Therapeutic Direct Work
Relational, child-centred therapeutic work supporting healing from early adversity — responsive to each child's pace, voice, and developmental needs.
What Therapeutic Direct Work Is
A relational, healing approach
Therapeutic direct work is structured, purposeful one-to-one work with a child or young person, carried out by a trained practitioner using play, creativity, and narrative to support emotional processing and healing.
At HAPii, this work is grounded in attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and the child's own lived experience. It is never rushed, never prescriptive, and always led by the child's readiness and relational capacity.
This work is appropriate when a child needs support with:
- Processing early trauma, loss, or separation
- Making sense of their care history or identity
- Emotional dysregulation or behavioural presentations
- Transitions — placement moves, reunification, adoption
- Building felt safety and trust in relationships
- Contact preparation or adjustment
- Grief, bereavement, or significant change
How We Work
Child-led and play-based
Sessions use play, creative arts, storytelling, and expressive activities as the primary medium — because for children, play is the language of healing. The child sets the pace and direction within a safe, boundaried space.
Attachment and trauma-informed
Every session is shaped by an understanding of how early adversity, disrupted care, and relational loss affects a child's nervous system, behaviour, and capacity for trust. We work with the whole child — not just presenting behaviours.
Relational and consistent
The therapeutic relationship itself is a key vehicle for healing. HAPii practitioners offer a steady, attuned, and predictable presence that helps children experience safety and connection — often for the first time.
What Sessions Can Include
Play-based processing
Sand tray, symbolic play, puppets, and creative materials used to externalise and safely explore internal experiences.
Narrative work
Helping children construct and make sense of their own story in age-appropriate, non-shaming, and strengths-based ways.
Regulation techniques
Body-based, sensory, and mindfulness approaches to help children develop self-regulation skills and a sense of felt safety.
Relational repair
Work that supports the child in building and repairing trust in relationships with key attachment figures and carers.
Working with the Wider Network
Supporting carers and parents
Therapeutic direct work does not happen in isolation. HAPii works closely with the child's carers, parents, and professional network to ensure the gains made in sessions are supported and reinforced in daily life. Carer consultations are built into the process.
Liaison with professionals
Where appropriate and with consent, HAPii liaises with social workers, schools, and other professionals involved with the child to ensure a joined-up, consistent approach that reflects the child's therapeutic needs across all settings.
Fees & Referral
Fees
Fees are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the scope, duration, and frequency of work required.
An initial consultation will clarify the proposed plan, number of sessions, and associated costs before any work begins.
Payment terms:
- 50% deposit on agreement of plan
- Balance invoiced on completion
- Invoices and receipts provided
Referral Process
- Complete and return the HAPii Referral Form.
- HAPii acknowledges receipt within 2 working days and confirms suitability and availability.
- An initial consultation is arranged to discuss the child's needs, context, and goals.
- A proposed plan and fee structure is agreed before work begins.
Required documentation:
- Case background summary
- Signed consents
- Existing reports and relevant documentation
Ready to make a referral?
Get in touch and explore how HAPii's Therapeutic Direct Work can support your child, family, or case.