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Play Therapy

Play therapy is a specialised and powerful tool that supports children in exploring and understanding their feelings, resolving conflicts, overcoming challenges, fostering resilience, enhancing communication, and building essential life skills needed for a healthier, more balanced life. It operates on the understanding that play is a natural way for children to express themselves and make sense of their world.

As a certified play therapist, I bring a unique blend of skills and experience to my practice. My background in Occupational Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Art therapy enhances my ability to address various issues through play. Combining these approaches creates a comprehensive and personalised therapy experience for each child. Play therapy, grounding, and mindfulness techniques provide a holistic approach that supports children's emotional well-being and personal growth.

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What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy involves using toys, games, and creative activities as a medium for children to express their feelings and experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which may be challenging for young children, play therapy allows them to communicate in a language they understand—through play. This approach is not just for children; it can be adapted for adolescents and adults who may also benefit from a non-verbal form of expression.

​Play therapy is primarily designed for children aged 3 to 12, helping them express emotions and develop essential skills through play. However, it can also be adapted for adolescents aged 13 to 17 by using creative and expressive activities to explore identities and manage emotions. Additionally, adults can benefit from play therapy techniques to process trauma and explore emotions in a non-verbal way.

How Does Play Therapy Work?

  • Creating a Safe Space: In play therapy, I establish a safe and nurturing environment where children can freely explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment.

  • Using Play as a Medium: Through various toys, art materials, and games, children are encouraged to act out their experiences, express their feelings, and solve problems.

  • Facilitating Understanding: As children engage in play, I observe and interpret their behaviours and interactions. This helps in understanding their internal struggles and providing appropriate guidance.

  • Building Skills: Play therapy helps children develop crucial life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and social interaction, which are essential for their overall development.

  • Healing Trauma: For children who have experienced trauma, play therapy provides a gentle way to process and heal from their experiences. It helps them make sense of their feelings and build resilience.

  • Promoting Growth: Through positive play experiences, children gain confidence, improve their self-esteem, and learn how to manage their emotions effectively.

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Benefits of Play Therapy

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  • Emotional Expression: Play therapy creates safe environments where children can express complex emotions/experiences through play to communicate feelings that are difficult to articulate verbally.

  • Enhanced Communication: Children learn to articulate their thoughts/feelings more clearly and practice expressing themselves and understanding others, improving overall communication skills.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Play therapy encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. In a supportive setting, children develop strategies for addressing challenges and finding solutions.

  • Behavioural Improvements: Play therapy helps children develop more adaptive behaviours and emotional regulation by addressing the underlying emotional issues that contribute to behavioural problems.

  • Social Skills Development: Play therapy promotes empathy, cooperation, and healthy interaction with peers and adults. Children practice social skills in a structured and supportive environment.

  • Trauma Healing: For children who have experienced trauma, play therapy offers a gentle and non-threatening way to process their experiences. It supports healing and helps build resilience.

  • Boosted Confidence: Successful play therapy experiences enhance self-esteem and confidence. Children gain a sense of accomplishment and mastery as they work through their challenges.

  • Grounding Techniques: Play therapy incorporates grounding techniques to help children stay connected to the present moment. This can be particularly beneficial for those who experience anxiety or difficulty managing overwhelming emotions.

  • Mindfulness Practices: Play therapy helps children develop awareness and control over their thoughts and feelings, fostering greater emotional balance and self-regulation.

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