Play Therapy
Why Play Therapy?
Children do not always have the words to tell us what is going on for them, either because it is too difficult or the words are not available. Play Therapy gives children another way to express what they’re thinking and feeling, explore what’s going on, and begin to make sense of difficult feelings.
I work with a non-directive, child-centred approach. The child leads the play and can choose what they want to explore, at their own pace. My role is to provide a safe, accepting and consistent space, being alongside them and supporting whatever feelings come up.
When might Play Therapy be helpful?
Play Therapy may be helpful when a child is experiencing difficulties that are affecting their emotional wellbeing or day-to-day life. This might be following a significant change or loss, difficulties in relationships, experiences of trauma, or when changes in behaviour suggest something may be troubling them.
You might notice changes in a child’s mood, or sleep routine. For example, they seem more irritable, withdrawn, or are finding it harder to settle at night. There might be challenges at school, whether with learning, friendships, or fitting in, and it is affecting how they are coping day to day. They may also experience physical symptoms such as tummy aches or headaches, particularly when they are experiencing stress or emotional difficulties. These types of changes might be a sign that they are having a difficult time and could benefit from some extra support.
What age is Play Therapy for?
Play Therapy is most commonly provided to children aged 3-12 years. With adaptations, it can also be suitable for adolescents and young people.
What sessions look like
Sessions are usually weekly, on the same day and at the same time. This predictability helps children know what to expect and gives them the opportunity to become familiar with the therapist, the space and the way the sessions work.
The therapist provides a wide range of toys and materials, such as arts and crafts, sensory toys and role-play toys. These give children different ways to play, create, explore and communicate.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes. For some children, there may be a gradual build-up to this as they settle into the process.
How long will a child need therapy?
Every child is different, so there is no set number of sessions. How long therapy continues will depend on the child, what they are experiencing and how things change over time. This is something we will talk about together as therapy progresses.
Parents, carers, schools and other professionals supporting a child can get in touch to discuss whether Play Therapy might be appropriate.
How are parents involved?
Parents and carers have an important role in supporting their child alongside therapy. Reviews with parents and caregivers take place at agreed points throughout therapy. This is an opportunity to talk about how things are progressing, think about additional ways of supporting the child and plan any next steps.
If you are a professional wondering about Play Therapy
If you are a professional supporting a child and are wondering whether Play Therapy might be appropriate, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss the child’s circumstances and whether an assessment would be helpful.
When Play Therapy is provided alongside other services, I work collaboratively with the professionals involved in the child’s care, with appropriate consent and information-sharing. This might include sharing relevant observations from the assessment, discussing how the child is getting on, and thinking together about ways their wider support network can help.
Want to know more about Play Therapy?
I have created a short guide explaining what Play Therapy involves, what sessions look like and how it can support children.