Creative Therapies
What are creative therapies?
At Gretton School learners have access to Art and Dramatherapy. We also have a Music Therapy trainee at Gretton who is studying with Nordoff and Robbins. Creativity and play is a natural way for children and young people to make sense of their world and it offers a safe and alternative way to express complicated feelings that may be too difficult to put into words. Children and young people can communicate through metaphor and representations, taking the pressure or fear away from direct discussions.
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Learners do not need to be good at art, drama and music to access the benefits from these creative therapies. The creative therapists work closely with families and staff to ensure a holistic approach to each learner's needs. ​
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Therapies are offered individually or in groups, either in class or a dedicated therapy space. The therapist creates a supportive, non-judgemental environment to help learners:
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Express thoughts and feelings, and improve emotional regulation.
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Enhance communication and authenticity.
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Build self-awareness and develop a sense of agency.
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Improve confidence and self-esteem.
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Develop healthy coping mechanisms.
By integrating these creative therapies, Gretton School offers an effective, holistic approach to supporting learners’ emotional and psychological well-being.
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Art Therapy
Art therapy uses visual media like clay, paint, and drawing to support self-expression and emotional exploration. It helps learners give shape and form to complex feelings, enhance well-being, and build self-awareness.
Dramatherapy
Dramatherapy uses play, story-making, movement, and imagery to explore emotions and experiences. It provides a creative outlet for learners to develop self-awareness, process feelings, and gain insight into their world. Sessions may include storytelling, role-play, symbolic play, and sensory exploration.
Music Therapy
Nordoff Robbins' music therapy is a collaborative, music-centered approach where learners engage in musical activities with the therapist. Sessions are tailored to each learner’s unique needs, fostering connection, communication, and emotional expression. Music therapy enhances social interaction and is designed to be meaningful to each individual.
Universal support:
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The Art Therapist facilitates a weekly lunchtime art club as not all learners will require the need for more specialist art therapy support. The lunchtime art club aims to provide an alternative therapeutic activity that promotes playfulness, connection and self-expression.
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Creative therapists also provide whole school training to staff; recent training includes support for Anxiety, and a PACE therapeutic approach.
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Learners at Gretton also have opportunities to take part in ad hoc creative therapeutic workshops; recent workshops include ‘My Voice Matters’ as part of children’s mental health week.
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For more information about Art Therapy, Dramatherapy and Music Therapy you can visit the British Association of Art Therapists website, the British Association of Dramatherapists website, and The Norfoff-Robbins Music Therapy website. ​
Our 'Growing Together Gretton Tree' (pictured above) was inspired by our Art Therapist and created during Children's Mental Health Week in February 2022.
Learners created the leaves of the tree by drawing around their hands and decorate them, adding positive words about things they are proud of, thankful for and aiming towards.
"Thank you to everyone who took part, it is so fab to see it all together." - Rebecca Kruller-Adams, Art Therapist