Therapeutic Services

Our Therapeutic Services team provides a range of specialist support for children, young people and families across DESC and Dacorum schools. Working holistically with learners, parents and school staff, we help promote emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive mental health.

Our team includes qualified counsellors, Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), a Sandy Souls practitioner and a Drawing and Talking practitioner. We also provide advice, guidance and signposting where needed.

At the heart of our work is Hertfordshire’s Tiered Approach to supporting emotional wellbeing and behaviour, ensuring children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time.

To access support, please complete The DESC Outreach and Therapeutic Services Referral Form 

 

Our Services

Counselling for Children and Young People
Professional, child-centred counselling available to learners attending DESC and schools across Dacorum. Sessions are flexible and can be commissioned on a weekly basis, enabling timely access to high-quality therapeutic support without lengthy waiting lists.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
A structured therapeutic intervention that helps young people understand the links between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. CBT is delivered as a 10-session programme and supports children and young people to develop practical strategies for managing emotional and mental health challenges.

Advanced Drawing and Talking
An early intervention therapeutic approach designed for children who have experienced trauma or significant life events. Through weekly sessions, learners are supported to process emotions, build resilience and improve emotional wellbeing in a safe and creative environment.

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
ELSA’s provide targeted support to help children understand and manage their emotions. They can support with anxiety, self-esteem, friendships, social skills, bereavement, emotional regulation and relationship difficulties. All ELSAs receive ongoing supervision from Educational Psychologists.

Sandy Souls
A gentle, non-directive therapeutic approach that uses sand and creative play to help children explore and make sense of their experiences. Particularly beneficial for children who find verbal expression difficult, Sandy Souls helps develop emotional understanding and resilience through a six-session programme.

Counselling for Parents and Carers
A confidential counselling service for parents and carers of children attending DESC or receiving DESC Outreach support. Delivered by qualified BACP-registered counsellors, the service aims to strengthen parental wellbeing and capacity to support their child. Sessions are tailored to individual needs and are provided free of charge through internal referral.

 

Contact Us

For further information or to discuss support options, please contact:
Kathryn Girdlestone
Assistant Head
Email: kgirdlestone@desc.herts.sch.uk

Or Sarah Cheshire
Outreach and Therapeutic Services Coordinator
Email: scheshire@desc.herts.sch.uk