Therapy Provision

An holistic approach with a wide range of therapeutic approaches

Aiding development with therapy

Portfield School benefits from a comprehensive therapy team comprising Health, Psychodynamic and Behaviour approaches. These include Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dietician, Physiotherapist Art Music, Dance and Movement Psychotherapists, a School Counsellor and an Assistant Psychologist and a Positive Behaviour Support Team.

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Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP)

Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is one of the four arts therapies. It is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the body to communicate and express when words are not enough or always possible. DMP aims to increase communication through non-verbal and creative mediums such as dance and movement. This helps to build positive relationships and enhance empathy in a safe, therapeutic environment. The goals of DMP are to support positive changes in emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. The aims are particularly helpful in increasing: social skills, expressing wants and needs non-verbally, as well as through verbal communication, and practising self-regulation techniques to reduce negative symptoms such as anxiety.

Music Therapy

Music therapy plays a key role in school life and brings a wealth of positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication. The naturally appealing qualities of sound, musical instruments and the act of music-making help students to bond and connect and is particularly helpful for children needing extra communicative, social and emotional support.

Occupational Therapy

Our Occupational Therapists provide assessment and treatment to enhance student’s participation in daily life activities. Many autistic people have difficulty integrating sensory information, which can affect behaviour, learning, social interactions, and participation in daily activities. Our OT’s predominately use a sensory integration approach which is delivered through, class support, group therapy and one to one sessions with a focus on sensory motor skills, self-regulation and independence.
Speech and Language Therapists

Speech and Language Therapists work closely with children to ensure they reach the full potential of their communication skills. Some students may use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategy such as a PECS book, containing photographs and symbols, signing or gestures, or a voice output communication aid (VOCA). Sign-a-Long is our preferred method of signed language.
Art Psychotherapy

Art Psychotherapy is the process of creating art with the guidance and support of a professional art therapist, and is a type of psychotherapy. Through the process of making art, individuals are able to explore their inner world, develop greater self-awareness, express thoughts and feelings, access creativity and self-esteem, and better cope with anxiety.

Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP)

Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is one of the four arts therapies. It is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the body to communicate and express when words are not enough or always possible. DMP aims to increase communication through non-verbal and creative mediums such as dance and movement. This helps to build positive relationships and enhance empathy in a safe, therapeutic environment. The goals of DMP are to support positive changes in emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. The aims are particularly helpful in increasing: social skills, expressing wants and needs non-verbally, as well as through verbal communication, and practising self-regulation techniques to reduce negative symptoms such as anxiety.

Music Therapy

Music therapy plays a key role in school life and brings a wealth of positive changes in emotional wellbeing and communication. The naturally appealing qualities of sound, musical instruments and the act of music-making help students to bond and connect and is particularly helpful for children needing extra communicative, social and emotional support.

Occupational Therapy

Our Occupational Therapists provide assessment and treatment to enhance student’s participation in daily life activities. Many autistic people have difficulty integrating sensory information, which can affect behaviour, learning, social interactions, and participation in daily activities. Our OT’s predominately use a sensory integration approach which is delivered through, class support, group therapy and one to one sessions with a focus on sensory motor skills, self-regulation and independence.
Speech and Language Therapists

Speech and Language Therapists work closely with children to ensure they reach the full potential of their communication skills. Some students may use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategy such as a PECS book, containing photographs and symbols, signing or gestures, or a voice output communication aid (VOCA). Sign-a-Long is our preferred method of signed language.
Art Psychotherapy

Art Psychotherapy is the process of creating art with the guidance and support of a professional art therapist, and is a type of psychotherapy. Through the process of making art, individuals are able to explore their inner world, develop greater self-awareness, express thoughts and feelings, access creativity and self-esteem, and better cope with anxiety.

Therapy Provision

Meet some of the amazing people who provide our therapy services.

Carly Marchant

Dance Movement Psychotherapist

Gemma Cowley

Speech and Language Therapist

Jacki Goldsmith

Head of Therapy

Leah Bran

School Counsellor, PCST

Lisa Margetts

Music Therapist, PCST

Marlizanne Gouws

PBS Practitioner

Megan Saunders

PBS Practitioner

Mia Dawes

Occupational Therapist

Poonam Jina

Speech and Language Therapist

Samara Stephens

PBS Practitioner

Carly Marchant

Dance Movement Psychotherapist

Gemma Cowley

Speech and Language Therapist

Jacki Goldsmith

Head of Therapy

Leah Bran

School Counsellor, PCST

Lisa Margetts

Music Therapist, PCST

Marlizanne Gouws

PBS Practitioner

Megan Saunders

PBS Practitioner

Mia Dawes

Occupational Therapist

Poonam Jina

Speech and Language Therapist

Samara Stephens

PBS Practitioner

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