SEND & Mental Health: The Role Of Qualified Therapists
SEND & Mental Health: The Role Of Qualified Therapists
When you hear the term “therapist”, most people automatically picture a sofa and a therapist with a notepad asking questions about your childhood. However, when it comes to SEND Therapists, there is a lot more to them than you may think.
Like everyone else, adults and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) also experience difficulties with their mental health and supporting them is not always an easy task. Studies suggest that children experiencing mental health difficulties are more likely to have SEND, so it’s incredibly important that there is support available to help these children deal with their difficulties - both mental and physical.
But what are the roles of qualified therapists in SEND? How can they help students develop?
Here is everything you need to know about therapy in the SEND industry:
What Is The Role Of Qualified Therapists In SEND?
Qualified therapists are specialists in different areas that can help people with a variety of problems. Specifically, in SEND, this can include help with a student's speech and language to ensure they can speak clearly, be understood and articulate themselves confidently. In addition, when working with children, therapists will aim to help with whichever specific problems they are having and keep open communication ongoing with their parents. Therapists also devise plans which aim to help them develop and progress.
Mental health is one aspect that can also be dealt with within a therapy setting. As mental health difficulties can impact students' learning, it is key to ensure they have on-hand support and are able to grow and develop. If a student has additional needs, the school must provide a support package and regularly review its results . Doing so will help to improve their student’s mental health issues dramatically so they can learn uninterrupted and enjoy their childhood.
What Types Of Therapy Jobs Are There In SEND?
There are many types of therapy jobs in SEND, such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists, all of which have massively different responsibilities. Therapy Assistants , for example, help teams deliver high-quality educational and clinical provision within residential homes or schools. Their tasks include observing and interacting with children or young people and offering them the proper therapist support where possible.
Speech and Language Therapists typically run one-to-one sessions with young people to support them with their communication needs. Ultimately, this helps them to give informed consent with support colleagues thanks to the therapy they receive. Although many of these roles don't directly involve mental health support, helping students with their issues in any capacity can positively impact their life. It also helps them to improve their quality of life and, in turn, their mental health!
Why Are Qualified Therapists Needed In The SEND Industry?
- To Support Students With Physical, Coordination & Processing Difficulties
Occupational Therapists work with people to help improve their physical, coordination and processing difficulties through assessments, treatments and rehabilitation. Students who find it difficult to complete everyday tasks need these types of therapists to support them in overcoming their challenges. Without their support, it could be difficult for the child to live as independently as possible when they grow up. Occupational therapy covers accidents, illness, disability, mental health issues and ageing. But within SEND, children with mental illnesses or learning disabilities are aided with their everyday tasks and activities. In addition, occupational therapists advise people on how to approach a task differently, use specific equipment or technology, and adapt to the environment around them!
- To Support Students With Speech & Language Difficulties
Children with speech and language difficulties need specialist help to improve their dialect and ensure they can be understood. Speech and Language Therapists can help with this by assessing, diagnosing, managing, and treating speech and language problems. Parents, guardians, and schools can provide helpful support and advice to ensure the student's continued progress. They typically contribute to education plans and deliver sound medical advice throughout the assessment process. Without a Speech and Language Therapist, SEN students who need help with their speech and language would not be able to develop fully, which could slow their learning and hinder their future potential. These therapists provide a much-needed service to equip students with the ability to communicate confidently. As a result, they can gain life skills and social support.
- To Support Students With Mental Health Difficulties
Students suffering from mental health difficulties won't be able to learn and develop without proper help and support. So, the role of the therapist is undeniable. Mental health conditions can become as disruptive as physical disabilities when they have long-term effects on your day-to-day activities. Depression and bipolar disorder are just two examples, but many other conditions exist. Schools can bring specialist therapists to work with students to make their learning more accessible. Any disruption to their education can be detrimental to their development. So, specialists can use their expertise to help children overcome their difficulties to ensure they thrive. Schools, local authorities and health professionals can also work together to support students to ensure they receive a complete education. But therapists have a more direct role and are integral to the progress.
Looking For A Career In SEND?
If you want to start a career in SEND or find a new role in the industry, create a Senploy profile and browse our wide selection of open positions today! Our search tool can help job seekers like yourself easily find SEND jobs as it allows you to filter by location, job title, salary, and much more! So visit our website now to find your dream job in the SEND industry!