Play Therapy
Play is the natural expression of a child. Through therapeutic play, children are enabled to understand and express their emotions in a healthy way. We offer therapeutic play for children from ages 4 to 13.
There are many scenarios where a child might benefit from therapeutic play. We've shared the most common contexts below, but please feel free to get in touch with us if your child's circumstances are different.
Play Therapy After a
Traumatic Life Event
Traumatic life events, such as the death of a family member, parental separation or challenges with friendship groups can cause children to struggle with their emotions. Therapeutic play helps them work through their experience and express their emotions in a safe way.
Play Therapy Following a
Recent Diagnosis
After a diagnosis of a medical condition such as ADHD, autism or even things like diabetes, children can struggle to process the new label and what it means for their sense of self. Therapeutic play gives them space and tools to work out how to integrate this new knowledge into their sense of self, in a healthy way. We also can help children who have been unwell in hospital for an extended period and are readjusting to life after recovery.
What's the Difference between Play Therapy and Therapeutic Play?
In the therapy room, there is very little difference between play therapy and therapeutic play. It’s more about whether a therapist is qualified to meet the complexity of the child’s needs.
A play therapist has a post-graduate diploma in play therapy; a therapeutic play practitioner has a post-graduate certificate. The different qualification level means that therapeutic play practitioners are unable to see children who are experiencing complex life situations. This includes:
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Children from families with a social worker
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Fostered, adopted or looked-after children
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Children who have experienced significant multiple traumas
Hannah, our therapeutic play practitioner, is currently studying for her post-graduate diploma in play therapy. She always assesses children before beginning therapeutic play, to ensure that she is an appropriate choice for your child’s needs.
If you’re unsure, please fill in our referral form. Hannah will arrange a free, 15-minute assessment to make sure therapeutic play is the right fit for your child.
