Libraries and leisure

Frequently asked questions

How is Art/Music therapy different from other art or music that happens in school?
Art and Music therapy are branches of the Arts Psychotherapies. Therapists use art or art/music as the basis for a therapeutic relationship with the child (rather like in counselling) but by using art/music rather than words. This form of therapy is especially valuable for children who either have difficulties with verbal communication or who would not feel comfortable using counselling. Sessions are therefore confidential.

Why are sessions confidential and will there be any feedback to the staff team?
As art/music therapy are forms of psychotherapy, children form a relationship with the therapist based on trust and security. This enables the therapist to work with personal and emotional difficulties which children may be experiencing. Children need to know that their session time is private and will not be interrupted. Sessions are usually individual, working on a 1:1 basis with the therapist, in order to build this trust. An assistant may be present with group sessions.

The therapist will always feedback general aspects of sessions to the staff team along with any details relating to child protection concerns, in line with school child protection policy. Reports are written for annual reviews. Parental consent forms are signed before therapy begins.

Will a therapist be part of activities in class?
Some art/music therapists are also qualified teachers and, if asked, may feedback ideas which they have used in structured groupwork. However, a therapist's role in school would not normally include input into the curriculum.

Will the pupil learn art/musical skills?
The role of the therapist is to form a creative relationship with the child, rather than to teach actual skills. However, active creativity forms an essential part of this process and children usually gain confidence in expressing themselves as part of this process.

What happens if a pupil is away, will a therapist see someone else instead?
No, because of the psychotherapeutic nature of the work. It usually takes a number of weeks to form a trusting relationship with a child, and for the therapy work to really begin. Therefore, it is not appropriate to work with a pupil on a ‘one-off’ basis. However, the therapist’s role in school also includes liaising with staff, observation in class, reading background material and writing notes and reports. These activities can all be done when a pupil is absent.

How long would a therapist work for with each child?
Individual sessions are usually about 30 minutes for music therapy, longer for art therapy. Group sessions may be longer. Note writing follows each session. Therapists would usually work for a minimum of two terms for individual work, possibly one term for more structured group work. Therapists will undertake up to six sessions per day.

How much will the sessions cost?
It is good practice for arts therapists to offer a minimum service level agreement to schools. This is due to the sensitive nature of this work and the value that the child will place on it. An example could be that an arts therapist will make an annual contract to work with a school for a minimum of 1 day a week throughout the course of the academic year.

The fees charged vary somewhat according to the type of arts therapy being used, but a useful guide is to expect a fee inclusive of clinical supervision costs, of approximately £210 per day. The day necessarily includes setting up procedures, facilitating the sessions, clearing up, writing notes, liaising with staff and parents and attending meetings.