What is Play Therapy?
Toys are like the child’s words and play is the child’s language
- Gary L. Landreth
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that offers children a safe and supportive space to express their feelings and explore their experiences through play. As children may not always have the words to explain how they feel, play provides a natural way for them to communicate, make sense of their world and work through difficult experiences.
With the support of a trained play therapist, children can explore difficult emotions, develop emotional awareness and discover new ways of coping. Using a non-directive approach, the child is able to lead their play, express themselves in their own way and work at their own pace. This allows children to explore their feelings and experiences in a way that feels natural, safe and meaningful to them.
Why Play?
Play is an important part of how children experience and understand the world around them.
A child may not be able to say:
"I'm worried about the changes happening in my family."
Instead, themes connected with worry, safety, relationships, separation or change may emerge naturally through their play.
What Happens in the Playroom?
The play therapy room is a safe and supportive space where children are free to explore and express themselves through play. The playroom contains a carefully selected range of toys and creative materials.
Using a non-directive approach, the therapist follows the child’s lead rather than directing their play. The therapist is trained to create a therapeutic environment and to observe and respond to the child's communication, emotions, relationships and patterns of play.
The heart of play therapy is the therapeutic relationship that develops between the child and therapist. As trust and a sense of safety grow, the child becomes more comfortable expressing difficult feelings, exploring experiences and communicating through play.
The Process of Play Therapy
Getting started
1. Referral
Parents, carers and appropriate professionals can complete the referral form to begin the process.
Forms are available online.
2. Parent Consultation
Once the referral has been reviewed by the play therapist, you will be contacted to arrange an initial parent consultation appointment.
This gives us an opportunity to discuss your child in more detail, including their:
- Strengths and interests
- Development and background
- Family circumstances
- School experience
- Important relationships
- Current difficulties or changes
- Previous support, where relevant
- Your hopes and concerns for therapy
This also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and understand how the therapeutic process will work.
3. Play Therapy Sessions
Your child will attend 1:1 weekly play therapy sessions, lasting approximately 45 minutes each.
A minimum commitment of 12 weeks is recommended, although therapy often continues for longer as it is generally a long process.
4. Review Meetings
Parents and guardians are an important part of the therapeutic process.
We will arrange reviews at appropriate intervals to discuss your child's general progress and any changes you are noticing outside therapy.
At the same time, it is important that your child experiences the playroom as a private and confidential therapeutic space. For this reason, I will not usually provide a detailed account of everything your child says or does during individual sessions.
If I have any concerns regarding your child’s safety or welfare, these will be discussed with you in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
5. Ending Play Therapy
Ending therapy is an important part of the therapeutic process and, where possible, will be planned rather than happening suddenly.
When the time is right to finish, your child will be given appropriate notice and an opportunity to prepare for and understand the ending.
We will also discuss the ending as part of the parent/guardian review process.
Want to Know More?
If you would like to find out more about play therapy, the process, or fees, please get in touch. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.