How we work

At Conquest Centre we subscribe to working in a holistic approach that embraces the science and theory behind several tried and tested therapeutic approaches. We weave them together to offer each individual a powerful person centred approach to improve wellbeing.

The beauty of our work is that mentors are trained in several science-based methodologies and approaches such as:

Thrive Approach
Trauma Informed
Forest School
Biophilia
Enrichment
Foraging
Ethology
*PAWS Therapy dog
*Play Therapy
*Theraplay

Mentors can draw on their knowledge from training in all (or some) of these approaches and working with nature and our therapy animals, they can tailor a plan that most meets the needs of the individual in front of them on the day. We recognise that no two days are the same for most people, how we feel on the day can depend on so many things.

Mentors come from a variety of backgrounds, and all have training, knowledge and experience of the most challenging neurodiverse conditions including Autism, ADHD, eating disorders and many other conditions and complex needs.

*These are individual accreditations held by specialist Conquest mentors.

Thrive Approach

Training in Thrive Approach equips the Conquest mentors with a helpful ‘set of tools’ for unravelling complex behaviours and recognising needs in children and young people. With this information they can tailor an approach that is likely to support the developmental needs of that individual.

Thrive Approach was developed in the early nineties in recognition of the flaw in education systems to recognise certain needs in children and young people. The principle theory behind the approach is based on the understanding that behaviour often stem from unmet needs. The founders believed that it is not until that need is met, would children be able to change their response to circumstances. Their passion was for schools to meet their pupils needs and become places of compassion and understanding.

In summary Thrive Approach is a dynamic, developmental and trauma-sensitive approach to meeting the emotional and social needs of children and young people. It helps adults build safe and supportive relationships, uses attachment theory to understand behaviour and aims to improve attendance, behaviour and learning outcomes.

Thrive has been developed over the last 25 years with its architects drawing from a wealth of experience in social work, psychotherapy and education.

Attachment Theory
Child Development Theory
Neuroscience
Play, creativity and the arts

Trauma Informed Approach

Working in a trauma informed approach means that all interactions mentors have with clients and students are underpinned with an understanding of the impact of trauma, past and present and all interactions will take a trauma informed approach.

Trauma is not the event itself, but it is what happens within you, in response to an event that has been experienced as an out of control, frightening experience and it can be subjective. A trauma informed approach reframes ‘What is wrong with you’ to ‘What has happened to you?’

Conquest defines trauma as. “An event, series of events or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual well-being”.

There is a long list of events that are recognised as potential causes for trauma, and these (not exclusively) include:

Early childhood experiences
Single incident trauma
Complex trauma
Adverse community environments – such as housing, family, home, growing up in poverty.

The essence of this work lies in all clients and students feeling safe physically, mentally and emotionally in a non-judgemental and inclusive environment. The role of the mentor is to become an emotionally available and trusted adult in whom to trust.

For further reading please access our ‘Relationship Policy’ or go to Trauma Informed Schools UK.

PAWS Therapy Dogs

Introducing Our PAWS Certified Therapy Dog Team:

Gemma & Isla! 🐾

We are thrilled to share that after years of dedication and rigorous training, our mentor Gemma and her incredible dog Isla have officially completed their PAWS Therapy Dog Training! 🎉 This means we can now offer K9 Animal Assisted Interventions at Conquest, bringing a new level of therapeutic support to children, young people, and adults.

What is a Therapy Dog & How Does it Differ from an Assistance Dog?

Therapy dogs, like Isla, are trained to provide emotional and psychological support in various environments, including schools, hospitals, and therapy settings. Unlike assistance dogs, which are trained for specific tasks to aid individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs work alongside professionals to enhance well-being, reduce anxiety, and foster positive emotional connections.

The Journey to Becoming a PAWS Certified Therapy Dog

Gemma and Isla’s training journey covered extensive ground, including:

✅ Understanding Dog Body Language & Emotion 🐶

✅ Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Therapy Dog Handling

✅ Advanced Training Skills & Trick Training

✅ Dog Law, Risk Assessments & Legal Documentation

✅ First Aid & Emergency Preparedness

✅ Implementing Intervention Techniques in Various Settings

✅ Specialist Talks on Trauma, Children & Dogs, and Cynophobia

"While my learning curve was steep, Isla thrived in her training—learning how to settle, adjust to busy environments, and provide comfort in therapeutic settings. After a year of hard work, we passed our final assessment, and Isla is now an integral part of the services we offer at Conquest." – Gemma

How Therapy Dogs Like Isla Make a Difference

Isla’s presence in therapy sessions is already making a profound impact, helping to:

🐾 Reduce stress & anxiety

🐾 Promote higher participation & reduce withdrawal behaviors

🐾 Boost self-esteem & self-determination

🐾 Stimulate memory & problem-solving

🐾 Lower blood pressure & improve relaxation

🐾 Increase engagement & positive rehabilitation outcomes

🐾 Enhance verbal & non-verbal communication

🐾 Foster positive emotions & mood

🐾 Support social skill development & emotional expression

🐾 Improve overall quality of life

A New Chapter for Conquest Centre

Isla has been instrumental in evolving our services, and we are incredibly proud to have her as part of the team. The power of K9 Animal Assisted Interventions is undeniable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact Isla and Gemma will continue to bring to our community.

For more information on how therapy dogs can support well-being, or to explore our therapy services, get in touch today!

Forest School

Join us in the woods to play, explore, discover and grow.

We have debated whether our forest school should operate with a different name as although it can be an educational environment, it certainly isn’t reminiscent of a traditional ‘school environment’.

We are excited to be associated with The Outdoors Group who have given us the knowledge to make our Woodland into a magical place for experiencing wellbeing and personal growth in a totally different way to how we might otherwise experience learning at school.

The Conquest Forest School complements the therapeutic work by offering areas for getting involved with ‘risk taking’ and ‘problem solving’, play based learning and connecting with nature.

Mentors have completed Forest School Leader Training to various levels and they are nothing short of passionate about sharing their curiosity for connecting with nature. This might be by foraging, whittling, building fires, cooking, toasting marshmallows, playing and having carefree fun making dens and other mysterious areas within our woodland area.

To add to the idyll of this magical place there is even a stream where you can connect with nature, get your feet wet, or you can sit on the bank and spot the tadpoles, or just switch off and listen to the wonders of water rippling along at its’ own pace.

Our woodland sits at the edge of the land and has a track around the perimeter which means that you can take a walk around the whole area and check it out before you decide whether you fancy the idea of getting a bit of dirt under your fingernails . This is the same track that we often use for our therapeutic riding and other horse related activities when we want to get out of the yard or arena. It’s relaxing and peaceful and unbeatable for getting away from the stresses of daily life.

This area of our site has something to offer for everyone regardless of age or ability. Nothing beats a cup of coffee or hot chocolate brewed over a fire, combined with a chat with a likeminded trusted individual who is trained to offer emotional support to the highest level. At the same time, there are no age limits to kicking off your trainers and getting mud between your toes and maybe digging out roots and making mud pies. There is science to back up that playing in the woods and making mud pies improves wellbeing for all ages, it’s also known as ‘biophilia’.

The philosophy behind Forest School is deeply rooted in the belief that nature is a powerful teacher. Children are seen as capable and resilient learners who thrive in environments that offer freedom, responsibility, and opportunities to explore at their own pace.

More information regarding the science behind the benefits of Forest School can be found here.

Play Therapy

Play is a child’s natural medium of self-expression - it’s essential for development.

Through play children can make sense of, or process, their experiences and the world around them.

Research has shown that play and the use of metaphor allows a child’s brain to develop new neural pathways and strengthen links in their brain. Play can actually positively change a child’s brain structure, especially if the child has experienced early trauma or numerous adverse childhood experiences (ACES).

Play-based learning is also quicker than other ways of learning and requires fewer repetitions to establish a skill.

As an alternative to talking therapies Play Therapy helps children explore and express their thoughts and feelings and to make sense of their life experiences through play and the creative arts. Play therapy can benefit all children, but it is particularly beneficial for children who find it hard to express themselves verbally.

How does play therapy benefit your child?

Play Therapy sessions have a therapeutic objective.
It gives children strategies that they can use throughout their lives.
It will help to develop their social and emotional wellbeing, enabling them to engage with life and learning
It helps facilitate healing and enables them to develop new patterns of thinking and ultimately new behaviours.
It can reduced anxiety, especially around traumatic events
Increase self-esteem and self-awareness
Enhance confidence and competence
Increased ability to form positive and healthy relationships
Improved trust both in themselves and others
Increased creativity and a desire to play
Deeper understanding of their emotional responses and increased emotional regulation
Improve relationships with family and friends

Play therapy at Conquest Centre:

Play Therapy sessions at Conquest Centre take place in our bespoke therapeutic playroom with Play Therapist Morag. Morag has studied with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy and is registered with Play Therapy UK (PTUK) accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Using an integrative, holistic and child-centred approach Morag uses both directive and non-directive techniques to support the child. Allowing the child to lead the play and choose how they approach any areas of difficulty or challenge.

In the sessions children have a wide tool kit to utilise in their play including, paint, clay, sand tray, music, dolls, puppets and other creative art and play equipment. These tools will be available for them every session to use as they wish to integrate their experiences to their play.

A child may not be able to recognise what they find difficult, or explain it to someone if asked. Play Therapy provides the expertise and time to do this through play. Play Therapy sessions aim to build a child’s ability to develop healthy and resilient relationships, and to work though traumatic experiences which may be preoccupying them.

In the playroom there are no expectations of how they should be or if they are the same as other children their age. They can be exactly who they need to be at that given moment and Conquest Centre creates that warm and welcoming environment, where they can simply be themselves.