What is
play therapy? 

Play is not just 'fun' - it is the language of children and through play they learn and develop. Play and creative arts therapy supports children in being able to work through their difficulties in a developmentally appropriate way. Children may not always be able to understand or verbalise their feelings or difficulties. However, they will use play and creativity to project, externalise and communicate what is going on inside. Play is symbolic communication, and I respond to the child within this world of play, symbol and metaphor. This makes it a non-threatening way to explore what may otherwise feel too overwhelming. Play and creativity also accesses the unconscious and a deeper, often more buried level of past experience and trauma. This depth supports children, over time, to safely express what is sometimes too difficult to say in words. And alongside this there is often considerable joy and relaxation in creative play.

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In the words of Violet Oaklander (Gestalt child and adolescent psychotherapist) – "I don't fix kids". I am here to be alongside them, however they are feeling or behaving, and to build a strong, safe therapeutic relationship. This space, over time, allows difficult feelings and experiences to be accepted and processed, previously stuck behaviour to shift and a stronger sense of self to emerge.

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Therapy sessions with children are confidential. However, an important, integral part of the process in working with children is our initial meeting and regular reviews. You know your child best and yet I know how hard and overwhelming parenting can feel sometimes. I aim to work collaboratively and in partnership with you throughout, so you feel supported too.

 

Every session, children and young people are given time to play or talk how they want and at their own pace, within clear boundaries around safety and time. As therapy develops, some directive activities may support their process. By building an empathic,  and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship with a child, a safe space is developed where the child feels fully accepted. I am there to be fully with the child in their play, to reflect on their responses, notice, validate and understand their feelings and to be curious in the process. This supports children in developing their own self-awareness and confidence in themselves. Commonly parents notice children becoming more in touch with their feelings and more able to ask for support. Over time, children explore new, more empowered and positive ways of being in the world and relating to others.

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What happens in play therapy sessions?

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​I have wide ranging creative arts materials available every session. This includes: sand tray with symbols,  art (drawing, painting, collage), clay and playdough,  puppets, music, creative visualisation, therapeutic stories, movement and games. Depending on the age, needs and wishes of the child, I may also integrate elements of psychoeducation.  Sessions are held at the same time, in the same place each week. I start with a 12-week block of sessions, reviewing half-termly. I offer both short-term (12 weeks) and longer-term work with children, recognising the individual nature of each child/young person’s process and needs.

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Who can benefit from play therapy?

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I have experience in working with children of primary-school age up until age 13, with a wide range of presenting issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, fears, low self-esteem, difficulties with family relationships and friendships. Creative arts therapy can support to children at the start of puberty, in adjusting to the increased independence and responsibilities in middle/ secondary schools and all the tricky transitions, friendship and confidence issues this can sometimes bring. In an age of screens and pressure, the free, creative and held space can feel especially valuable. I have particular experience in working with highly sensitive and neurodivergent children who are struggling with big feelings around change, loss, anger, anxiety and low mood.