Spring Play Therapy

Often children experience difficulties adjusting to life changes e.g. parental separation, death of a close relative or a house move. Parents and carers can worry about their child if they are sad, anxious or showing challenging/disruptive behaviour. It can be difficult to get to the bottom of what is causing the problem. In addition, it can be deeply concerning if a child's development is not progressing in a typical manner and parents worry about how they can assist their child

For children toys, musical instruments, creative media etc. provide the words and play with these provides the opportunity to explore and express what is happening in their world. As their play therapist I gently encourage each child, through the use of therapeutic skills, to have an awareness of their feelings and to find ways of expressing them appropriately. In so doing they find resolutions to their difficulties.

Play therapy provides children with a variety of toys and materials that serve as a medium for self-expression, relationship exploration and self understanding. Toys, puppets, art materials, dress up outfits, small world structures and figures and multi-sensory materials are just a few of the resources available for exploration.

In a relationship with a play therapist new skills of trust, empathy, self reliance, assertiveness and emotional intelligence develop. Children whose development is compromised, for whatever reason, learn how to build relationships, develop play skills, modulate their emotions and become happier children.

In essence I, as play therapist, get to know your child in great detail as they observe, interact and respond during each therapy session. Establishing boundaries when required and working within these boundaries is also an essential element within the therapeutic process. Children respond to the safety boundaries provided in a positive and healthy manner.

Empowering children is at the heart of the therapy. Children have the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and to make choices within the security of the play room and relationship.