Play Therapy

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a form of therapy that is developmentally appropriate for children. While adults use words to communicate, children use play as their natural medium to learn, communicate and explore their inner world. In a safe and contained environment, the play therapist supports the child to express their feelings, explore and make sense of their life experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Who is it for?

Play therapy can help children who experienced various difficulties such as:

• Family breakdown or separation
• Emotional or behavioural struggles
• Struggles with peer relationships
• Neurodivergent needs
• Loss and grief
• Domestic violence
• Abuse
• Trauma

 Play therapy is particularly suitable for children aged 3 to 12.

What happens in play therapy sessions?

Consistency is vital in play therapy. Sessions will take place every week at the same time and place. The play therapist will be in the playroom with the child for 50 mins. The child will lead the play and choose what they like to do. It is not necessary for the child to talk about the issue that has brought them to therapy because they will communicate their thoughts and feelings through play.

Confidentiality

Play therapy offers the child a confidential space. Whatever happens in the playroom would stay in the room between the child and the play therapist unless the therapist is concerned about the child’s safety. The child is free to talk to anyone about the play therapy sessions if that is what they would like to do.

What are the benefits of play therapy?

Play therapy offers a safe space for children to explore and express their feelings and experiences. It can enable them to work through their experiences at their own pace. This would lead to enhanced self-esteem and a sense of empowerment. Children will become more resilient and capable of dealing with challenges and changes in their life.

Feedback

Play therapy recognises the importance of involving the child's key adults in their therapeutic journey. To support this, the play therapist arranges feedback meetings with parents or carers to discuss the child's progress, share insights, and offer recommendations, within confidentiality boundaries.

What is a BAPT registered play therapist?

The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) is the professional body that regulates play therapists in the UK. A BAPT-registered play therapist is a qualified mental health professional who has completed intensive postgraduate clinical training accredited by BAPT. Our play therapists are BAPT registered.