Play Therapy available now!
Child Centred Play Therapy is evidence-based therapy for children experiencing behavioural, emotional and cognitive challenges.
Play Therapy allows children to:
- Heal
- Communicate
- Express their feelings
- Regulate their emotions
- Learn coping skills
“Toys are children’s words and play is their language.”
- Garry Landreth
"Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child's natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to 'play out' his feelings and problems just as, in certain types of adult therapy, an individual 'talks out' his difficulties.”
- Virginia Axline
"Play is the highest form of research.”
- Albert Einstein
About Play Therapy!
Children often aren't developmentally ready or have the cognitive ability to verbally communicate their thoughts and feelings, particularly in relation to challenging situations. Child play therapy allows children to "play out" these experiences using the most natural, dynamic and self-healing process in which children engage in - play (Garry L Landreth).
Play Therapy allows children to engage in play with few limitations. This technique allows for the child to progress through what they are feeling or experiencing at their pace, in their way but within a safe environment.
The therapist's role is not to judge the child but to reflect on their play. This assists in establishing a trusting and respectful relationship between the child and the therapist. When the child feels safe and secure in an environment, they are more likely to freely express any feelings that they have or are conflicted by. Most children will express this through their play experiences.
Who does Play Therapy benefit?
Research supports children who experience trauma, social and emotional challenges or have learning difficulties can benefit from Play Therapy.
This included children who have experienced or are diagnosed with:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Communication difficulties
- Social/emotional difficulties
- Trauma
- Developmental delay or learning difficulties
- Anger/aggressive behaviour
- Chronic illness
Play Therapy allows children to experience and express their emotions, find strategies to manage their feelings and assist in their problem solving skills; all in a safe and child-centred environment.
Children can develop or enhance necessary skills to assist with their development, including:
- Empathy
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Expression of emotions
- Regulation of emotions
- Problem-solving skills
- Social skills
- Stronger relationships with family and peers
- Alleviating anxiety, depression and grief
- Holistic development
