Play-Based Therapy Sessions

Counselling and Play-Based Therapy both have the same aim; to help support children to better cope with their experiences and emotions and bring about positive change, enhancing well-being and resilience. 

Sessions for very young children are known as ‘Play-Based Therapy’ and for a child they often view this as a fun playroom full of toys and games that they are able to engage with in a non-directive way; meaning that they have full control over what they choose to play with and express to their Therapist.

Play is a child’s first and natural language and provides a safe and self-guided way for children to express and process their feelings in a way that is most comfortable for them. The toys and art resources selected in the therapy rooms are carefully chosen to engage the child’s interest and to allow facilitation of creative and emotional expression, often without verbalisation. Young children often do not have the verbal skills to express their emotions or anxieties, especially if they do not understand why they may be feeling a certain way. In particular, if your child has experienced trauma before their narrative and language skills were developed (i.e. before the age of 3), they only have visual memories or bodily sensations to remember their experiences; therefore, play and expressive therapies are the key in processing these. Responses from the Therapist aids children in developing a positive attitude to life, respect for themselves, acceptance of their feelings and how to express them responsibly. It helps children to develop self-control and direction, learning creative and resourceful ways to confront problems, whilst making independent, positive choices.

Play-Based Therapy is offered to children in pre-school and primary school; although sometimes older primary school children may prefer to talk more than play and the approach will be a mix of Counselling and Play-Based Therapy – more information about our Counselling Services can be found here.