Play Therapy is a type of therapy where play and art materials are used as the main way for children to express themselves. It is child led and confidential.
Play Therapy helps children to receive emotional support as well as teaches them to understand their own feelings and thoughts. Sometimes they reenact or act out difficult life experiences in order to make sense of them and learn to cope better.
Play Therapy typically lasts for 12 sessions. We have one 40 minute session together at the same time each week. After 8 weeks we will meet for a review and discuss any progress made and then we will decide if we would like to finish at the planned 12 weeks or to extend to further sessions.
When it does come to an end your child will be made aware of this and preparations will be made so that they are ready to end their sessions.
They will then have the opportunity to bring home their Process Box and they can decide if they would like to show the items inside to their caregivers.
The outcomes of Play Therapy may be general or more specific. It may be a reduction in anxiety and raised self esteem or more specific such as a change in behaviour and improved relationships.
More information for parents when your child has been referred for Play Therapy can be found on the Play Therapy UK website.