About Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Play is universally accepted as an extremely important part of childhood, helping with physical, emotional, psychological and social development. Sometimes it can be difficult to find words to express our feelings, therefore play allows children to communicate using a more natural and appropriate method. Play Therapy involves using creative techniques to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours alongside an accepting and understanding therapist.
What happens in a Play Therapy session?
Play Therapists use a variety of techniques from the Play Therapy toolkit to explore the unconscious process of the child in a safe and supportive environment.
The Play Therapy toolkit includes:
Sand
Music
Puppets
Small World Symbols
Dance & Movement
Clay
Drawing & Painting
Crafts
Messy Play
Role Play
The playroom allows children to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours by allowing them to choose from the toolkit and heal themselves alongside a qualified Play Therapist.
Play Therapy sessions are confidential and all data collected by the Play Therapist is handled according to GDPR guidelines. This allows the child to express themselves in a non-judgemental and permissive atmosphere, to explore themes that may be difficult to express verbally.
Play Therapy sessions are integrative and holistic, allowing the child to explore all aspects of themselves such as physical, emotional, psychological and social development. Predominantly, Play Therapy sessions are non-directive, allowing the child to take the lead in their own journey. Where necessary and appropriate, the Play Therapist may suggest activities or introduce resources that may help.
Who may benefit from Play Therapy?
Play Therapy can help with a wide range of issues, including:
Delayed development
Attachment difficulties
Socially excluded
Bullies or is bullied
Anxiety
Anger issues
Experiences of trauma
Parents are separated or divorced
Bereavement or loss
Behavioural problems
Communication problems
Low confidence or self esteem
Learning difficulties
Abuse
Friendship issues
How do we know it works?
There is a wide range of evidence to support the success of Play Therapy; on average 70% of children accessing Play Therapy sessions show a positive change. However, there are studies to suggest that this percentage could be even higher: for children receiving a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Total Difficulties score of 30 or higher, 88% showed a positive change after accessing Play Therapy sessions.