Play Therapy is a fantastic way for children to explore feelings, anxiety, expectations, worries and trauma.  The structure allows for the child to be facilitated in a non-directional manner.

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The play itself can take lots of different forms, role play, stories, board games, sandplay, Lego, Playmobil, forts, messy play, dolls and puppets.  It offers the child the opportunity to take risks and make mistakes safely.  By doing this, the child can learn and develop strategies for everyday life and for situations which may cause distress or anxiety.

 

Play Therapy focuses on Virginia Axeline's 'Principles of Play Therapy';

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• The therapist must develop a warm and friendly therapeutic relationship with the child.

• The therapist must accept the child as he or she is.

• The therapist must establish a sense of permission within the therapeutic relationship which enables the child to be free to be expressive with their feelings.

• The therapist must be alert and aware of the child's feeling and expression, reflecting these back to the child in a manner which allows the child to gain an insight into their behaviour.

• The therapist must maintain a deep respect for the child's own ability to problem solve and provide the opportunity to do this.  The responsibility to do this and instigate change is the child's.

• The therapist must not try to direct the child's actions or conversations.  The child leads as the therapist follows and facilitates.

• The therapist must not hurry the child.  Therapy is a gradual process.

• The therapist should only establish limitations which are necessary to anchor the child to the real world and make the child aware of their responsibility within the therapeutic relationship.

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If you would like more information on Play Therapy or would like to make a referral please get in touch via the Contact page or on the email below.