AutPlay® Therapy

Play is the natural language of all children regardless of diagnosis, disability, or developmental issue. It is the most organic way for children to express and process troubling thoughts and feelings that are both conscious and unconscious and we pleased to be able to provide a tailored approach to our traditional Play Therapy sessions, in the form of AutPlay® Therapy.

AutPlay® Therapy sessions incorporate Psychological and Counselling theories, Play Therapy and Relational Development approaches into the process. Unlike traditional Play Therapy sessions, where just Therapist and child are involved, in AutPlay® Therapy sessions, parents/carers are part of all sessions and remain in the playroom the whole time. Parents/carers are fundamental to the process and work in partnership with the Therapist. The Therapist will also train parents to do directive play therapy interventions in the home environment, enabling long term work to continue once the in-clinic sessions have finished. 

Sessions are usually 50-minutes and are once week at the same day and time each week. Every session will be structured and directed by the Therapist using the play resouces provided to support parents/carers and children in facilitating positive change. Sessions can support Autistic and neurodivergent children understand social navigation, improve emotional expression and regulation ability, reduce challenging behaviours, improve self worth and strengthen reactive and symbolic play communication. Sessions can support in providing improvement in the parent/child relationship, all whilst addressing any mental health needs.

Each neurodivergent child will be different and therefore have unique experiences, needs, and goals for therapy, which will all be taken into account by our Therapist. Our approach values the child, highlighting their strengths, giving them a voice and helping to affirm their identity. The tailored interventions will address the needs of the child and family as a whole.

The AutPlay® process will depend on each child and their needs but will usually follow three phases:

Session one: An intake and assessment session with Therapist, parent and child. This session will be mainly play-based and our Therapist will spend time playing and getting to know your child. It will also be a chance for the child to get to know the playroom.

Session two: This session will just be with parent and Therapist and will involve a discussion around the set goals and the planned process, unique to your child.

Session three and onwards: Structured Play Therapy sessions with the child, Therapist and parent/carer. Goals, and targets to meet these will be assessed by the Therapist throughout the process.

There may be times during the process for older children and teenagers that all of, or part of, some sessions may just involve some time with just the Therapist and child and at these times parents may be asked to wait in the waiting area briefly. 

After the first two intake sessions, we do advise a minimim of 10 weeks of structured sessions in order for goals and targets to be worked through, however we of course can work in whatever way is manageable for your family, even if this is more short term. This can be discussed with the Therapist in the parent and Therapist session. 

Sessions are £70 per week, and can be paid for weekly.