualified therapists and form the first stage in Attachment Therapy. Exercises include such things as punching newspapers and bursting balloons in a situation where staff control and guide the young person.
Attachment Therapy
All staff receives training in Attachment Therapy which equips them to interact with young people on a daily basis in a manner which supports the more advanced work of the qualified therapists in that it aids healthy attachments to key staff.
Cognitive Psychotherapy
Used only by qualified therapists within Future In Mind. It works with the thought processes of the individual that lead to the fine neurological pathways which have been formed as a result of former traumatic experiences. Cognitive Psychotherapy assists in changing the pathways and thus desensitising the impact of previous negative experiences.
Behavioural Psychotherapy
An ongoing process of behaviour management utilised in the home alongside other therapies it assists in changing behaviour by the gentle use of rewards and sanctions and use of boundaries.
Neurolinguistic Programming
Again, used only by qualified therapists, it incorporates the use of the senses, emotions and the concept of time. All of which can have a powerful impact for any child that has been traumatised. The therapeutic use of words and language can assist changes at a neurological level.
Relaxation and Visualisation Techniques
Qualified therapists assist the child to relax their mind and body and to expand their visual representations of "the problem" and give them the ability to internally problem solve. All staff are trained in the use of healing stories at bedtime which, in a very gentle way, help to aid this process.
Meridian Therapies
Used only by qualified therapists this uses the natural energy channels of the body which, by applying gentle pressure can desensitise traumatic memories, release feelings of guilt, confusion, anger and helplessness. These feelings can then be replaced with confidence, self esteem and a positive direction for the future.
Therapeutic Programmes
Young people's Therapeutic Programmes will use a combination of our therapies as advised by the Director of Therapy. Over the course of the programme they will be used to address areas identified in the Therapeutic Assessment.
One to one "Therapy Sessions" form part of the Programme and address the more traumatic and significant events of young people's histories. The nature of the therapeutic unit and training received by all staff ensure that young people receive appropriate therapeutic input during their day to day living experience.
Staff will only utilise therapies which they are appropriately trained/ qualified in the use of and a signed agreement for the use of therapies is obtained from the young person's Placing Authority
All therapeutic work is supervised by the Director of Therapy, Geraldine Taylor.