Children

A child's natural form of communication is through play. Play Therapy can help a child to express their inner world through the symbolic and metaphoric representation of the toys and creative mediums in the play room. Children can play out their big and often overwhelming feelings to find an inner resolution and become more able to deal with or adjust to problems. Through the therapeutic relationship with the Play Therapist children can learn to manage relationships and manage conflict in more appropriate ways.

We're Here to Support

We understand that it can take a lot of courage for a parent/carer to ask for help and make the decision for their child to enter therapy. We also recognise that the journey through therapy can prove quite bumpy at times for the child and family. This is why we are fully committed in supporting parents and carers through the whole process; including a bespoke support plan and parenting interventions.

(Concession rates are available)

What is Play Therapy?

This type of therapy uses play and art materials to help children to express themselves. It allows a child to explore their thoughts and feelings, in creative ways, without having to use words.

What is it used for?

Play therapy helps a child to express themselves in their own way. It gives them space to explore and understand difficult feelings. It can help children to develop healthy and resilient relationships and work through traumatic experiences.

What happens?

In play therapy children can explore and express themselves using a wide range of media such as:

Drawing, painting, water, clay, sand tray, gilded imagery, relaxation techniques, drama, puppetry, poetry, movement and music.

How long does it take?

Each session of play therapy is 45mins. We work open ended which means a child can have as many sessions as they need however we recommend at least 12 sessions

Why is it important?

Play is important as it is a child's natural way of experimenting, learning, rehearsing and mixing real with fantasy.

This therapy gives a child space to play out their feelings so that they can understand them and then decide what they want to do.

Who is Play Therapy For?

Play Therapy can be used to help children when experiencing difficulties - some examples of these are:

Developmental and relational trauma
Anxiety and panic disorders
Emotional abuse, physical or sexual abuse
Phobias, Fears, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Domestic Violence
Bereavement or Loss
Divorced or Separated Parents/Carers
Autism, ADHD, ADD
Delayed development and/or learning difficulty
Physical disability
Sensory Issues
Medical Condition/Illness/Hospital Stay
Social Exclusion
Difficulties with self-expression, confidence and self-esteem
Withdrawn and/or Low Mood
Under Performing - not realising potential (socially or academic performance)
Friendship issues
Behavioural Difficulties
Bullying
Exclusion from School

Our Advice

Consistency is Key

Be consistent and encourage your child to attend planned sessions - regular attendance leads to improved outcomes of the therapy and helps to create a safe and held space for the child.

Don't Push

Please resist the urge to ask your child what they did or said in their play therapy session. This can put pressure on them to comment on something that they may have difficulty in understanding themselves.

Let Them Be

Please don't ask your child to ‘be good' or check they have been. Therapy is not about being ‘good' or ‘bad' and your child must feel free to express ‘bad' feelings in an uncensored way.

Let Them Share

Refrain from insisting your child tell the play therapist specific things. It is their special time and must feel free to express themselves at their own pace if they choose to do so. Instead, please share any concerns or information with the Play Therapist directly.

Wear Old Clothes

Play can be messy and it is helpful if your child can wear old clothes to minimise their anxiety about this.

It May Get Worse First

During any therapeutic intervention, behaviour may appear to get worse before it gets better – please tell your child's Play Therapist if you have any concerns. Please also feel free to ask your child's Play Therapist any questions throughout the process.