“…I wish I could come to Rainbow and stay forever…. until I die…. or until I go to big school!”

E. (7)

Many children when they first visit the Centre, express a wish to meet others who are going through a similar experience to themselves.  Although group-work does not take the place of the individual sessions that many children need, the very nature of a group offers something that can be very helpful to the grieving process of a child.

In our groups, we aim to provide a safe place in which children can remember their loved ones who have died and to explore some of their difficult feelings.   We use art, crafts, music, picture and story making and other creative means to assist this process, although for each weekly session we maintain the same basic structure which also contains plenty of opportunity for children to speak about whatever they wish in a free way.  We hope that children through being part of the group will learn coping strategies and find ways of moving forward in a new way as the experience of death is integrated into their daily life.  Finally, the groups tend to be far from gloomy.  We do explore a lot of sadness and tears, but most of those who have taken part so far have also experienced some joy and some have said that they wished their group could go on and on forever – but then, everything has to end sometime, doesn’t it?

Group Work

All the services that we provide to children and their families are free of charge. All our clients must self refer. If you or your family need our help please call us on 0117 985 3343 or email therapy@rainbowcentre.org.uk to arrange for an appointment with one of our Therapy Directors.

At The Rainbow Centre we believe in treating the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms, providing a range of natural and holistic therapies which may help to restore physical and emotional balance.

Art can be a valuable means of non-verbal communication, which can help a troubled child or adult to express and explore difficult feelings, which may arise in times of crises such as life threatening illness and death. Making art objects with paint, clay or other creative materials produces something concrete, which may reflect feelings. Working through very difficult emotions is hard, but there can be pleasure and even fun along the art therapy way.

Art Therapy

Young children affected by life threatening illness or death are often beset with fears and troubling thoughts, which in turn may affect their behaviour. Play therapy offers children a different way to communicate when they do not have the vocabulary or are not ready or comfortable to talk about their fears.

Play Therapy

Music is a powerful emotional medium, which can affect all of us deeply. In music therapy sessions, musical communication is created between the child and the therapist. The child does not need any musical training or previous experience to play.  By using a wide range of musical instruments from all around the world, clients can express the often turbulent or difficult feelings they experience when someone in the family is sick or has died.

Music Therapy

Counselling is offered to adults and young people. It gives them the time and space to explore their feelings and help them adjust to their new and difficult situation.

Counselling

Our Therapies

To contact us call:

0117 985 3343