Mindful Mentoring for Children

Work through a challenge or issue with Andy using meditation and the arts

What is mindful mentoring? (age 5-15)

Mindful mentoring is a way for a child to work through a particular issue using meditation and the arts. Often only talking through an issue doesn’t get to the root of the problem or address it in a meaningful and helpful way. Meditation can help children to self regulate, reduce their anxiety and gain a deeper understanding of their inner world. Drawing, painting and model making can help a child to communicate how they feel using a language they’re often more familiar with.  It can also be less daunting for a child to make an image about how they feel rather than talking directly about it. Andy’s approach is very relaxed, informal, creative and fun. Sessions are child led and the meditation and art work elements are completely optional. Mindful mentoring is for ages 5-15. 

All sessions are supported by weekly or bi-weekly phone calls with parents/ carers to help them to support their child further and integrate the mindful practices they learn. This is in no way a judgment on parenting but rather an opportunity to talk through ways to create meaningful, positive change for your child. 

Andy’s experience

Andy has 5 years experience working as a therapeutic wellbeing practitioner, managing a child therapy service at a primary school in London. As well as managing a large team of trainee therapists, assessing children and supporting parents and carers, Andy offered weekly one to one mentoring sessions for children using meditation and the arts. Andy’s experience includes supporting children affected by trauma, poverty, family illness, family drug addiction, terrorism, death, neglect and domestic violence. He also has experience of working with children with ADHD and autism.

What is a Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioner?

A therapeutic wellbeing practitioner works through creative and relational methods to support the overall wellbeing of children, young people and their families. This is a holistic and child-centred approach that considers the needs of each individual child in the context of their family, school and social environment.

This approach is informed by therapeutic counselling skills, attachment theory and child development. It develops emotional literacy, self-awareness, self-esteem, self-confidence, communication skills, resilience and recovery. It also takes into account diversity, adversity and complexity in its approach to child mental health, child protection and safeguarding and promotes ethical professional practice.

What does a session look like?

Sessions are child led and can vary a lot depending on the age and the personality of a child, but may include the following:

  • exploring issues or challenges that your child brings to the session using art materials
  • short meditation practices, mindful games or gentle yoga poses
  • teaching specific meditation techniques that could support them in daily life
  • setting helpful (and usually fun) activities to support them with their issue
  • storytelling, drama, games and art and crafts
  • sessions have occasionally included a game of football too!

Session Costs

  • Child assessment – £25. Before starting the mentoring sessions I have an informal conversation with the parent/carer and child about what they would like from the sessions. I will also need to gather a little background information from parents or carers to gain some context for our sessions. All information is kept with the strictest confidence and in line with data protection law.
  • 45 minute mindful mentoring sessions – £35 (price include weekly/ bi-weekly parent/ carer phone call)
  • Ending Briefing  – £20. This is an informal closing conversation with the parent/ carer and child to reflect how they feel at the end of our work together. We will also discuss how the parents/carers can support the child further.

Professional Practice Checklist

In line with therapeutic wellbeing practitioner training, Andy has:

  • an up to date DBS (enhanced)
  • completed advanced training in child protection and safeguarding
  • regular supervision from a qualified integrative art psychotherapist
  • public liability insurance
  • monthly CPD and reflective practice sessions with a qualified psychotherapist

Sessions are held at your home so you will need a relatively quiet, private space. Andy will travel anywhere in South London. All session materials are provided. 

Book a consultation

Phone: 07793 548 352
Email: hello@andyhobsonmeditation.com

Key issues I have worked with:

  • anxiety
  • stress
  • low self esteem
  • anger
  • low self confidence 
  • traumatic events
  • family illness

 

 

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