Play Therapy

“There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds” - G.K. Chesterton

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses a child’s most basic form of communication – play. Through play therapy, children can learn to express their thoughts and emotions. In the playroom the child uses toys to communicate and enact their struggles. Play is their language and toys are their words. Our dedicated playroom provides a space for children to explore and express themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

Play therapy is suitable for children aged two and above. Research shows that play therapy is very effective in addressing traumatic experiences that occur in early life.

How does Therapeutic Play Differ from ‘Ordinary’ Play?

Therapeutic play is symbolic, that is, what appears to be a simple game  is actually related to the  ‘real’  world and  helps  the  child  process  psychological  issues connected  to  a stressor such as bullying at school or discord in the home. 

• Play is the most natural and spontaneous form of expression among children.

• Children willingly use play as a tool towards developmental maturity.

• Play  therapy can  be  used to repair social, emotional & behavioural difficulties in and unconscious and developmentally appropriate way.

• Play therapy supports cognitive restructuring by allowing children, through symbolic play, to address issues at a perceived distance which reduces anxiety.

• The use of play as therapy is a respectful  and  non-invasive  means  of  intervening  to  overcome developmental delays or resolve emotional disturbance.

• Skills used with adolescents move from play towards arts, crafts, sand play, and board games, etc., in the context of talk therapy where issues are discussed directly.