Jacob was referred to EdShift after fleeing domestic abuse with his mum and siblings. School described him as imaginative and bright, but increasingly anxious, struggling to settle in class and finding it difficult to build relationships with other children.
During the first few sessions, Jacob communicated almost entirely through creative play. Together we built monsters from modelling materials, created imaginary worlds and made simple animations filled with chasing, stomping and powerful characters.
Rather than asking Jacob to explain these stories, we followed his lead.
As trust developed, the themes in his artwork slowly changed. Images of destruction made way for trees, protected spaces and a “biome” where characters could grow safely. Jacob began creating family figures, introducing caring adults, children and pets into his miniature worlds.
Through role play and shared creativity, Jacob gradually explored ideas of kindness, safety and trust. As his confidence grew, he was also able to begin talking about memories of domestic abuse and recognise that the anger he sometimes experienced was connected to frightening experiences that had never been his responsibility.
One of the final pieces Jacob created was two painted wooden figures representing himself and his therapist. He explained that they would continue “guarding the kindness” together after therapy had ended.
Jacob’s journey is ongoing, but through art therapy he developed trusting relationships, greater emotional awareness and a growing sense that home and relationships could feel safe again.
