What is play therapy?

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Children often find it difficult to talk about how they feel or how experience shave affected them. Play therapy offers children the opportunity to explore their feelings and what is going on in their lives through the medium of play. Play is the natural means by which children learn about themselves and the world around them.  Play therapy empowers children and promotes personal growth and self-expression.

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“Play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression” Virginia Axline

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I aim to provide a safe, confidential space for the child to work through their problems at their pace. The therapeutic relationship is paramount and I hope to create a warm and trusted relationship where the child feels accepted for who they are and safe enough to express themselves and explore their difficulties. My approach is non-directive, integrative and holistic. I see each child as an individual and I offer therapy to meet their unique needs.

 

What happens in play therapy?

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Each session will last 40 minutes and take place at the same time, same place each week, initially for 12 sessions. I usually see children in their school but hiring a room elsewhere can be considered if required.

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The child will have access to the play therapy tool-kit which includes:

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• Art and craft materials

• Sand tray with miniature figures / symbols​

• Role play items​

• Musical instruments​

• Therapeutic stories

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Children create play that resembles the emotional experiences they are struggling with internally, and these experiences usually cannot be expressed verbally. Instead they can begin to express themselves, unconsciously through play, metaphor and symbolism. Over time a relationship of acceptance, warmth, trust and safety develops between myself as therapist and the child which enables them to explore, express and experiment in ways that they may not be able to elsewhere. . Through therapeutic play, children can come to terms with confusing feelings and have a better understanding of who they are and the world around them.

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Objectives of play therapy can include:

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• Find healthier ways of communicating feelings

• Develop a more positive self-concept

• Assume greater self-responsibility

• Become more self-accepting

• Become more self-directing

• Become more self-reliant

• Become more trusting of self

• Experience a feeling of control

• Become sensitive to the process of coping

• Develop an internal source of evaluation

• Engage in self-determined decision making

• Increased resilience

• Develop more fulfilling relationships

 

“Toys are used like words by children, and play is their language” – Garry Landreth

 

Who is play therapy for?

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Referrals are accepted from schools, parents and statutory and voluntary agencies. I work with children between 4 and 11 years of age.

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I have experience of working with a wide range of children including those with:

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• Attachment difficulties

• Trauma

• Physical, sexual and emotional abuse

• Neglect

• Aggression or are aggressive themselves

• Bullied or bullies

• Domestic violence

• Mental health difficulties themselves or within the family

• Alcoholic or drug dependent parents

• Family breakdown

• Bereavement / loss

• Nightmares

• Anxiety

• Low self esteem

• Withdrawn / unhappiness

• Autism / ADHD

• Learning difficulties

• Difficulties forming friendships / difficulties with peer relationships

• Living in Foster care / Special Guardianship placements

• Behaviour problems

• Communication problems