What happens in a Play Therapy Session?

Play Therapy assumes a person centred approach and is based on the principle that self healing can take place within a healing environment. Play therapy usually takes the form of one-on-one sessions where, as the play therapist, my role is to create a safe and warm environment where the child feels free to explore his or her feelings and experiences. As a child recreates and expresses feelings and experiences through stories and games, I use my therapeutic skills to understand the underlying emotions and struggles and reflect these back within the metaphor of the child's story. My aim is to gently encourage each child to become aware of their feelings, to engage in problem solving and to become empowered to express their feelings appropriately and to find resolutions to their struggles.

• Each child attends the session, preferably at the same time each week
• Sessions are fitted around the school timetable as much as possible
• After school and weekend appointments are available

Toolkit

I work with a mixture of media and toys, which includes (but is not limited to):

• Sand tray and miniatures
• Arts and Crafts
• Puppets
• Stories and role play
• Musical instruments
• Creative Visualisation (relaxation)

I may introduce specific activities to help the child if I feel it is appropriate.

Professional Member

I hold a full and current membership of PTUK and BACP and all my work is bound by a code of ethics and conducted with full clinical supervision.

PTUK is the UK'S largest organisation providing a professional infrastructure for play therapy. www.playtherapy.org.uk