Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a creative and relational counselling modality, a non-directive and child-led approach that honours the child's natural forms of expression. Therapists provide a trusting, safe and non-judgemental relationship and environment within which a child has permission to fully be themselves and express in a way that is unique and authentic to them.

Through play children communicate, develop, heal and grow!

What does it look like?

In the playroom is a wide variety of carefully selected toys and materials. These include craft and sensory materials, musical instruments, games and carefully chosen toys that support a broad range of expressive, imaginative and realistic play. This can include:

Role play, nurturing play, sensory play, aggressive play, drawing and painting, fantasy play, mastery and skill building, post traumatic play, control and limit testing and more.

Through play, children are supported to safely express and explore their inner and real world experiences, using symbols and metaphors to ‘play out’ complex and challenging emotions, thoughts and perceptions.

Play Therapy is a non-directive form of counselling, meaning therapists do not give instructions or ask lots of questions, rather follow the child's lead, trusting them to communicate in a way and at a pace that they feel able. Therapists enter the child’s world and play, offering empathy, acceptance, authenticity and reflection, modelling regulation and providing therapeutic insight.

Play therapy allows children the opportunity to explore their challenges from different perspectives, build confidence, awareness and understanding. Over time creating new neural pathways in the brain, new narratives and new ways of being.

Play Therapy Promotes:

Understanding and integration of complex experiences
Insight into self and other
Healthy ways of communicating and connecting
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Regulation
Emotional development
Problem solving and collaboration
Flexibility and resilience

Who is play therapy for?

Play therapy is trauma-informed and evidence- based, found to be effective in the support of a number of emotional, social and behavioural difficulties. It is developmentally appropriate, does not rely on language and is accessible to a wide variety of clients. Play therapy can be used to support those with a range of concerns and presentations including:

Traumatic experiences (abuse, loss, neglect, illness or medical trauma, natural disasters)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Family Complexity and Separation
Social and Relational Challenges
ADHD
Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
Grief and Loss
Developmental Delays
Sensory Sensitivities and Toileting Challenges

Play Therapy Process

Intake:

This is the initial consultation and the first step for all services. This session takes place between the caregivers and therapist without children present, we set aside 50-90mins for the session. The therapist will take time to hear from you, answer any questions and explain the process. Together you will discuss current concerns and presenting symptoms, child and family history, make a therapeutic plan and set goals. Young people 15 years and over are welcome to attend the Intake session if they choose.

Sessions:

Play Therapy and Interplay Sessions are 30-50 minutes long depending on the age of the child. Play Therapy Sessions occur at a regular time every week to provide predictability and consistency, helping to establish trust and safety for participants. Fortnightly sessions may be arranged in discussion with the therapist.

Caregiver Consultation Sessions:

Caregiver involvement and consultation is an important part of the therapeutic process, particularly for children under 15 years of age. Consultation sessions are a great way for caregivers to be fully informed and a part of the journey, an opportunity to measure change, ask questions and unpack progress. It is important that a child’s therapy space feels safe and just for them, we therefore do our best not to share updates in front of the child. Therapists will call caregivers regularly to discuss feedback and progress, and consult sessions are scheduled every 5-10sessions, or on request.

Closure:

Play Therapy is a relational modality built on forming trust and connection with the space and therapist, it is therefore important we be mindful when planning to close therapeutic services. The decision to close is is made between a caregiver and therapist, often based on therapeutic progress or family circumstances. A closure plan is made to allow a young person to adjust and come to terms with saying goodbye, this is often done over a number of weeks in relation to the length of therapeutic intervention.

How many sessions will we have?

Play therapy is considered a medium to long term therapy that is unique to each child, based on the complexity of their experience, developmental capacities, temperament, presenting issues and current circumstances. Some children may make significant progress in 15 sessions, some may need 30 or more.

Siblings?

It is common for siblings who have experienced shared challenges to each need therapeutic support. As we all respond differently to stress it may be appropriate for siblings to be seen together in a joint session or perhaps individually if they have competing needs and presentations. These decisions are made on a case by case basis in consultation with a therapist. Please note sibling sessions are charged at a higher rate.

What should I tell my child about coming to Play Therapy?

Some children may be very aware that they need support, and perhaps have asked for therapy, for others it may be a completely new concept. You know your child best, and it is important to explain Play Therapy to them in a way that is authentic, age appropriate and positive. Some caregivers choose not to use the word therapy, instead describing a special place where they get to play and share in any way they choose. Remember that more information means less anxiety for young people so you can let them know that you have visited the playroom, perhaps some of the toys you noticed, and that you met a kind person you think they might like too. You might like to share with them some of your hopes, and why you think it might be helpful to have a space and time just for them. We have pictures of the room and our therapist to share with those who are particularly anxious and benefit from visual preparation.

Play Therapy can get messy!

In the playroom we accept children fully, just as they are, and we understand the toys and materials to be part of a young person's expression and storytelling. This being the case we do not ask children to pack up at the end of their session as we do not want them to feel they have to contain or put away the feelings and information they have shared with us. It also means there can be paint, sand, water, texters etc. going around the room - so please be mindful when getting a child dressed and ready for session.

Play Therapy can be fun, and it can be hard.

Sometimes a child may leave a session skipping and smiling, feeling connected and empowered. Sometimes they may leave feeling fragile, sensitive, sad or angry. Occasionally further challenges arise throughout the process, or things feel harder before they start to feel easier. This is all a part of the journey of expressing and exploring challenges, finding safety, confidence and new ways of being. Children may find it challenging, or choose not to share what is going on for them in session. As caregivers you can provide support by respecting their process and being available in whatever way they need after a session. This might be an extra hug, a bit of space, or perhaps a ritual of one on one time after a session.