What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a therapeutic intervention that helps children and adolescents understand muddled feelings and upsetting events that have occurred in their lives.
Rather than having to explain what is troubling them, as in adult therapy, children use play and creative activities to fully express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviours). Play is a child's natural medium of communication and facilitates growth and development.
Although play itself is a catalyst for change, children need the additional support of a trained Play Therapist to help them to recognise and address their issues and concerns. The Play Therapist provides a therapeutic environment that is confidential, safe and caters to the individual needs of the child. This, as well as a positive therapeutic relationship with the Play Therapist, helps to facilitate positive changes within the child.
Play Therapy is for children of all ages (typically 3-15). Children can engage in symbolic play, Projective play, role-play, art, music, dance, writing, or talking to help with painful or difficult feelings.
Play Therapy is also a place to find things that make you feel better and things that you enjoy.
How many sessions will I have?
The number of sessions will vary from case to case. The number of sessions needed will be determined by the Play Therapist and the parent/carer OR person making the referral. Sessions are once a week, on a regular day, at the same time and place. Each session runs for 40 to 60 minutes depending on the age of the child or young person.
