Services
About Play Therapy.
Play Therapy is a holistic, non-directive, child led therapy grounded in psychological theory and neurobiological evidence, working with a baseline assessment and goal based therapeutic objectives to support children with social, emotional and mental health needs. Confidential sessions allow the child time to process their thoughts and feelings using creative mediums of sand, art, clay, puppets, music and movement, therapeutic storytelling, creative visualization, drama amongst other toys. I also include sensory play using a range of materials to incorporate nature within the playroom. These mediums allow the child to express themselves in the natural form of communication for a child, ‘play’. Therapeutic sessions offer the opportunity to build a trusting relationship with the Play Therapist whereby the therapist attunes into the child’s communications and emotions to reflect where appropriate and mirror and match energy to allow the child to process unconscious and conscious events. This supports neural pathways to develop and co-ordinate the three areas of the brain. Thus, play therapy helps children move forwards from difficult life experiences and develop a sense of self.
Who is Play Therapy For?
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Delayed development and/or learning difficulty
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Neurodevelopmental conditions
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Sensory processing needs
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Bereavement or loss
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Divorce or separation
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Friendship issues
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Behavioural difficulties
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Bullying
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Exclusion from school
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Withdrawn or low mood
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Social exclusion
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Medical condition/illness/hospital stay
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Development and relational trauma
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Domestic violence
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Anxiety and panic disorders
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Phobias, fears and OCD
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Emotional, physical or sexual abuse​
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I offer a range of tailored services from individual sessions, group sessions for up to four (depending on need), training, observations and advice to schools, and soon will be offering outdoor therapy.
Individual Play Therapy
Non directive, child-led play therapy sessions. These allow the child freedom to choose from the whole therapeutic range of creative mediums and toys available.
Individual Play Therapy sessions are 45 minutes in duration and a minimum of 12 sessions are recommended.
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NB: An initial consultation with the referrer are required and communication is maintained throughout the therapeutic process.
Group Play Therapy
Group play therapy focusses on the same theme for all taking part. Sessions can be for sibling groups as well as peer groups. Bespoke therapeutic activities are planned and delivered with goal based objectives using a balance of direct and non-directive interactions with the therapist. Group Play Therapy sessions are up to 60 minutes in duration. 6-12 sessions are recommended.
NB: An initial consultation with the referrer are required and communication is maintained throughout the therapeutic process.
Training
Bespoke awareness training on the subjects of neurodevelopmental needs and trauma available upon request for schools, parents and local authorities.