Soft-Touch Therapeutic & Creative Interventions
Karen is not a therapist, but is a fully trained and qualified practitioner offering therapeutic play and creative-based interventions for 1:1 and small group sessions.
She visits primary schools across Northamptonshire to deliver:
- 12-week structured small-group programmes to help children build self-esteem, peer relationships, and emotional resilience.
- 1:1 dedicated sessions for children experiencing anxiety, significant life changes, grief, or bereavement.
1. SandStory Skills® (SSS®)
SandStory Skills® is a gentle, creative, and innovative technique that supports self-expression using sand, symbols, and creative storytelling to promote positive emotional development safely.
- How it Works: Working 1:1 with a child, using trays of sensory sand, small world figures, and gentle guided games to help children express themselves emotionally.
- Rooted in Proven Methodology: Based on the ‘Small World Technique’ developed by Dr Margaret Lowenfeld, which enables children to express themselves non-verbally through play.
- Who Benefits Most:
- Children who find it difficult to express feelings with words
- Children struggling with low self-esteem or self-belief
- Children who communicate distress through challenging behaviours
- Children experiencing difficulties with peer relationships or school transitions
- While the child explores freely, Karen gently guides them to make connections between what they are processing and their conscious daily life.
2. Drawing and Talking
Drawing and Talking is a renowned therapeutic intervention designed for children and young people. It provides a safe, non-confrontational way to process emotional pain, worry, or trauma.
- Structure: 12 weekly sessions lasting 30 minutes each.
- Safe Expression: When given plain paper and complete freedom to draw without judgement or interruption, the right side of the brain is engaged, allowing buried feelings and worries to surface naturally.
- Meaningful Dialogue: Discussing their drawings in a secure, confidential environment helps the child make sense of their internal emotional world.
- Keepsake Folder: Drawings are held safely by Karen throughout the 12 weeks, and presented back to the child upon completion.
Note: Drawing and Talking is intended as a proactive, short-term intervention designed to complement, rather than replace, specialist mental health services.