Information about play therapy
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based, age-appropriate therapeutic approach that supports children in expressing themselves, exploring emotions, and working through challenges — all through the natural language of play.
Children don’t always have the words to explain how they’re feeling, especially when something feels confusing, overwhelming, or painful. In play therapy, they can use toys, creative materials, movement, and imagination to express what might be hard to say out loud. Whether your child enjoys building with LEGO, drawing, engaging in pretend play, or playing alone, or struggles to play at all the therapy room becomes a safe space where their inner world can be seen and supported.
I work in a child-centred, non-directive way — meaning your child leads the session, choosing how they want to play, explore, and express. This kind of environment removes pressure and expectations, giving your child the freedom to move at their own pace and draw on their own inner strengths. With a trained, empathic adult alongside them, play becomes a powerful tool for growth and healing.
For further information please visit https://www.bapt.info/play-therapy/what-is-play-therapy/
How does it work?
Your child will attend a 45-minute play therapy session once a week, at the same time and place each week. This consistency is important — it helps build a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship.
I also offer parent reviews approximately every 8 weeks. These sessions give us a chance to talk about how your child is getting on in the therapy process, and to explore how things are feeling at home or school.
What can it help with?
Play therapy can support children facing a wide range of emotional and behavioural challenges. For example:
- Struggles with making mistakes or managing frustration
- Expressing thoughts like “I hate myself” or “I don’t want to be here”
- Hurting themselves or others
- Separation anxiety or difficulty saying goodbye
- Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
- Difficulties with friendships or peer relationships
- Experiences of grief, loss, or big family changes
- Witnessing violence, trauma, or abuse
If your child is showing signs of distress or you're feeling unsure how to support them — you're not alone. Play therapy provides a safe, gentle space where children can begin to make sense of what they’re feeling, develop healthier ways of coping, and feel more understood.
Outcomes of play therapy
While each child’s journey is unique, play therapy often leads to:
- Greater emotional regulation
- Increased self-esteem
- A broader emotional vocabulary
- Stronger sense of identity and resilience
- Improved relationships and communication