The Nest is EdShift’s Tier 3 one-to-one Art Therapy programme, offering specialist therapeutic support for young survivors aged 4–19.
Art Therapy, also known as Art Psychotherapy, uses creative materials to help children communicate, explore feelings, and make sense of experiences that may be hard to put into words. Children do not need to be “good at art.” The focus is not on making something perfect, but on using creativity with the support of a trained Art Therapist.
The Nest is for young people who may need deeper therapeutic support. It may be suitable when talking feels difficult, early intervention is not enough, or when trauma is affecting emotional wellbeing, relationships, behaviour, confidence, or ability to cope.
Children have one hour each week with an Art Therapist. Sessions are shaped around the child’s needs, choices, and pace. They may paint, draw, make characters, build, animate, create crafts, tell stories, or sit quietly with the therapist. Children are not pressured to talk before they are ready. The therapist helps create a consistent, therapeutic space where each child can communicate in their own way.
The Nest gives children specialist therapeutic support to process experiences, strengthen emotional regulation, and rebuild confidence. Every child’s journey is different. Therapy moves at their pace.
Art Therapy can help children:
The Nest may be suitable for children and young people who:
Professional, self, and family referrals can be made. If you are not sure whether The Nest is the right programme, contact our team and we’ll help you understand the next step.
The Nest is grounded in specialist Art Therapy practice and shaped around each child’s pace, needs, and choices.
Children are supported to make choices about materials, activities, and how they use their time.
Art materials and play can help children communicate, reflect, and work through difficult feelings without needing to explain everything in words.
The therapist helps each child use creativity at a pace that feels manageable, building trust and emotional confidence over time.
“My daughter has made a vast improvement. It feels like having my little girl back.”
“I like having somewhere to come where I can talk about how I’m feeling.”
Think The Nest could help? Make a referral or contact our team to talk through the next step.
EdShift provides a three-tier pathway across a continuum of need. From light-touch connection and safety resources to early intervention and specialist therapeutic support, our programmes are designed to help children access the right support at the right time.
