Play Therapy
“Every child is unique and special but sometimes they experience problems with feelings or behaviours that cause disruption to their lives and the lives of those around them”
-IAPTP
What is Play Therapy?
Children can find it difficult to express themselves verbally, therefore talking therapies can be difficult for them. Play is the natural way that a child expresses themselves.
Play therapy is a therapeutic method of Psychotherapy for children aged 3 and upwards. It explores a child’s natural means of expression to help them cope with challenges they face in their world.
Play Therapy is a clinical therapy aimed at supporting developmental
difficulties and mental health of young children and adolescents.
Play therapy fosters a trusting relationship between the therapist and child which is consistent with helping the child to gain a sense of mastery over a situation or trauma they have experienced.
Play- a child’s natural way of expressing themselves.
Play naturally helps children develop physically, social, intellectually, and emotionally.
The ability to play is innate from birth. Children use their senses, their body, role play, relationships, stories, games to develop a sense of identity, empathy and develop decision making skills.
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills are developed through The cognitive, emotional and interpersonal process in play leads to problem solving and creative thinking.
Play therapists can also teach children how to play.
When would a child come to play therapy?
Abuse - emotional, neglect, sexual.
Adoption or foster care support
Anxiety
Aggressive behaviour
ASD behaviour
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attachment
Bedwetting/ soiling problems
Bereavement
Domestic violence
Eating problems
Excessive shyness
Hospitalization
Learning/ Developmental problems
Low self esteem
Parental conflict, separation or divorce
Persistent anger, worry, sadness or fear which hinders the daily life of the child
Preoccupation with sexual behaviour.
Sleep
Trauma
If you would like to refer a child to the play therapy services, please complete the expression of interest form and a member of staff will contact you.
