1.10.3 Therapeutic Techniques

Contents

1. Introduction
2. New Referrals not in Primary Care Unit
3. Ongoing Therapy
4. Services for Staff

1. Introduction

Clifford House offers therapeutic interventions by qualified, experienced and supervised therapists. Including a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.

We deliver orthodox therapy in a significantly unorthodox yet commonsense manner. Clifford House Therapists work alongside the management and staff with the aim of contributing to a cohesive, imaginative and aware environment, in which the impact of an individual staff member, whatever their area of specialism, can be maximised through their contribution as a full team member.

All therapists are fully qualified to minimum Diploma level and are required to have on-going clinical supervision and be a member of a recognised professional body.

The Cognitive Behavioural approach forms the underpinning theoretical base for therapeutic work at Clifford House and is adopted by all therapists. Residential staff support this work and when necessary other specific interventions will be undertaken by care staff under therapist's supervision. Specific therapies will vary depending on the individual needs of each child. However, these may include behaviour modification using a number of techniques including, the use of reward schemes; anger management, utilising both worksheet packs and cognitive strategies; life story work, post-trauma / abuse work etc. Other theoretical models and specialised therapies can also be made available if indicated, i.e. a psychodynamic approach, art therapy, etc.

Wherever a child lives and a therapist is involved in their care, the therapist attends staff meetings on a regular basis, attends professional meetings such as reviews and provides regular reports on the young person's progress. For young people living in a primary care unit individual therapy is an integral part of their placement and does not incur any extra costs. For young people living in other Clifford House resources there is an additional cost for therapeutic input. Therapy for young people not in a primary care unit is accessed by a verbal referral being made either by a Clifford House senior manager or a field social worker. Once a referral has been received the Clinical Psychologist will decide on which therapist may be most appropriate and their CV and current costing for sessions are forwarded to the young person's field social worker along with a referral form.

Once the referral form has been completed and returned an initial appointment will be arranged in consultation with the young person's care team and school.

2. New Referrals not in Primary Care Unit

An initial meeting with the young person referred, at no cost, to assess suitability for counselling. If not previously done or if out of date, an 8 session assessment will be required which includes a minimum of 8 hours direct work with client plus a maximum of 8 hours casework with staff team, producing an assessment report, attendance at first review post the assessment, travel and all resources required.

3. Ongoing Therapy

Sessions to include a minimum of 1 hour, maximum of 1.5 hours direct work with client, minimum 0.5 hours, maximum 1 hour casework with staff team, progress reports - as agreed, attendance at reviews, travel and all resources required.

Casework with staff teams is essential to gain feedback prior to and after sessions. This facilitates the exchange of appropriate information thereby ensuring a consistent and effective approach is adopted. The therapeutic work is therefore supported and understood by the people with whom the client spends the most time.

Each young person being seen by a therapist will have his or her case reviewed with the psychologist on a monthly basis.

4. Services for Staff

Therapeutic services are also available to staff members and can be requested by the individual seeking help/support or by a senior manager making a referral.

Both methods of accessing a service can be done direct to an individual therapist or through the psychologist. Once a request has been made an initial assessment session is arranged, where the individual is informed of the procedure for gaining a service. This procedure begins with a discussion with the psychologist, if the request/referral was made to an individual therapist, to ensure access is appropriate and relevant a decision is also made regarding whether a senior manager is informed at this stage. Post this discussion, further appointments are made as required with the staff member.

All staff members being seen by a therapist will have their case reviewed on a monthly basis with the psychologist.

Click here to view Clifford House Counselling Referral form.

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