Play Therapy
Play: A Child’s Natural Language
Integrative Holistic Play Therapy
Play therapy offers valuable support by helping children with social, emotional, and behavioural problems to help themselves. As play is a child’s natural medium of self-expression, it is essential for development. Play therapy gives children an opportunity to “play out” their feelings and problems. Through the therapeutic relationship, and with a co-created therapy goal in mind, the play therapist uses the language of the child, through the creative medium, to help the child to understand thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Both directive and non-directive activities are offered, tailored to meet the needs of the child.
Play Therapy UK’s theoretic model integrates a wide range of creative arts media, called the ‘toolkit.’ Within sessions there is a focus on both unconscious and conscious processes with attention to the whole child and their environment. During their time in the therapy room, the child is free to use any items or resources they choose and the therapist plays alongside the child or as directed by them.
Who Is Play Therapy For?
Play Therapy is ideal for children experiencing
poor school attendance
challenging behaviour
difficulties regulating emotions
relationship issues
loss and bereavement
past trauma issues
underperformance
selective mutism
social problems including bullying
self-harm or suicidal thoughts
disturbed sleep or eating patterns
mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, phobias, or obsessive-compulsive behaviours
Play therapy is appropriate for children with physical, intellectual, or neurological diversity. It is likewise effective for children with communication difficulties and sensory impairments. These are considered contexts to work with, not factors play therapy seeks to change. As play therapy involves forming a trusting relationship with the therapist, it may not be offered where there are attachment needs related to adoption and foster care and this is determined on an individual basis.
Positive Play Therapy Outcomes
It is important to note that outcomes for Play Therapy will depend largely on the needs of the individual child along with factors such as the child’s wider environment. Following the assessment/s, goals are co-created with parents/caregivers, along with other professionals if appropriate. Play Therapy will be delivered with these goals in mind.
For Children/ Young People
Some of the positive outcomes for children include improved behaviour, increased confidence and self-esteem. Children may have reduced anxiety including related to attending school, improved sleep, healthier eating, and reduced meltdowns. They may exhibit new strategies for managing their emotions, having experienced co-regulating during therapy. Socially, children or young people may have more positive friendships involving less conflict as they develop a more positive self-identity and their self-worth increases. Children or young people may find it easier to make positive choices through having a sense of agency during therapy.
For Parents/ Caregivers
Seeing one’s child grow in confidence, self-esteem, and emotional resilience brings many parents/ caregivers a sense of hope for their child now, and for their future. The saying, “a parent is only ever as happy as their least happy child” rings true here, and when one’s child is happier, their parent/ caregiver is happier as well.