Creative Therapeutic Practice to Support Autistic & Neurodivergent Children and Young People

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Mary Rose Brady and Dr Patricia Watts

⁠The significant year-on-year global increase of autism diagnoses presents a particular challenge for a Health Care system already under considerable stress. NICE guidelines recommend maximum waiting times of 13 weeks for clients referred for autism assessments, however waiting lists in the UK are generally around 5 times this length, preventing best practice from being implemented.⁠ This also means that creative therapists and other professionals are being referred more children and young people pre or post assessment and are required to adapt their interventions to address and support additional needs 

Delivering effective creative therapeutic intervention for autistic children and young people requires specific training in order to support development, social communication and emotional regulation and to mitigate some of the more distressing accompanying symptoms.⁠

Applying  integral elements of early years evidence based training for autistic children and young people like PACT and JASPER and incorporating knowledge of the 3 hidden senses can be a game changer in delivering safe and effective practice. This CPCAB endorsed course draws on researched interventions to combine theory and practice with sensory motor activities designed by children and young people themselves.

By utilising a “  heads, shoulders, knees and toes... and eyes and ears and mouth and nose”  approach, we can help  join the sensory, motor, interoceptive, proprioceptive and vestibular dots to support autistic children and young people in a more effective and  holistic way.

“what I love most about this approach is its focus on sensory and symbolic methods, making it easier to connect with neurodivergent cyp, especially those who may struggle with verbal communication. The training is both practical and evidence based , giving me a solid understanding of how to apply these techniques in real world settings. I highly recommend this course- it has been a game changer for how I support the cyp I work with “

Participant from our most recent course 

To book a place on our next course please click here. We are offering 10% off all courses booked in the month of January.

Constructive Approaches to Suicidality and Self-harm

The Centre for Creative Therapeutic Practice is honoured to partner with Sarah Kendrick  to bring you this essential CPD course - Introduction to Constructive Approaches to Suicidality and Self-harm

Sarah Kendrick

Sarah is Clinical Director at Mental Health Innovations, who provide Shout,  a text line available free of charge 24/7 to anyone needing urgent mental health support. Sarah has held senior positions in the charity sector and also acts a  consultant for film and television, and she is currently Clinical Director at Mental Health Innovations, who provide Shout, a text line available free of charge 24/7 to anyone needing urgent mental health support.

Suicide and Self-Harm in the UK: A Crisis We Can All Address

Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people under the age of 35 in the UK. In 2022, 1,796 young people under 35 took their own lives. Around three-quarters of them were boys or young men.

This staggering statistic highlights the urgency of addressing mental health concerns and providing support for those in need. Despite growing awareness, there remains a significant gap in providing effective interventions in therapeutic practice.

This is where my Introduction to Constructive Approaches to Suicidality and Self-Harm course comes in. I am a passionate advocate for equipping therapists, regardless of their modality, with the knowledge and skills to confidently understand, discuss, and take action to help prevent suicide.

Suicide and self-harm are subjects many of us feel unsure or unskilled in addressing. There is still a level of taboo and stigma in society when it comes to having open conversations about suicide, and this hesitance often carries over into our work as therapists. Despite the pressing need, there has been little focus in the creative therapeutic world on the emerging theoretical foundations of suicide prevention and how therapists can apply these insights with great effect. Having seen first hand the devastating impact of suicide on families and communities, I have designed this course to address suicide and self-harm from personal, theoretical, and practical perspectives. No prior expertise or knowledge is required, but an open mind and a willingness to engage in candid discussions about why young people turn to self-harming behaviours are highly encouraged.

The course covers key areas such as examining and reframing  myths about suicide, identifying early warning signs, understanding the stigma surrounding suicide and self-harm, learning how to approach someone who might be struggling, and knowing what actions to take. Participants will gain confidence in navigating difficult conversations, learn how to facilitate safety plans with a strong focus on the possibility of prevention,  and build competence  in supporting safe and  effective therapeutic engagement.

I look forward to meeting you.

More information about this course, including booking can be found here or by emailing hello@tcctp.org

Why Art Therapists Must Continuously Refresh Their Skills

Art therapy is a dynamic and evolving field, deeply rooted in both art and psychology. Whether newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, art therapists are ethically and professionally  bound to embrace a commitment to lifelong learning. As developments in neuroscience, therapeutic practices, and professional guidelines continue to shape the landscape, staying updated is not just a professional obligation but a necessity for providing effective care. 

Advancements in Neuroscience

Neuroscience is increasingly illuminating the connections between the brain, emotions, and creativity. Research on neuroplasticity, trauma, and the brain’s response to creative processes has profound implications for art therapy practices. For example:

• Trauma-informed care: Emerging studies highlight how creative expression can help rewire neural pathways affected by trauma.

• Neuroaesthetics: The growing field of neuroaesthetics explores how engagement with art impacts brain function, offering insights into therapeutic techniques.

By staying informed about these developments, art therapists can refine their methods to align with evidence-based practices, ensuring that their interventions are both effective and grounded in current science. Therapeutic methodologies are not static. Innovations in areas such as mindfulness, sensory motor practices, polyvagal theory and neurodivergent informed interventions  are transforming the ways we  engage with clients.

Refreshing skills in light of these trends allows us  to meet clients where they are, adapting to diverse needs and preferences.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) sets rigorous standards for art therapists in the UK, emphasizing the importance of ongoing professional development. Key aspects include:

• Standards of proficiency: HCPC requires practitioners to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to their practice.

• Ethical practice: Keeping abreast of updated guidelines ensures compliance with ethical standards, safeguarding both clients and practitioners.

  
  

Regularly reviewing and incorporating HCPC guidelines into practice demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to providing safe and effective care.

Refreshing skills can also boost confidence and competence. As we  integrate new knowledge and techniques, we are better equipped to address complex client needs.

This, in turn, leads to:

• Improved therapeutic outcomes: Clients benefit from approaches grounded in the latest research and best practices.

• Professional growth: Continuous learning fosters creativity and innovation, enriching the therapist’s professional journey.

  
  

The world is constantly evolving, and so are the challenges clients face. Issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice movements, and climate anxiety have introduced new dimensions to mental health care. Art therapists must adapt to these changing contexts by:

• Expanding cultural competence: Understanding diverse cultural perspectives and integrating them into therapy.

• Addressing emerging concerns: Equipping themselves with tools to help clients navigate unprecedented stressor.

  
  

For art therapists, staying current is more than a professional requirement; it is a cornerstone of effective and ethical practice. Neuroscience, evolving methodologies, HCPC guidelines, and the complexities of modern life all underscore the need for continuous learning. By refreshing our  skills, we not only enhance our professional capabilities but also honour our commitment to fostering growth and healing through the transformative power of art.

Lifelong learning isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leading the way in a field that holds endless potential for change and creativity.

At The Centre for Creative Therapeutic Practice we pride ourselves on offering Art therapists the tools to enhance their practice.  Our Skills Refresher Course is suitable for art therapists from all backgrounds from newly qualified practitioners who want to build their confidence, to more experienced therapists who would like to refresh their skills and also for art therapists who are returning to practice following a break.

Find out more here or contact us at hello@tcctp.org