TESTIMONIALS
"Claire’s training session on emotional regulation in the classroom demonstrated a vast amount of knowledge when it came to children's emotional and mental health. She illustrated the importance of bringing back our teaching and learning environment back to 'human connection'. Emphasis were placed on the following: routine and expectations, explicitly modelling emotional literacy, fostering a safe environment for children to feel and to vocalise how they feel. The practical demonstrations were really useful with an emphasis placed on building a regulatory toolbox which the children feel comfortable utilising. Overall, an informative and creative outlook on how we can better serve our kids and ultimately their communities."
Year 6 teacher
"Claire has been absolutely brilliant helping my 13-year-old daughter who suffers with anxiety particularly relating to school. Claire is kind, calm and non-judgemental and has a great way of talking to young people that immediately sets them at ease. The difference in how my daughter feels and behaves after therapy has been so good to see. The sessions are based around creative therapy and in my daughter’s case Claire has introduced clay modelling. This has given my daughter a focus which she is totally engaged with and to be honest I don’t think she even realises she is having therapy as she’s so absorbed in what she’s doing! The sessions are very relaxed and Claire makes them fun and enjoyable. I have been really impressed and would highly recommend Claire to anyone looking for a therapist for their child."
Parent
"Play therapy has been instrumental in changing This child’s behaviour and attitude at school. During the Autumn term *** was regularly hurting adults and other children as a result of her frustrations and pent up anger. Soon after the Play Therapy started she began to calm noticeably and has been performing well at school with very few behaviour incidents. Her academic work has improved during this time and there is the chance that she could catch up and achieve age related expectations by the end of year 6 if we could support her emotional wellbeing. I cannot overstate how much the therapy and *’s relationship with Claire has helped this vulnerable girl."
Headteacher
We look forward to Claire’s visits to our school, she is a calm and happy influence who has quickly built excellent relationships with school staff as well as the child she works with.
It is hard to overstate the positive impact Claire’s sessions have had on the emotional wellbeing of the child she works with. The class teacher reports “We first noticed a difference in *’s behaviour after just a few sessions with Claire, she received some disappointing news and rather than acting out aggressively, she was able to express her feelings appropriately and have a good cry. Longer term; she's more settled, she's made friends and is less 'spikey' according to her closest friend. She is less prone to outbursts and is more able to identify when she needs help.” * herself says “I feel happy when Claire comes because I have a friend who is older than me, and I can talk to her about anything.”
Deputy Headteacher, Class teacher and client
"We self-referred to Creative Connection and the process couldn’t have been easier. Claire took the time to have a fairly extensive call with me, which not only enabled me to describe the issues my daughter was having without feeling time-pressured, it also provided a much-needed supportive outlet for me.
Being a teenager, it was critical that my daughter felt she could trust the process, and that the things she discussed with Claire were between the two of them, and not relayed back to me. I get feedback in terms of progress but the detail stays between the two of them. This is critical, as my daughter would shut down if she felt detail was being shared with me.
My daughter was at ease with Claire pretty much from the word go. Claire has a lovely way with her and her sense of care and drive to help young people is authentic and packed with integrity. For me, that’s everything, and my daughter responds so well to this.
My daughter has been having weekly sessions which has been great for building rapport and trust. From this really solid foundation, I feel the more challenging work can begin. I’m so grateful Claire found space for us, and I feel so much better knowing she’s on the right rack and with the right person. Thank you."
Parent