Play Therapy
Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapeutic intervention that supports children and young people to explore their emotions, experiences and relationships through play, within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship.
Play is a natural and powerful way for children to communicate, particularly when thoughts, feelings or experiences may be difficult to express through words. Through play, children can explore their experiences, process emotions and develop new ways of understanding themselves and the world around them.
How Play Therapy Can Help
Play Therapy can support children and young people with a range of needs and experiences, including:
- Anxiety and emotional distress
- Attachment and relationship difficulties
- Developmental trauma
- Loss, change and significant life events
- Difficulties with emotional regulation
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Social and communication difficulties
- Behaviour that may be communicating an underlying need
- Transitions and changes in circumstances
- Building resilience and a stronger sense of self
Our Approach
Our Play Therapy is child-led and tailored to the developmental and emotional needs of each child or young person.The therapist provides a consistent, safe and nurturing therapeutic space where children are supported to:
- Express themselves through play
- Explore and process difficult feelings and experiences
- Develop emotional awareness and understanding
- Build emotional literacy and regulation skills
- Strengthen confidence, self-esteem and relationships
- Develop a greater sense of safety and trust
- Feel heard, understood and valued
The pace and direction of therapy is responsive to the individual child rather than expecting them to communicate or engage in a particular way.
Individual Therapeutic Support
Play Therapy can be provided as a standalone therapeutic intervention or form part of a wider package of support through Sense Inclusion. Where appropriate, therapeutic goals can complement a child or young person's wider EHCP, education or support outcomes while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries and confidentiality.
Working Together
With appropriate consent, our therapists can work collaboratively with families, schools and other professionals involved in the child or young person's care. This helps develop a shared understanding of need and supports consistency around the child, while respecting the confidentiality and integrity of the therapeutic relationship.