Play Therapy

Play Therapy

Play therapy utilises play and creative activities as a means for the young person to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions. In a safe and supportive environment, a trained play therapist observes and interacts with the young person during play sessions, using toys, games and art materials to help them work through difficulties or emotional challenges. Play therapy can be particularly effective in helping young people communicate and cope with difficult experiences or emotional struggles.

An initial consultation with the parent or caregiver will be offered to explore the young person’s strengths and difficulties. This information will be captured through discussion and a standardised questionnaire. Play therapy is available for children from 4 years of age.

A block of six play therapy sessions will be offered to the young person with a period of review after the final session to determine if further sessions would be beneficial.

Therapy can provide several benefits to young people who may be experiencing emotional, behavioural or psychological challenges. Play therapy can support:

• Communication skills
• Emotional expression
• Emotional regulation
• Insight and awareness
• Parent and child relationships
• Problem solving
• Relationship building
• Self-esteem
• Stress reduction
• Trauma processing