Experiencing Regulation at the Clay Field
An experiential introduction to Clay Field Therapy® with Simon Riley – where meaning arises through doing, not describing.
Why this training
Clay Field Therapy® is a non-verbal, body-orientated approach where clients meet a flat field of ~10kg clay with the hands. Through touch, pressure and movement, the nervous system finds the possibility of regulation, agency and integration — often before words can follow.
- Experience how touch invites regulation and presence invites trust.
- Learn to recognise a client’s self-found hold as embodied regulation.
- Explore material engagement: meaning arising through doing (Malafouris).
- Ground your practice in trauma-informed sensory safety (Porges).
Who is it for
Counsellors & psychotherapists · Art/Play/Drama therapists · SEN/education professionals · Somatic & wellbeing practitioners.
- Embodied regulation
- Relational presence
- Sensory safety
- Material engagement
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the foundations of Clay Field Therapy® and its developmental focus.
- Describe how haptic perception and sensorimotor feedback support regulation.
- Recognise and support the self-found hold without imposing technique.
- Apply trauma-informed sensory safety and consent in practice.
- Reflect on how touch, movement and presence co-create meaning.
Practical details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Group size: Small group to protect experiential depth
- Accessibility: Low-sensory environment; pace and breaks agreed together
- What to bring: Comfortable clothing; all materials provided
Note: Fees for hosted trainings outside Liverpool may vary by venue and numbers.
Bring this training to your organisation
Available across the UK. Ideal for counselling services, therapy centres, schools/colleges, and wellbeing teams. Hosting includes materials, setup guidance, and optional supervision add-on.
- On-site delivery (3 hours or full day)
- Participant clay fields + materials provided
- Tailored to clinical or educational settings
FAQ
- Is this art therapy?
No — Clay Field Therapy® is a body-oriented, non-verbal process. There’s no expectation to make an artwork; the focus is on touch, movement and regulation. - Do I need prior experience with clay?
No. The training is accessible to beginners as well as experienced therapists and educators. - What if I feel overwhelmed during the session?
Consent and sensory safety are central. You can pause or step out at any time; the facilitator will support grounding and regulation.
