Play therapy is based on the theory that playing is a child’s natural way of learning, communicating and making sense of the world around them. Once a therapeutic relationship has been established, the child is able, through the safety of play, to project, organise and integrate conscious and unconscious aspects of their world.
Play therapy can help children to cope with a wide range of difficulties and experiences. It provides a space for them to explore their feelings, situations and reactions.
Therapy sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment for children to explore issues that are affecting their lives, whether or not they are conscious of them.
This long established form of therapy is widely used with children, adolescents and sometimes adults in various forms which include creative arts and sandplay. It is used to support children suffering from a variety of issues such as bereavement, domestic violence, divorce, loss, separation, etc., that may manifest, for example, as anxiety, bed-wetting, self-harm, low moods, peer issues, hyperactivity, or difficult behaviours at home/school.
Individual and group play therapy sessions for children from the age of 3 years old after consultation and assessment with parents/carers and, if applicable, other agencies (schools, foster/adoption services, CAMHS, etc.).
I currently provide play therapy in several schools across the Bristol area and in my private practice based in St Andrews.
If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact me.
Play Therapy @ The Garden Room Bristol 