Turnways uses a systemic model of practice, which promotes an open dialogue between the service-user, and their family where appropriate. This dialogue includes safe and respectful conversations about what the service-users find helpful, and is communicated with the service-user’s needs at the forefront. Turnways ensures that service-users feel able to engage in therapeutic play in a contained and confidential environment. We also work with young people that are involved with child protection and safeguarding services, and provide regular reports and updates on our progress.

Turnways uses a range of therapeutic spaces, including theatres, studios, and our own purpose built therapy spaces. We can also provide therapeutic services in service-users homes, and schools, where appropriate. Turnways likes to ensure that each space is well equipped with Drama and Art therapy resources, such as paint, masks, sand trays, shells, hats, fabrics, and more, to promote symbolic, meaningful play. The majority of our work is carried out face to face. Turnways risk assesses spaces for the health and safety of our service users.

Each of our therapists at Turnways work freelance alongside other professional work. Private work is scheduled around a therapist’s availability, skills, and location. Adoption Support Work has a fixed number of sessions, and Social Care works with an agreed number of reviews. All work begins with an initial assessment period. Adult sessions can also be booked following an initial consultation. To book with us, please get in touch.

Prior to any intervention offered, Turnways carries out a creative and sensory assessment process of play or presentation. This is seen by Turnways Therapists as a relationship building process, and a way of developing trust and setting goals. The assessment produces a map, shared between the service-user and therapist, which identifies key themes and recurring patterns of relationships and behaviour. This allows both the service-user and the therapist to collaborate and create goals as a starting point for therapy. Turnways is attachment-based and trauma-based, because it is embodied, sensory-focussed, tactile, active, and creative. Our practitioners are experienced in carrying out specialist assessments to identify trauma.