Vital counselling and therapy sessions continue in Sheffield to help through lockdown

The Apple Tree Centre has carried out more 300 virtual therapeutic support sessions since leaving its usual home on Brocco Bank, Broomhall, responding to ongoing demand from families seeking help during these unprecedented times.

Staff at the centre, which specialises in counselling, therapy and support for children and young people up to the age of 25 and their relatives, want families to know they are not alone and support is available.

Wherever possible and appropriate, all 16 of its specialised therapists are offering online sessions or telephone calls to childre n, young people and parents.

This includes existing clients and new referrals, as families experience increased levels of pressure, stress and anxiety as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rosie Dymond, co-founder and play therapist, said: “Our committed therapists have been wonderful at adapting to working from home, as have our clients at receiving our services virtually.

“Where possible, we were able to take items home with us from the Play Therapy rooms at the centre that were particularly special to some of our clients.

“It is a challenging time for families and we are seeing a lot of regressive behaviours amongst children and young people.

“Prior to lockdown we had a long waiting list due to space constraints - it has been great to be able to offer support to some of those people, as well as to existing clients and more recent new referrals.”

The c entre has been able to adapt a variety of therapies to work at home through virtual means, including play therapy, art therapy, dramatherapy, family therapy and speech language and communication therapy, as well as its autism support and counselling offering.

It is also continuing to accept referrals to its adoption support service, which offers tailored therapy to address trauma, grief, behavioural and attachment difficulties.

Families can access therapies at a standard rate of £55 per session. For more information on The Apple Tree Centre or to request an initial consultation, visit appletreecentre.co.uk, call 0114 266 5546 or email [email protected]

Alternatively, read the centre’s Covid-19 notice here: appletreecentre.co.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/