Play Therapy and Creative Arts Counselling

Play Therapy a is  a form of counselling or psychotherapy designed for children.

Play is a child's natural form of communication.  We as therapists provide a safe space where the child is accepted for who they are.  In this environment the child can express themselves and explore their problems to develop ways of coping.   Children have access to sand play with miniatures, paint, water, clay, instruments, puppets, role play, dressing up, games and more.

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Creative Arts Counselling is an extension of Play Therapy where Gestalt principles are used to provide Client-Centred Talk Therapy with creative elements to help access and heal the subconscious.

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Play Therapy and Creative Arts Counselling can help a child to:

• understand what they have experienced,

• experiment with solutions to problems,

• identify and regulate their emotions,

• reach their full potential academically and socially,

• develop relationship skills, such as trust, empathy and cooperation,

• gain a sense of control of events that have scared or confused them.

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Examples of difficulties that can be supported through Play and Creative Arts Therapy:

• Big emotions (anger, fear, sadness, worry, grief),

• Low confidence/self-esteem,

• Abuse and neglect

• Separation anxiety

• Fostered, adopted and identity issues,

• Family breakdown and blended families

• Aggression and acting out behaviours,

• Self-harm

• Sleep or toileting issues

• Fears and phobias

• All SEN

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"Up to 88% of children will show a positive change when working with a play therapist" Thomas, 2011.