If you wish to schedule an appointment, an initial consultation or would just like a chat over the phone please click the link below.
If you wish to schedule an appointment, an initial consultation or would just like a chat over the phone please click the link below.
Play therapy is a dynamic process that supports a child to express their thoughts and feelings and enables them to make sense of their experiences in a safe way. When adults go to therapy they use words but children cannot put their difficulties into words in the same way. Play is the natural and developmentally appropriate medium of communication for children which enables them to address their difficulties at their own pace. Play and art materials provide symbolic distance for children and prevents them becoming overwhelmed or re-traumatised by the painful content of their experiences.
Organisations
Schools
Parents
Carers
In a specially designated room, free from interruption. This can be in the child’s school or an organisation that they attend and are familiar with.
Play therapy can take place at a child’s home, but only in exceptional circumstances.
Information between the play therapist and your child is confidential. The play therapist may share some information with other professionals/colleagues for the benefit of the child, but will seek the parent’s permission before doing so.
The play therapist will also share information with other professionals if they believe that the child is being harmed or harming others.
Children use the play materials to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences. Through a range of techniques the play therapist will enable the child to express themselves freely without having to explain their experiences with words. Having these expressions witnessed and validated by the play therapist can be healing for the child. Play therapy also provides opportunities for the child to learn to manage relationships and conflicts in appropriate ways, increases their understanding of their feelings and emotions and can enhance their ability to self-regulate and manage their behaviour.
After each session the therapist will write up notes to gain a deeper understanding of the child’s felt experience, to monitor their progress and to assess their needs. This understanding will enable the therapist to support the child and family and to make helpful recommendations. The length of intervention suggested will be determined by the child and family’s level of need and discussed with parents/carers.
You can book a consultation by clicking on the green button at the bottom of this page.
Play therapy can be helpful for children who have experienced a range of emotional, developmental and behavioural difficulties in their lives. Difficult life experiences can cause anxiety, stress and confusion. Such experiences are likely to impact a child’s enjoyment of life, and their capacity to learn and think. Children may withdraw, struggle with relationships, display challenging behaviour, find it difficult to concentrate or become more controlling.
It varies. The minimum is 12 sessions, which will be enough for some children.
However, in instances where problems are more complex or if the needs are greater, a longer intervention may be required. Sessions are regular and consistent, usually once a week, and at the same time and place – something which helps build trust in the relationship. Missing sessions can disrupt the intervention’s progress.
Bereavement
Separation/divorce
Adoption or fostering
Trauma
Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual)
Illness or illness of a family member
Family dysfunction
Neglect
Domestic violence
Difficulty with peer relationships
Anxiety
Low confidence/self esteem
Speech delay
Depression
Special developmental needs
ADHD/ADD
ASD
Challenging behaviour
In an initial assessment meeting, parents/carers can share their concerns and insight into the child’s difficulties and presenting needs and share background information. Then the therapist will meet the child and parent together. Sometimes it can be helpful for the play therapist to speak with teachers or other people in the child’s life to gain a deeper understanding of the child’s needs.
Once play therapy is deemed appropriate and informed consent is given, play therapy can begin. Confidentiality is key in therapy, both for the children and significant others, and this is discussed with all involved parties.
Throughout the process the therapist will work closely with parents/carers and others, holding review meetings every six to eight weeks. Parents/carers can use these meetings to share worries, updates and the therapist can share insight and offer support and advice can share specific to the child’s needs. Review meetings also provide the opportunity to discuss progress, challenges, and give feedback from both sides.