THE BEATTIE METHOD
The Beattie Method is an innovative relationship-based group intervention developed by our founder Dr Juli Beattie OBE, based on more than five decades of collaborative practical experience.
Through The Beattie Method, children explore creativity through art, build self-esteem, confidence, resilience and independence. Groups of up to seven students in single-year groups attend weekly sessions of around two hours on the school site, away from their mainstream classroom.
Each session involves talking, sharing books, eating together and individual and group art-making. Two specially trained facilitators and one volunteer or a trainee provide a consistent, safe and nurturing therapeutic space in dedicated studios (on our double decker bus or in bespoke studios on school sites), or through our mobile AT The Bus in a Box provision.
THE BEATTIE METHOD
“This is the most relaxing environment I’ve ever been in.”
AT THE BUS STUDENT
THE BEATTIE METHOD IS UNDERPINNED BY FIVE CORE PRINCIPLES:
1
TRANSFORMATION
Every session invites young people to reinvent and reimagine everyday objects. As students metamorphose tangible objects such as records and stools, they experience their power to shape and interact with the world around them.
2
RESPECT
The studio space, student referral process, as well as the session content and approach are designed to be inclusive of all identities, cultures, belief systems, socio-economic backgrounds and accessibility needs. Everybody is welcomed and valued for every aspect of themselves.
3
NURTURE
Holistic nurturing helps young people to recalibrate their expectations of themselves and others. Clear, consistent boundaries and structure help students feel safe and secure, develop confidence and independence, and build relationships, trust and community.
4
CONNECTION
Catalysing positive change through authentic human connection, sharing ideas and discussing possibilities, talking, reflecting and learning. Sharing food, paint, projects, listening to stories and making art together creates meaningful opportunities to feel seen, heard, understood and valued, and allows students to build on connections and process, learn, heal and grow.
5
CREATIVITY
Empowering young people to express their creativity. In the studio, art is for everyone and everybody is an artist, without qualification.
THE BEATTIE METHOD
In some schools, we run family groups, where students will attend with a family member. These sessions follow the same methodology, and help families with complex needs who are struggling to engage with their children or with the school.
In March 2024 we published Art as Therapy: The Beattie Method, a practical guide which draws on years of learning, experience and practice and aims to inform and inspire. The manual is available to purchase.
If you would like to purchase The Beattie Method Manual please contact info@atthebus.org.uk
