Therapeutic Thinking at Cobras AP
At Cobras AP, we are proud to be a Therapeutic Thinking Alternative Provision, where every aspect of our practice is guided by understanding how our actions and environments make children feel.
Therapeutic Thinking is not a behaviour management system, it’s a whole-school approach that helps staff respond to pupils with empathy, consistency and curiosity rather than control or punishment.
It focuses on teaching positive behaviour through safety, reflection and relationship-building.
What Therapeutic Thinking Means for Our Pupils
- Behaviour is seen as a form of communication: we ask why rather than what.
- Our responses are designed to make pupils feel safe, understood and valued, not shamed or excluded.
- We use reflection and restorative conversations to help pupils learn from experiences and develop emotional regulation.
- Every pupil is supported to build resilience, confidence and independence so they can thrive both in education and in life.
All Staff Trained in Therapeutic Thinking
We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness and fulfill their dreams. That is why we are committed to providing innovative solutiEvery member of the Cobras AP team has completed Therapeutic Thinking training, ensuring a shared language and consistent approach across our provision. This means that whether pupils are in the classroom, on the sports court, or working 1:1, they experience the same calm, reflective and respectful ethos.
Our staff understand that:
“It’s not just about managing behaviour, it’s about shaping positive experiences that help children grow.”
The Impact
- Improved relationships between staff and pupils
- Calmer, more predictable environments
- Increased pupil engagement and emotional wellbeing
- Fewer incidents and more opportunities for success
At Cobras AP, Therapeutic Thinking is at the heart of everything we do, creating a safe and nurturing environment where every young person can rebuild, re-engage and rebound.
