Therapeutic Thinking (Dorset) is owned by the Teaching Alliance of Dorset Special Schools (TADSS). It offers a positive therapeutic approach to supporting relationships and behaviour.
The starting point is to focus on when things are going well. Consider all the elements that have led to those positive behaviours. We recognise, celebrate and nurture these pro-social behaviours, helping pupils to understand and learn. We actively teach pro-social behaviour.
We reflect on behaviours that are difficult or dangerous and consider how to support pupils to improve self-esteem and feel better about themselves. This is done by careful analysis of the underlying difficulties and reasons behind the behaviour. We then create plans to support emotional development & understanding and to consider how individuals might be able to respond more appropriately next time. As part of this process we consider which elements of behaviour are subconscious and which are conscious and where we might need to adjust the environment to better meet individual need.
At times pupils may display anti-social behaviours. It is important that we have clear expectations and boundaries, but we also need to be mindful of the context (‘boundaries with empathy’). We do not talk in terms of punishments or sanctions but in terms of meaningful, relevant educational consequences to promote new learning. In this way we can support pupils to develop self- regulation skills and to build confidence to respond in more positive ways next time.
Where a pupil is displaying dangerous behaviours risk assessments are carried out and protective consequences put in place alongside educational consequences. A clear plan is developed and shared with parents and staff.
Therapeutic Thinking takes into consideration individual needs and aims to provide appropriate experiences, curriculum, class grouping and the development of trusting relationships to enable the pupil to flourish.
All our staff are trained in the Therapeutic Thinking approach.
For further information about the approach please see our leaflet for professionals and parents.
