Therapy
Individual Person-Centred Therapy
Aran Hall school benefits from having two in-house psychotherapists who provide all our young people with a weekly 1:1 therapy session. The principle therapeutic model is person-centred therapy, but our specialist team are able to draw on multiple approaches and models such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy’s (ACT) developmental model – DNA-v.
DNA-v is an evidence-based model and is specifically focused on working with adolescents; it is viewed as combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and positive psychology. The model is designed to help people cope with challenges, stress, and change., and is underpinned by contextual behavioural science.
The Therapists will use a variety of therapeutic interventions including painting, drawing, making collages, implementing play opportunities in order to support our young people to have a positive therapy experience and an opportunity to explore their own thoughts and feelings in a safe and comfortable environment.
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Our Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist visits the school once a month and provides a 24 hour on call service. He ensures all the mental health needs of our pupils are met and that all prescriptions are reviewed regularly.
Horse Therapy
Our pupils access Equine Assisted Learning at the Meirionnydd Special Riding Group. This takes place in a ground based environment where horses can act as a catalyst for learning, personal growth and fulfilment. Activities are person-centred and include mindfulness practice, grooming, leading and liberty work, observation, wellbeing and environmental enrichment. Horse Therapy or ‘Cyswllt Ceffyl’ allows self-confidence and self-esteem to flourish.
Medical, Health and Wellbeing Support
All of our young people are registered with the local GP who has worked with the school for several years. The Surgery has a good understanding of our young people and their needs. All young people are also registered with the local dentist and optician.
We can access additional therapeutic input such as Clinical and/or Educational Psychologist, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist or Occupational therapist, if required.
Advocacy Service
TGP Cymru provide advocacy for our pupils. They visit once a month and a telephone number is provided outside of these times should our young people want additional advocacy support. Through advocacy our pupils are helped to have their voices heard and ensure their views are respected. They may use an advocate because they want something to happen, something to change or something to stop.
Relationship and Sexuality Education
All young people will have weekly RSE as part of their school curriculum. The RSE policy is available on the School’s website, detailing how RSE is a positive and protective part of the Curriculum for Wales. Learners are taught over 3 main interlinked learning strands, covering relationship and identity, sexual health and wellbeing, empowerment safety and respect. RSE is mandatory for all learners in Wales aged 3-16 yrs.
