Play therapy
Play is a child's natural means of self-expression and through play children have the opportunity to 'play out' their feelings. Children find it difficult to put their feelings into words as they have not yet developed the verbal and emotional capacities to do so. Play therapy encourages a child to use toys, art activities and other mediums to express their thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening way. This enables children to feel understood, to make sense of both their external and internal worlds and to work through their own confusions and difficulties.
What happens in play therapy?
I first meet with you, the child’s parents, in order to understand more about what is happening in your child’s life at present and what has occurred in their history. The first few play therapy sessions will be used as a form of assessment in order to establish whether your child feels comfortable working with me. I take time to get to know your child and allow them the time to get to know me so that they feel safe enough to express their feelings and experiences through play and words. I meet with your child for a 45 minute session every week.
I also meet with you, the parents, in regular feedback sessions in order to discuss any current difficulties at home or school so to ensure that we work together to best help your child.
Play therapy can assist with:
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