My name is Ruth Goodman, I am a practicing artist and art therapist. Prior to completing my Masters in art therapy, I worked in primary education as a teacher and adviser.

Art therapy is an intervention that offers an opportunity for self-expression. Art can be a method of communication for young people who may find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. It gives a voice to young people who are non-verbal or have language limitations, enabling them to express themselves in a safe space with a regulating therapist. Art therapists work with a broad range of art materials that provide opportunities for creative expression, sensory exploration and problem solving without restriction or fear of judgement. The creative process gives a sense of accomplishment, building self-esteem and self-awareness on an individual level. It engages both the body and mind. It can lead to self-discovery of emotions and help young people to work through troubling issues in order to facilitate positive change.

I’m Megan McHugh and I am part of The Mental Health Support Team in SEN Schools (MHST) working as a mental health practitioner. The MHST is an early intervention service supporting children and young people with anxiety, low mood, behaviours which challenge, and emotion regulation. We offer proactive and preventative support which can be delivered as 1.1 sessions. groups, and workshops. Our support if delivered to both children and parents / carers. If you are interested in support from The MHST you can discuss a referral being made to the team with staff at Southfield. We work closely with Southfield to provide wellbeing support as part of the ‘Whole School Approach’, which emphasises the importance of all students accessing wellbeing support at school.

My name is Clare Barnes and I’ve been the music therapist at Southfield school since April 2018. I am a state registered therapist and have been working in Hertfordshire since 2009. 

Music therapy is a useful clinical intervention for people with communication difficulties as it primarily uses a non verbal form of interacting. Central to the music therapy process is the trusting therapeutic relationship that is formed between the client and therapist. Space and time is given for the client to use the music as a means of expression, to build on social skills and develop meaningful social interactions through shared music making. No musical ability is needed as the music is solely improvised and client lead with the therapist supporting the client. 

Southfield currently have a contact for a days music therapy provision which is funded by the school. There is also the option for parents to fund sessions themselves. More information about this can be found at https://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/music-lessons-in-hertfordshire/music-therapy.aspx

I have worked with children with learning disabilities for over 20 years in various settings and I have been a Play Therapist at Southfield’s since 2017.

I have a post graduate diploma in Play Therapy and support children who are not realising their full potential. These children may have emotional, behavioural or social difficulties, or have struggled with difficult experiences. As a play therapist I help children to tell their story, make sense of their experiences, thoughts and feelings and develop coping mechanisms, build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.

Fun Fact: I love to do silly dancing in my living room to very loud music