Play Therapy is an effective, evidence-based form of psychotherapy or counselling that utilises play, the child’s natural language to communicate their feelings and experience. It is a developmentally appropriate form of therapy for children and young adults normally aged between 3 – 12, but can be adapted for older ages. 

The aim is to provide a safe, judgment-free space for them to express and work through social, emotional, behavioural, and traumatic experiences using the toys aided by the specially trained therapist.  Children and young adults may not have the language, cognitive, or emotional development to be able to communicate verbally. The therapist is trained to elicit feelings and themes from the play by using certain language and prompts, ensuring the child is accepted and validated throughout their time in the playroom.

 

Play therapy is mostly non-verbal and child-led. The child is free to explore the wide range of toys available and utilise the different modalities; sand play, music, puppets, dance, story, arts and crafts. Examples of themes that children present through their play are; violence/aggression, worry/fear, nurturing/love, sadness/grief, joy/happiness.

The therapist sensitively supports and acknowledges his/her play empowering the child to help themselves gain confidence and self esteem enabling them to learn to cope better with their problems, relationships, and difficult feelings.

The playroom is a safe, confidential, and uninterrupted space.

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Play Therapy can help children suffering from a range of psychological difficulties such as;

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What to expect:

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An initial meeting is arranged following the referral where I will meet the parents/primary caregiver to gain further information and discuss the length of intervention and answer any questions. This meeting is usually one hour in length.

Intervention involves weekly sessions which typically last for a minimum of 12-16 weeks but can continue for longer as required . Review meetings are held every 6 weeks. One of the core principles of play therapy is for the child not to be rushed and each intervention is individualised to each child.

A set day and time will be agreed where your child will attend play therapy and each session lasts 50 minutes.

A planned therapeutic ending in play therapy is crucial to a child and their well-being. This can take place over several weeks and will always be communicated to the child and parent prior to commencement. 

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Please see 'further reading' for articles and information on Play Therapy and its effectiveness.

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What is a BAPT Play Therapist:

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Within Play Therapy there are many terminologies; 'Play Specialist', 'Therapeutic Play Worker' or "Play Therapist'. Whichever you decide on please ensure they have the relevant qualifications and are under a registered Play Therapy organisation so that you know you are getting the best for your child.

A registered BAPT MA Play Therapist has previous relevant experience working with children and has undergone a rigorous 2-year training underpinned with psychological and psychoanalytical theory, child development, and attachment. 

They have undergone Personal Therapy for the duration of their course to develop self-awareness and insight and are continuously supervised by a senior, BAPT registered play therapist throughout their career. They hold an up-to-date DBS and safeguarding certificate and follow the ethical code of practice from BAPT. 

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