There are a wide range of reasons a child may be referred for Play Therapy. For example, Play Therapy can help with:

• Emotional difficulties - anxiety, anger, sadness, negative self-image, struggling to cope with or regulate after big feelings

• Behavioural concerns - agression, need to control, outbursts/tantrums, impulsivity

• Social challenges - withdrawal/isolation, difficulty making/keeping friendships, bullying

• Trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences - abuse, neglect, hospitalisation, bereavement, parental separation

• Developmental or Neurodivergent differences

• School-related issues - avoidance, stress

Do get in touch to discuss your child’s needs or to make a referral.

There is a carefully selected ‘Toolkit’ which includes:

• Art/craft/clay

• Sand tray and miniatures

• Doll’s house/dolls

• Dressing up and puppets

• Musical instruments

• Fabric/ribbons

• Role play toys

• Games

Your child can choose what they would like to do. As the therapeutic relationship develops, your child will play out whatever is important to them. There is no requirement for them to talk. Play is a child’s language and in the play room they can express themselves safely, in their own way and at their own pace.

A play Therapy session is usually 45 minutes long and happens at the same time and in the same place each week.

For therapy to be effective, there needs to be a minimum of 12 sessions. Often, therapy extends beyond this. I hold regular reviews with caregivers to discuss and agree in advance when the ending will be.

I cannot say exactly what your child did or said in a session. I can talk about general themes, topics and patterns in the play and discuss the progress your child has made.

Your child may choose to talk to you about their Play Therapy sessions or they might not, and that is ok!

It is important not to question your child about what they did. Instead, wait for them to initiate it. If they do, listen carefully, respond gently and without judgement and give them the space and time they need to share.

The cost of therapy can vary depending on things like the level of complexity, the location, and the length of therapy. In some cases, you may be able to access funding for the therapy (for example, through a charity, adoption support, schools, local authority or an EHC Plan).

Please get in touch to request a pricing guide.

In Play Therapy, there is no requirement for a child to talk, like there is in some other approaches. Their job is to play - children are masters of this! Within a warm, friendly, non-directive therapeutic relationship, they are able to play what they need to in order to begin to sort out and understand big emotions or difficulties they might be facing.

There a many benefits of Play Therapy which often lead to lasting positive change, including:

• Strengthened resilience and problem-solving skills

• Increased emotional awareness and regulation

• Development of confidence, autonomy and a sense of safety and control

• Strengthened relationships

• Increased concentration and engagement

• Development of coping strategies and belief in own abilities

Parents, carers and guardians have a key role in supporting their child’s therapy to be as effective as possible by:

• Communicating with the therapist to discuss progress and how things are going

• Being consistent in attending sessions and being on time

• Understanding that your child will work at their own pace and progress isn’t always linear

• Being patient, accepting and open should your child choose to share their play or talk about things that are important to them from their sessions.