What is Child Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a specialised form of child psychotherapy that encourages neuro-bio-psycho-social growth, development and overall wellbeing. The use of toys, art and the therapeutic relationship with the play therapist become the tools for the child to explore and make sense of their inner world. Our child-centred play therapy approach is primarily non-directive, supporting the exploration of experiences and concerns without feeling questioned or pressured to address certain areas that the child isn’t ready to work through.
Play-based therapy is most appropriate and recommended for children aged 2-12 years old. It builds on the child’s inner resources and strengths and is effective for a wide range of childhood emotional, behavioural, developmental, physiological, social, and psychological concerns.
Play therapy operates on the principle that play is a child’s natural language and a powerful medium for expression, exploration, and healing. Within the safe and supportive space created by the play therapist, children are encouraged to engage in various forms of play, including imaginative play, storytelling, art, and games.
How can Play Therapy help my child?
When children are having difficulties it often shows up in their behaviour. You may be concerned about your child’s development, eating or sleeping patterns and how they are getting along with family, friends or at school. When things are hard, some children may react by becoming very anxious, sad and may withdraw into themselves. Other children may externalise their behaviour and have outbursts of anger and aggression.
Play therapy is a very effective therapy for children with emotional and behavioural challenges. Children can be referred to a trained and experienced play therapist as a result of the following issues (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Trauma
- Divorce and family breakdown
- Social difficulties
- Separation anxiety
- Anger, oppositional and acting out behaviours
- Bullying
- Physical and sexual abuse
- ADHD / ADD
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Parent and child relationship challenges
- Sleeping and eating difficulties
- Low self esteem and self confidence
- Grief and loss
- Depression
- Chronic illness/hospitalisation/surgery
- Physical symptoms without any medical cause
- Bonding and attachment
- Selective mutism
- Near death experiences
What happens during a Play Therapy session?
During play therapy sessions, the therapist carefully attunes to the child, reflects their experiences, validates their emotions, and co-regulates with them as they process their perceptions, feelings, and needs. By facilitating the child’s play and interactions, the therapist pays close attention to their choices, themes, and expressions. Through play, children often reveal their inner thoughts and beliefs, conflicts and struggles that may be difficult to articulate verbally. For example, a child might use dolls to act out a scene where one doll comforts another, symbolising a need for nurturing and support.
The play therapist acts as a facilitator, joining the child in their inner world, validating their experiences, and providing gentle guidance through role modelling and scaffolding when needed. Through empathetic listening, reflection and co regulation, the therapist helps the child explore and make sense of their own emotions and body sensations, and important relationships in their life. By providing a nonjudgmental and accepting presence, the therapist creates a secure environment where the child feels safe to express themselves authentically.
How does this help my child?
As the therapeutic process unfolds, children gradually develop insights into their thoughts, behaviours, and underlying issues. They learn new coping skills, problem-solving strategies, rewiring their brain and nervous system to develop healthier ways of expressing and regulating their emotions. Through the transformative power of play, children can heal from past traumas, develop resilience, and build confidence in themselves and their abilities. Sessions led by our children’s play therapist are child-centred, mind and body-focused and non-directive.
