Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy ?
It is important to recognise that Play is a child’s language, their means of communication, expression and growth.
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The therapist’s role is vital and it is essential that they build a strong therapeutic and trusting relationship with the child. They can work in a non directive or directive way with the client using an integrative holistic approach to healing. During therapy, limited but clear boundaries are set so the child feels safe in the play space and the child can then play in an unrestricted way.
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Play Therapists use a variety of toys and materials to allow for imaginative, expressive and creative play. These include sand, music & movement, art, clay, drama/role play, games, puppets, sensory toys, Lego and more!
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"Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul" - Froebel.
Who may benefit from Play Therapy ?
Research has shown Play therapy can be effective in supporting children with various problems and challenges children may experience, including, but not limited to:
Anxiety
Anger management
Trauma
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Autism Spectrum Disorder/
ADHD/ADD
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School Attendance issues /Resistance
Issues around Sleep – bedwetting
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Poor Play skills and Social Skills
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Illness/Hospitalisation – self or others
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Effects of Covid 19 lockdowns
Bereavement and loss
Parental Separation /Divorce
Bullying and Phobias
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Issues around Eating
Low self esteem / mood
Child Abuse / Neglect /
Domestic Abuse
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Benefits of play therapy
Play therapy may provide some of the following benefits:
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Essential growth and development
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Improve confidence and self esteem
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Reducing anxiety
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Enable a child to express and manage their emotions
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Improve a child’s social skills
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Boost a child’s resilience
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Help with coping and problem solving skills
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Allow them to learn from mistakes safely
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Help children to make friends and learn about the world around them
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Help to increase concentration and focus