How does it work?

A trusting, warm, and friendly relationship is created with the play therapist in a safe and secure environment.

 

A standardised play and creative arts therapy tool-kit is used and is tailored to the age and stage of the individual(s) receiving the intervention, including:

  • Art (Inc. Clay, Paints, Drawing)
  • Sand
  • Water
  • Dance/Movement
  • Drama, Role Play and Dressing Up
  • Music
  • Puppets/Masks
  • Games
  • Talking
  • Therapeutic Storytelling (led by therapist)
  • Creative Visualisation (led by therapist)

 

During the sessions the child leads their play choices and the therapist will follow, known as non-directive play therapy. Directive play-therapy can be used if a child/adolescent appears ‘stuck’ in their process or if an activity could be implemented to support deeper understanding. The decision to implement direction is based on the individual and the stage they are at in their sessions and is not always needed.

 

The therapist gains an insight into the child or young person’s world by observing their communication and play themes and analysing the symbolic meaning of the child’s play through metaphor. The sessions tackle both the unconscious and conscious mind to heal current difficulties and past experiences.

 

An individual play therapy session will typically last 40 minutes and will be your child and one qualified play therapist. For short term interventions, 12 sessions will be offered and for long term interventions, 12-24 sessions will be offered.

 

A group play therapy session will typically last 50 minutes. A small group ratio of 4 children to one qualified play therapist will work together for a pre-determined 6-10 week intervention.

 

All sessions are confidential to the child/adolescent to help them feel comfortable to process everything they need to with no judgement or fear of telling others. With this in mind, feedback given to caregivers and referrers covers key therapeutic themes and ways to support them outside of the playroom. Safeguarding is paramount, if the child/adolescent discloses being, or someone they know is at risk or in danger, this will break the confidentiality protocol and the correct lines will be followed.