Therapy at Poles APart

At Poles APart, therapy is fully integrated across all of our centres and is a core part of the support we offer every young person. Each centre has its own dedicated therapist who works closely with students within that setting, while our Therapy Lead oversees provision across all sites to ensure consistency, quality and the highest standards of care.

We recognise that positive relationships are at the heart of effective therapeutic work. Our therapists take time to build trust with each young person, creating a safe, supportive environment where they feel able to express themselves and explore their experiences. Each centre has dedicated therapeutic rooms designed to feel calm, welcoming and safe, providing young people with a space where they can talk, reflect and engage in therapeutic activities.

Our therapeutic offer begins with an initial assessment and time spent getting to know the young person and understanding their individual needs. From this, we develop a personalised pathway that supports their emotional wellbeing alongside their learning and wider experiences at Poles APart.

Unlike many services, our therapeutic support is not restricted to a fixed number of sessions. Therapy is available for as long as a young person needs it, allowing relationships to develop naturally and ensuring support can continue while it is meaningful and beneficial.

Confidentiality is an essential part of the therapeutic process. Young people need to know they can speak openly and honestly in a safe and respectful space. Information shared in therapy is treated with the utmost care and confidentiality, with safeguarding always remaining our highest priority.

Our qualified therapists are also trained in Mental Health First Aid and regularly deliver ongoing professional development through CPD to the rest of our staffing team. We also work in partnership with trusted providers, including Elephant Counselling, and use the Rainbow Tracking initiative to help monitor and support students’ emotional wellbeing. This helps us to provide responsive, evidence-informed support tailored to each young person.

Mindfulness, emotional safety and positive relationships are central to our ethos. Our work is grounded in a therapeutic, trauma-informed and PACE-based approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy), helping young people feel understood, supported and empowered to make positive changes.