What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is like talk based therapy for adults, however a Play Therapist recognises that children might not have the language to accurately communicate their needs. In Play Therapy we use the language of play to allow children to express their needs using toys instead of words. There lots of different modalities of Play Therapy, some are directive (the therapist takes a hands-on role and directs the activities) and some are non-directive (the therapist respects the child’s autonomy and allows the child to express themselves freely). I practice Child Centred Play Therapy, which is a well-researched, non-directive modality that is based on a deep and abiding belief in the capacity and resiliency of children to be constructively self-directing. This means that children want to be the best versions of themselves, and given the right supports they will be able to succeed to the level that is developmentally appropriate for them!
Child-Centred Play Therapy is an evidence-based, complete psychotherapeutic intervention that works to improve psychological, social, behavioural, and/or emotional wellbeing. Children are able to communicate non-verbally at a developmentally appropriate level where they may not have the vocabulary or level of cognitive development required by some other forms of therapy to express their needs. Play facilitates changes in the prefrontal cortex that help wire the brain’s executive control system, which has a critical role in regulating emotions, making plans, solving problems, and supporting whole brain integration. In addition to the benefits of communicating through play, the therapeutic benefits of play can be life changing.
Play has many benefits for the brain, including:
- Growth of new neural connections
- Increased cognitive flexibility
- Improved social responsivity
- Improved emotion regulation
- Removal of barriers to cognitive development
Sometimes children use play as a method to facilitate verbal conversation in Play Therapy and that is ok too. A Play Therapist creates an environment in which children can explore the connection between how they see themselves and how they are operating in their environment. We reflect the child’s positive attributes and allow them the opportunity to present their problems and guide them to find solutions or build the necessary skills to succeed.
Aggression
Crying
Rage
Fighting
Loss of Self-Control
Acting Out
Low Energy
Frustration
Hiding
Avoidance
Unmet Sensory Needs
Low Self-Esteem
Embarrassment
Isolation
Transitions
Communication Challenges
Confusion
Loneliness
Relationships
Changes
Hunger
Shame
Lack of Control
Trauma
Behaviour is like an iceberg. If we change the way that we view behaviours, we understand that they are a way of communicating what is going on below the surface, it can help us to empathise and support the child’s needs.
The child might not even consciously know what is going on under the surface that makes them struggle with these challenging behaviours. In Play Therapy, we work on building the parts of the brain that allow us to understand and control these factors more effectively.
How does Play Therapy help?
Through Play Therapy, a child will develop coping skills, responsibility, resilience, decision-making skills, and self-control, which will help them to be able to self-regulate and co-regulate more easily. Being able to regulate at a developmentally appropriate level allows them to be more successful at home and school by improving behaviour to allow more learning to take place.
What happens in Play Therapy?
The Play Therapy Playroom looks just like a playroom with lots of fun toys that have been carefully chosen to allow the child to express a need. There is a dolls house, building blocks, puppets, instruments, foam swords, bop bag, play kitchen, dress ups, vehicles, sensory toys, craft supplies, and a sand tray with miniatures. It can be overwhelming at first!
On your first visit to the playroom, you and your grown-up will come in and let reception know that you have arrived. You will take a seat in the comfy chairs, and you can read a book or play with the toys that are out. I want to make sure that I have the playroom ready for you, and when it is then I will come out and get you. Your adult will wait for you in the waiting area, where they can relax for a bit while you and I have a special playtime session together.
Once we get inside, I will introduce myself, and let you know what you are allowed to do in the playroom - and the answer is almost anything! You get to choose, and you can decide what to play with, how to play with it, and if you want to play with me or by yourself. Our special play times are all about you, and I have two very important jobs. The first one is as a safety keeper, and the second is a privacy keeper. This means that as long as everything is safe, you can do or say anything you would like in the playroom and I will keep it private. As they are your special playtime sessions, you are welcome to tell anyone (or everyone!) or you can choose to not tell anyone. It is completely up to you.
I will set a timer so that I can remind you when we have five minutes left, and when our playtime is over, and then you can play if that is what you choose to do! You could also choose not to play if you wanted, it is up to you.
At the end of the session, when the timer has gone off, we will leave the playroom and I will take you back to your grown-up in the waiting area. If they are having a nap, then we will gently wake them up and you will return to your day. Hopefully you will come back the next week at the same time for another session until we decide that you don’t need to come to Play Therapy anymore!
What should parents/carers expect?
The first session that we will have will be a parent intake session. I ask that children do not attend this session as we will be discussing your concerns, expectations, and history and can be boring or even upsetting for your child. This initial intake will take about an hour and a half, and if you are worried about what we might discuss, I can send you some more information beforehand. I am more than happy for you to take photos of the playroom, or even record a quick video on your phone of me saying a quick hello message to show to your child later in preparation for their first session. If your child suffers from separation anxiety and you are concerned that they will not go into a session alone then please mention this during the intake so that we can set them up for success!
At the first session, you will arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment time, and get comfortable in our waiting space. I endeavour to run on time as I understand that your time is important, so when it is time for their session to begin, I will come and collect your child and take them to the playroom. While your child is in their session, this is a perfect opportunity for you to relax. You are welcome to have a nap on a couch, read a book, enjoy a snack, mindlessly scroll social media without feeling any guilt, or even catch up on a bit of work while you wait (please note that while your child is in the playroom, parents or caregivers are required to stay in the building during the session). Sessions go for 45 minutes, and I will set a timer to make sure that we don’t go over time.
When I bring your child out, it is important not to ask them what they did or said during the session. Allow them to tell you what they want to, when they want to. If you have any struggles that you would like to discuss with me then please send me an email or ask if I am able to call you back so that we are not discussing the child’s concerns in front of them, however I would encourage you to tell me something positive about their week!
After the first few play sessions we will organise a parent update. This will be a session that you don’t bring your child along to, where we discuss any changes, goals, concerns, or strategies so that we can work together as a team. I understand how hard parenting can be! Play Therapy is considered to be a ‘short term’ intervention, unlike some other therapies, and depending on the situation we expect for the child to move through different stages until they no longer need to come to play therapy. This usually takes around 20 sessions, however there are lots of factors that can affect the length of time needed, and if coming back in the future might be helpful too. If you choose not to go ahead with more sessions I do ask if you could please allow at least one more session to allow your child time to say goodbye.
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