After many years of working with children and young people who, through no fault of their own, have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), school refusal, or challenges with their mental health, I have discovered that some of the most meaningful conversations happen when hands are busy creating.

Working alongside a young person in a relaxed, creative environment removes the pressure of formal therapy. Whether we are painting, drawing, crafting or simply making something together around the kitchen table, the creative process often unlocks barriers that words alone cannot. It creates a safe, non-judgemental space where trust can grow, emotions can be explored, and the young person can begin to make sense of their experiences.

Rather than telling them what to do, we walk beside them, using therapeutic mentoring to help them recognise their own strengths, develop resilience, and discover practical ways to move forward with the challenges they face. Time and again, we have witnessed young people arrive feeling overwhelmed or stuck, only to leave with a greater sense of hope, confidence and direction.

At the Kitchen Table Therapy is built on the belief that healing often begins with connection, creativity and conversation.

The At the Kitchen Table Therapy Model

At the Kitchen Table Therapy is a creative therapeutic mentoring approach that combines the well-established GROW coaching model with additional elements that recognise the emotional and relational needs of children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity, school avoidance or mental health challenges.

The model has evolved through years of working alongside young people and recognises that lasting change happens when they feel safe, heard and accepted. Sessions are collaborative, creative and always led by the pace of the young person.

The GROW+ Framework

The mentoring process follows six interconnected stages:

Goals – "Me"
Who am I? What would I like to be different? Together we identify realistic, meaningful goals that belong to the young person.

Reality – "I Am"
Exploring where the young person is right now, recognising their strengths, challenges and current circumstances without judgement.

Options – "I Can"
Encouraging creativity and curiosity to discover possible solutions, build confidence and recognise opportunities that may not have been visible before.

Emotions – "I Feel"
Providing a safe space to identify, express and understand emotions, helping the young person develop emotional awareness and regulation.

Perceptions – "I See"
Exploring how experiences, beliefs and assumptions shape the way they view themselves, others and the world, while gently encouraging new perspectives.

Way Forward – "I Know"
Agreeing manageable next steps that the young person feels confident to take, leaving each session with a clear sense of direction and ownership.

How Sessions Work

Every session begins with a gentle check-in, allowing the young person to reflect on how they have been since the previous meeting. This creates continuity, celebrates progress and provides an opportunity to discuss any challenges that may have arisen.

The remainder of the session develops naturally, always moving at the young person's pace. There is no pressure to disclose difficult experiences before they are ready. Building trust and creating a sense of emotional safety are at the heart of every interaction.

Why Art?

Art is not used to produce perfect pictures or to judge artistic ability. Instead, it becomes a therapeutic tool that supports conversation, reflection and self-discovery.

When hands are busy creating, many young people find it easier to talk, think and process difficult experiences. The creative process can bypass barriers that often make direct conversation feel overwhelming, allowing thoughts, feelings and memories to emerge naturally.

Through drawing, painting, collage, clay, crafts or other creative activities, young people can explore their emotions from a different perspective, develop problem-solving skills and begin to recognise their own strengths and resilience.

At the Kitchen Table Therapy believes that creativity is not the outcome—it is the pathway. The artwork simply becomes the bridge that helps each young person discover their own potential, understand themselves more deeply and find their own way forward.