What is Play Therapy?

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What is Play Therapy?

Child-centred play therapy is a therapeutic approach used by specialist trained therapist to help children express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions through play. It is based on the belief that children naturally communicate and work through their issues using play, making it an effective method to help address various emotional and behavioural difficulties including children who have been impacted by: Covid-19, developmental trauma, abuse, bereavement, anxiety, friendship and relationship challenges, parental separation and many more.

Play therapy works on the understanding that given the right therapeutic environment and therapist children will begin to work through the difficulties they may be experiencing which is often seen in their behaviour and says to the adults around them that they are not okay.

click here for a child’s guide to play therapy

Some of the key principles of play therapy

“You show me how you want to play”
The therapist allows the child to lead the play in whichever way they are most comfortable. The child chooses the toys and activities they want to engage in, giving them a sense of control and autonomy and therefore a feeling of safety within the room.

“I will care and accept your feelings no matter how big or small they are”
Therapists provide a safe and accepting environment where the child feels respected and valued without judgement. This helps build trust and rapport.

“I will listen and go on the journey with you through these difficulties feelings”
Therapists use active listening and empathetic responses to understand the child’s feelings and experiences, which helps the child feel heard and understood.

“You can show me just how feel in the way that you play”
Through play, children can express and work through difficult emotions, traumas, or unresolved issues in a nonverbal way.

“You can show me how you are feeling in whichever way you would like, using the things in the room”
A wide range of toys, art supplies, and other materials are provided to allow the child to choose how they want to express themselves.

“I’m ready when you are”
The therapist takes the lead from the child and moves through process and exploring their difficulties at a pace that they are comfortable with.

“I will help you to understand and cope with some of the feelings you have”
Therapists reflect the child’s emotions and experiences back to them, helping the child gain insight into their feelings and thoughts.

The child will be invited to attend weekly sessions with a play therapist in a child-friendly clinic in Orpington, where they will have access to a range of toys, that they will use to tell their story. Play therapist is confidential in nature between the child and therapist, but parents/carer will be given the opportunity to learn more their child’s behaviour when they meet with the therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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