What is Child-Centred Play Therapy?
Children can often find it difficult to talk about their muddled feelings, difficulties and upsetting life events. Rather than using words, as adult therapy usually expects, Play Therapy allows children to explore, express and communicate their difficulties using play and other creative mediums such as art, drama, music and movement.
Child- Centred Play Therapy is an evidence based form of psychotherapy for children who are experiencing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. As a play therapist I believe in and trust in the child's humanity and innate ability to move towards growth and self development.
Play Therapy is mostly non-directive, meaning the child leads the session and chooses to play how they wish. My role in the room is to facilitate self-expression by creating a confidential, warm and trusting space where the child can communicate at their own pace, without feeling threatened or interrogated. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and child allows them to feel understood and accepted, empowering them to express freely, communicate and explore their experiences whilst processing their deepest unconscious. I follow their lead and participate in their play when invited, as well as providing observations and reflections that will help children to learn more about themselves and their world.
The sessions will run at the same time every week, (excluding school holidays), each session last 50 minutes and are part of a block of sessions. The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of the difficulties, with the minimum of 12-18 sessions, which is classed as a short-term intervention. However, when problems have persisted for a long time or are complicated, a longer-term intervention may be required. In these circumstances Play Therapy session may run for 1-2 years or more. Consistency is a vital part of the play therapy process, it is important to think carefully about when sessions will take place to ensure that the schedule can be maintained throughout
How can Play Therapy help?
Play Therapy gives children the tools to cope with life challenges. It may alter a child's behaviours and improve their social and emotional well-being through developing the following:
- Self-esteem, self-confidence + self acceptance
- Resilience
- Problem-solving and decision making skills
- Recognising and understanding their thoughts and feelings
- Healthy coping strategies
- Healthier relationships (improved empathy, respect and trust in others)
- Reduction in anxiety
- Language and fine motor skills
- Playfulness and creativity
When a child grows in these areas it leads to a happier child and healthier relationships in school and at home.
I work alongside parents and caregivers to provide continuous, non-judgemental support in their parenting journey, whilst sharing therapeutic parenting tools and techniques to use at home. I understand that every child is different, with their own set of unique and complex challenges. I walk alongside you to discover the best way to support your child.
Who is Play Therapy for?
Play therapy can help children ages 3-16 who are experiencing a range of social or emotional difficulties, such as:
- Anxiety, stress or phobias
- Parental & family separation
- Friendship difficulties, bullying or being bullied
- Low self-confidence and self-esteem
- Mood swings or inappropriate emotional responses
- Communication and behavioural delays or difficulties
- Struggling to access learning or achieve academic potential
- Bereavement
- Trauma & abuse
- Looked-after and fostered children
- Attachment and relationship difficulties
- Young carers
- Children with illnesses
- Neurodivergent children (including Autism, ADHD, ODD, and tourettes)
Adolescents usually use art materials and prefer to term their therapy 'creative arts therapy'.
