What is Play Therapy?

Sometimes, even as adults, we find it difficult to put our emotions into words or to be able to describe what is bothering us. This is the same for children, in fact it can be harder because they may not have developed the vocabulary yet, or even know what it is that is making them feel they way they do. They can however play.

Play is a powerful form of communication and can help a child make sense of their emotions, their experiences, their impulses and their behaviours. It helps them discover a sense of who they can be.

Play Therapy is predominantly non-directive and child-centred.   It is a creative therapy that allows the child to work within a warm and trusted relationship with the therapist to express through play what they find hard to express verbally.  It gives them the opportunity to explore difficult feelings and therefore come to understand themselves better. It allows the child to ‘play out’ issues in a free and protected space without being judged.

The child is encouraged to be themselves and express themselves freely within safe limitations. There are few boundaries in play therapy, the child is free to do as they please as long as they keep themselves, the play therapist and everything in the room safe.

Allowing the child to lead can help them build trust in the therapist and at the same time helps the child to develop confidence and self-esteem.

The play therapist’s role is to follow and track the child’s play and enter into it when invited. The play therapist is open and engaging and gives the message, “I am here, I hear you and I care”. With sensitivity the therapist reflects the child’s feelings and actions back to them, to help them gain insight into themselves and their world.

The therapist offers opportunities to explore feelings further to gain deeper understanding but accepts that the child will move at their own pace and that when they are ready they will explore difficult emotions and previous traumas. Worthwhile change comes from within.

Non-directive play therapy holds the belief that, given the right conditions, children will ultimately move to a more positive place. 

The right conditions are…….

• Providing a familiar play room with consistent selection of materials and toys

• Maintaining a predictable and regular weekly session that lasts about 40 minutes each week

• Having a consistent therapist who conveys an unconditional deep respect for the child, listens carefully to them and responds with genuine empathy.

• Providing the child with a confidential space.

The work I do with the child is confidential so I will not be able to discuss specific details with you, however I will endeavour to provide any helpful information that I can and may be able to suggest useful strategies to help you support the child.

You can read more about how play therapy works on the PTUK website. How Does Play Therapy Work?