What is
play therapy? 

Play is not just 'fun' - it is the language of children and through play they learn and develop. Play therapy supports children in being able to work through their difficulties in a developmentally appropriate way. Children may not always be able to understand or verbalise their feelings or difficulties. However, they will use play to project and communicate what is going on inside. Play is symbolic communication and I respond to the child within this world of play, symbol and metaphor. This makes it a non-threatening way to explore what may otherwise feel too overwhelming. Play and creativity also accesses the unconscious and a deeper, often more buried level of past experience. 

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Children are given time to play how they want and at their own pace, within clear boundaries around safety and time. At times and as therapy develops, some directive activities may be offered to children to support their process. By building an empathic,  and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship with a child, a safe space is developed where the child feels fully accepted. I am there to be fully with the child in their play, to reflect on their responses, notice and understand their feelings and to be curious in the process. This supports children in developing their own insight, self-awareness and confidence in themselves. Commonly parents and teachers notice children becoming more in touch with their feelings and more able to ask for support when needed. Over time, children explore new, more empowered and positive ways of being in the world and relating to others.

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Children need to understand that play therapy sessions are confidential and that the details of what they say and how they play are not shared (unless there are safeguarding concerns). However, I aim to work in partnership with parents and carers. Play therapy works best when parents are on board and we can work collaboratively. You know your child best and an important part of the process is our initial meeting and regular reviews. 

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What happens in play therapy sessions?

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Children can choose from a wide range of toys and creative arts materials including: Art (drawing, painting, collage), clay, sand tray with symbols, drama and role play, puppets, music, creative visualisation, therapeutic stories, games.  Sessions are 40-50 minutes (depending on age/development), held at the same time, in the same place each week.  In play therapy, we generally start with 12 sessions, reviewing regularly. I offer both short-term and longer-term work with children, recognising that children who have had more complex difficulties earlier in their development benefit from extended support. Each child's process is unique to them and so sessions may look and feel very different. 

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Who can benefit from play therapy?

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I have experience in working with children of primary-school age up until age 13. Play and creative arts therapy can offer support to children at the start of puberty, in adjusting to the increased independence and responsibilities in middle and secondary schools and all the tricky transitions, friendship and confidence issues this can sometimes bring. In an age of screens, mobile phones and pressure, the space to just be, to not have to achieve or ‘do’ and to be creative feels particularly valuable. I have experience in working with the following:

• Anxiety, low mood and depression (including school-based anxiety)

• Fears and phobias

• Sleep difficulties

• Aggressive behaviour and difficulties in managing anger

• Friendship difficulties

• School difficulties

• Experiences of trauma or abuse

• Experiences of bereavement or loss

• Experiences of parental separation or divorce

• Children who are ill (or have experienced past trauma associated with illness), disabled or have siblings with disabilities

• Neurodivergent children.