Nopa
Number one performing arts charity
+44 20 3576 0424
+44 20 3576 0424

Therapeutic support

Therapeutic Support

Using therapeutic principles embedded in creative activities, we’ve worked with children who’ve been referred to us by their school, parent or carer. We’ve helped prevent bullying and exclusion, and have empowered children to express themselves and become self-aware. This has enhanced their relationships with others, built their confidence, and improved their concentration and academic achievement. These improvements have benefitted the entire school community, too. 

What do we do?

  • Individual and group therapy for children (and parents if we think it’ll help). Here, we use creative therapies to help children learn how to express themselves and explore their feelings.
  • Family outreach support, which provides practical and emotional support and advocacy for parents.
  • Casework models have been developed during the coronavirus pandemic. We want to make sure we’re addressing emerging concerns and issues that families have faced during lockdown.

How do we work?

We seek to understand the root causes or underlying reasons that lead to behavioural issues in our students. We believe that our behaviour reflects our emotional state, which means we aren’t always able to respond to situations in the best way. Here’s how we do this 

  • We’re child-centred. For us, the needs of the child are paramount.
  • We aren’t judgemental. We understand that life’s not straightforward. Often there are social, environmental, cultural, financial and historical factors that influence our behaviour.
  • We’re holistic. Our services provide both therapeutic and practical support. Our activities see the child in relation to their support network, as well as their home and school environment.
  • We work in partnership with our students’ families, because our services are developed to support them, too. We want families to feel confident in themselves and by giving them the tools to navigate our world. We know that all parents want the best for their children, but personal circumstances mean that this isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re here to support families and create an environment to help their child thrive.

Some of our results

Therapeutic sessions in schools 

“I’m really happy. It’s a perfect, amazing service. My support worker has never let me down. I was really sceptical about the service when the school referred me, but I’m really surprised and so grateful for all that NOPA has done for me. I cannot thank you enough.”

 “Talking to NOPA was surprisingly fun – it helped a lot with my anger management and confidence. I’m glad I talked to NOPA because they helped me prepare for secondary school.”

“The counselling sessions that NOPA have provided myself and my son over the last 6 months have been worthwhile and beneficial in many ways. I don’t know what position we’d be in now as a family if it wasn’t for their care and support.”

“Counselling has provided support – someone to talk with. I have anxiety and there are everyday life stressors but I’m less stressed and anxious than before. I think it is the outlet. I don’t get to talk to family or friends that often and it’s speaking to someone who doesn’t look at you strangely.”