PLAY THERAPY
Play Therapy is a way of helping children to explore and express difficult feelings and adverse experiences. Children can often struggle to understand or put words to their experiences, and this can impact on their ability to manage their emotions, and on their mental well-being. The play therapist recognises the importance of understanding the child’s world from their perspective and will help the child to make sense of and understand their feelings, this enables them to cope better.
WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?
Play therapy is based on the theory that play is the primary language of the child where the toys are the words a child uses to express their inner emotional experiences and how they experience the world. It offers a way of working that allows the child to take control, is minimally intrusive, and allows the possibility of exploring issues and concerns important to the child. It is well researched and recognised as a successful early intervention for children’s emotional and mental well-being.
Play Therapy is a child centred and non-directive therapy using play & creative materials. Children are free to communicate their thoughts, feelings and behaviours in their own way, at their own pace. For children words can be too difficult to find, so there is no pressure to talk about their difficulties. The therapist supports the child to explore and resolve some of the themes that come up in their play. Play Therapy supports positive change and helps the child to:
Act out and release pent up feelings of tension, frustration, insecurity, aggression, fear and/or confusion
Build self-esteem and self-confidence
Improve ways of relating to others
Imagine other ways of being
Process life events
Develop self regulation
Concentrate in school
WHO IS IT FOR?
Play Therapy is s particularly useful for children aged 3ys to 12yrs who have experienced trauma or who display emotional or behavioural difficulties, including:
| Emotional | Behavioural | Situational |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | Withdrawn | Bereavement |
| Low Self-Esteem | Aggression | Family Breakdown |
| Anger | Relationship Difficulties | Abuse |
| Sadness | Defiance | Trauma |
| Confused | Acting out | Parental Addiction |
| Unhappy | Poor Impulse Control | Domestic Violence |
WHAT HAPPENS?
Our therapy sessions take place in dedicated play rooms in partner nurseries and schools or at our office bases, on the same day and same time. During the 50 min session the child is allowed to use their time in the room however they want. Therapists do not question or direct the child to do anything, giving them space to play or act at their own pace. Over the weeks the child will be helped to process any difficulties that they’re experiencing which helps them to manage more easily at school and home.