PLAY & CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY
Helping Children & Young People Heal Through Creativity & Connection
WHAT IS PLAY & CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY?
At Rubix Therapy, sessions are child-led and shaped by what feels safest for the child or young person. Many sessions unfold in a non-directive way, meaning the young person chooses how they engage through drawing, play, movement or quiet exploration.
At times, gentle direction may be offered when it supports emotional safety, expression or regulation.
As trust builds, creative expression becomes a bridge to deeper healing, helping children explore emotions, revisit experiences, and discover healthier ways to cope.
HOW IT WORKS
At Rubix Therapy, sessions follow a child-led, non-directive approach. This means that the child or young person is free to choose how they engage. Whether through drawing, storytelling, movement, or simply being quiet. The therapist follows their lead with presence, care, and attunement.
Over time, as trust builds, creative expression becomes a bridge to deeper healing. This supportive process helps children revisit past experiences, explore their emotions, and discover healthier ways to relate and cope.
WHY CHOOSE THIS APPROACH?
This type of therapy provides more than just creative expression – it nurtures emotional growth, confidence and connection. In particular, it:
– Eases anxiety & builds self-belief
– Encourages emotional regulation and resilience that goes beyond words
– Strengthens relationships at home, school, and in the wider world
– Fosters confidence and mental wellness
– Creates a space to reflect and process emotions
– Supports children and young people in reconnecting with themselves and others
-Helps develop emotional tools for life’s challenges
– Introduces moments of playfulness, curiosity, and even joy
Importantly, it’s not just about creativity, it’s about healing through connection.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?
Creative Arts Therapy isn’t just for young children.
While especially powerful for children and young people; who often communicate best through play and art; this approach offers deep value across all ages. Its flexibility allows each child or young person to work in the way that feels right for them.
No special talent required – just curiosity and an open heart.
WHAT DOES A SESSION FOR CHILDREN LOOK LIKE?
Every Play and Creative Arts Therapy session is built around trust, safety, and the child’s lead. An Integrative Holistic Approach is used, offering play and a toolkit of creative materials to help them explore their thoughts and feelings. There’s no pressure to talk. Just space to be, play, and express.
Your child may:
– Tell stories through puppets or sand play
– Create music, movement, or visual art
– Try out new situations through role-play or puppetry
– Simply explore and play at their own pace
Typically, sessions are appropriate for children from 5 years old and are 35-45 minutes long. Depending on the child’s needs and the length of the therapeutic relationship, they may be non-directive (led by the child) or gently directive (guided by the therapist).
THE TOOLKIT
Sand Tray
For storytelling, symbolism, and safety.
Role Play & Costume
For “trying out” situations and characters in a safe environment.
Puppets & Masks
To explore relationships and identity.
Therapeutic Stories & Visualisation
To build inner strength and resilience.
Art (drawing, painting, clay, etc)
For self-expression and release.
Music & Movement
For non-verbal communication and sensory regulation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH CREATIVITY
When young people feel overwhelmed, they often need a space that feels safe, steady and pressure-free. Creative therapy offers a gentle alternative to talking, using art, play and metaphor to help them express themselves and make sense of their experiences, at their own pace.
WHY CHOOSE CREATIVE THERAPY FOR ADOLESCENTS?
For many adolescents traditional talk therapy can feel daunting. Creative therapy for teens offers a gentler way to process challenges using art, play, and metaphor. Tools that meet them where they are. The use of these tools helps them to communicate, build resilience and boost confidence. There’s no need to be “good at it”. It’s about the process, not the product.
Metaphor can also become part of the young person’s personal toolbox to help them to develop their emotional literacy and coping skills that they can draw on for years to come.
HOW IS A YOUNG PERSON'S SESSION DIFFERENT?
Sessions are appropriate for Young People aged up to 17 years, are 50 minutes long and tailored to each young person’s needs.
The space and tools are tailored for older children and teens, using games and creative prompts to gently open up exploration. While some choose to talk, others simply benefit from having a calm space to create and reflect.
WHAT CAN CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY HELP WITH?
– Anxiety, trauma, stress and phobias
– Confidence, self-esteem, communication, and resilience
– Emotional regulation and sensory processing
– Loss, separation, or attachment issues
– Friendship and social boundaries
– Supporting Neurodiversity
KIND WORDS
Ashleigh has been amazing to work with! She has that down to earth attitude which makes everyone like her. She had made an amazing impact on our children’s lives when working with them. I would highly recommend her to everyone.
SENCO at an All-Through School
Ashleigh is a wonderful play therapist. Sensitive, thoughtful, insightful and very kind.
Our daughter had a tricky time compounded by change of schools and the pandemic. She loved Ashleigh and really trusted her.
Ashleigh gently got her back on track and made school seem fun again. We can’t thank her enough for helping us turn a corner with our daughter, who is now thriving. We highly recommend her.
Parent of a 9 Year Old Client
I can’t praise Ashleigh enough for her work she done with my son in helping him with the transition of settling into secondary school. Patient and very professional.
Parent of a 13 Year Old Client