Empowering children through Therapeutic Care

St. Bernard’s Children’s Services is an independent not-for-profit agency that provides therapeutic care and a therapeutic environment for primary school-aged children and their families. 

This concept of the therapeutic environment and the provision of the primary experience utilises all aspects of the environment which the child is exposed to including the diversity of relationships and everyday activity – like school and play – in service to the recovery of the child from past traumas.

The basis of St Bernard’s therapeutic model of care primarily draws from psychodynamic, trauma informed attachment theory and group relations approach. Research in the area of neuroscience helps us to understand the affect trauma can have on the developing brain of a child. This awareness informs our practice and promotes us to focus on the recovery, through the provision of a good quality nurturing environment within the context of a safe, secure, and consistent relationships with qualified and experienced social care staff. 

Daily therapeutic interventions consisting  of practical support regarding relationship focused work, trauma informed behaviour management supports and professional curiosity to understanding what emotions the child is communicating through their behaviours promotes an environment focused on unconditional positive regarding and understanding of the child.

This therapeutic environment develops the child’s capacity for co-regualtion and self-regulation and can enhance their emotional wellbeing and resilience. Such new positive experiences can contribute to changes in attachment patterns which in turn can improve their long term recovery from neglect, abuse and trauma.