Play Therapy Counselling in Bath
![Photo of Craig Philip Smith, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48f65d47-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you play the guitar? Do you have other ways to self-soothe or manage your emotions? Books maybe, reading and writing.
I can work with you around family issues, teen problems, child behaviour, ASC issues, illness and disability. I will support, collaborate and try to make sense of what is going on. All things eventually pass - I will offer to weather the storm with you. I won’t be judging you or not taking you seriously. We will work together - and it will be work - but we will also aim to have fun and be creative in our work.
Do you play the guitar? Do you have other ways to self-soothe or manage your emotions? Books maybe, reading and writing.
I can work with you around family issues, teen problems, child behaviour, ASC issues, illness and disability. I will support, collaborate and try to make sense of what is going on. All things eventually pass - I will offer to weather the storm with you. I won’t be judging you or not taking you seriously. We will work together - and it will be work - but we will also aim to have fun and be creative in our work.
![Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6c08ede-d3cb-4681-9b4d-2634cb928659/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
![Photo of Helen Inman, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e8bb16a-432d-4f79-a797-25f2c0965175/4/320x400.jpeg)
My clients are at the heart of every session, creating a welcoming, safe and relaxed atmosphere where communication can flow freely and openly. The most important thing is that you are comfortable, at ease and feel able to talk. I aim to help you see your challenges more clearly and to face the problems with less anxiety and tension. It can be an opportunity to think and speak your truth without fear of judgement. I am trained to incorporate techniques associated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Guided Visualisation, Psycho-dynamic Therapy and Transactional Analysis amongst others into my work.
My clients are at the heart of every session, creating a welcoming, safe and relaxed atmosphere where communication can flow freely and openly. The most important thing is that you are comfortable, at ease and feel able to talk. I aim to help you see your challenges more clearly and to face the problems with less anxiety and tension. It can be an opportunity to think and speak your truth without fear of judgement. I am trained to incorporate techniques associated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Guided Visualisation, Psycho-dynamic Therapy and Transactional Analysis amongst others into my work.
![Photo of Kim Swinden - Women's Time Counselling, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c594f637-960d-4cbb-9a25-540d77c4c9ca/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Integrative Counsellor & Embodied Therapist who supports women of all ages, with the wide range of issues women encounter through all phases of life, such as mental wellbeing, relationships, neurodiversity, cultural pressures & responsibilities, trauma and loss. I also support women with self-esteem, confidence, making a meaningful life and personal growth. I help you to feel safe, understood and supported, to help you make sense of what has happened, find ways to cope, look at choices, help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed, help you feel more connected with yourself, and live more positively.
I am an Integrative Counsellor & Embodied Therapist who supports women of all ages, with the wide range of issues women encounter through all phases of life, such as mental wellbeing, relationships, neurodiversity, cultural pressures & responsibilities, trauma and loss. I also support women with self-esteem, confidence, making a meaningful life and personal growth. I help you to feel safe, understood and supported, to help you make sense of what has happened, find ways to cope, look at choices, help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed, help you feel more connected with yourself, and live more positively.
![Photo of Dr Bishnu Upadhaya, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80da8a72-dd71-4a82-82e0-12c5cbfcc5e1/3/320x400.jpeg)
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
![Photo of Grace McIntyre, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d91feece-a3fb-4be1-8f22-452fa743c45c/2/320x400.png)
Coach + Mediator + Therapist "I am a passionate creative, and have committed a decade working therapeutically in private residential trauma clinics, the NHS, secondary schools and my own business Resonate Therapy LTD. I bring all the skills of a specialist trauma therapist, that has worked extensively with neurodiversity and complex needs. By harmonising together a robust psychologically informed somatic based therapy programme. I specialise in supporting building meta-perspective of individual and collective systems. Are you ready to shift your life on a cellular, neuroplastic dimension?"
Coach + Mediator + Therapist "I am a passionate creative, and have committed a decade working therapeutically in private residential trauma clinics, the NHS, secondary schools and my own business Resonate Therapy LTD. I bring all the skills of a specialist trauma therapist, that has worked extensively with neurodiversity and complex needs. By harmonising together a robust psychologically informed somatic based therapy programme. I specialise in supporting building meta-perspective of individual and collective systems. Are you ready to shift your life on a cellular, neuroplastic dimension?"
![Photo of Balbina Garza Delgado, MSc, ACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57e309a9-242e-4abf-8b8c-4c58940b1dc5/4/320x400.jpeg)
Balbina Garza Delgado
Psychotherapist, MSc, ACP
Verified Verified
Bath BA1
Not accepting new clients
Highly specialised child and adolescent psychotherapist. Trained at UCL/Anna Freud Centre and working with under 5s, children, adolescents, young adults and their families. With 20+ years of experience (CAMHS/private) I am able to work with complex cases. My experience includes treating a range of difficulties such as: emotional dysregulation, self harm, depression, suicidal ideation, gender dysphoria, aggressive behaviour, personality disorders, and others. I help my clients discover, understand and overcome the underlying causes of their emotional distress in order to strengthen their ability to face challenges and enjoy life.
Highly specialised child and adolescent psychotherapist. Trained at UCL/Anna Freud Centre and working with under 5s, children, adolescents, young adults and their families. With 20+ years of experience (CAMHS/private) I am able to work with complex cases. My experience includes treating a range of difficulties such as: emotional dysregulation, self harm, depression, suicidal ideation, gender dysphoria, aggressive behaviour, personality disorders, and others. I help my clients discover, understand and overcome the underlying causes of their emotional distress in order to strengthen their ability to face challenges and enjoy life.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Susie Vana, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/491bb911-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
With children I use creative techniques such as sand play, drawings and symbols.
I work with Adults and Children offering Supportive, Professional Counselling. I provide a safe place to talk about difficult problems and worries. In my work with Adults I work with many presenting issues, such as generalised anxiety disorder, low self esteem, anger management, bereavement, loneliness, trauma, depression, low self confidence, relationship issues and abuse. In my work with Children presenting issues I often see include anxiety, bereavement, anger management, friendship issues, bullying, ADHD, autistic traits, low self esteem, depression and separation anxiety
With children I use creative techniques such as sand play, drawings and symbols.
I work with Adults and Children offering Supportive, Professional Counselling. I provide a safe place to talk about difficult problems and worries. In my work with Adults I work with many presenting issues, such as generalised anxiety disorder, low self esteem, anger management, bereavement, loneliness, trauma, depression, low self confidence, relationship issues and abuse. In my work with Children presenting issues I often see include anxiety, bereavement, anger management, friendship issues, bullying, ADHD, autistic traits, low self esteem, depression and separation anxiety
![Photo of Sarah Zobin, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d1b979f-c421-475c-a1ec-4e693ce2c6bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work psychodynamically and I use play and art in my work with young children.
I am a psychotherapist and counsellor with lots of experience working in a variety of settings, including a Youth Support Service and Children's Service, Primary and Secondary schools and for a local charity organisation. I have a private practice in NW London where I offer a safe and confidential space that is non-judgemental, in which together with my clients I explore the difficulties that they may be experiencing. I am also a certified Couples Counsellor. If you call me and do not get through please leave a message.
I work psychodynamically and I use play and art in my work with young children.
I am a psychotherapist and counsellor with lots of experience working in a variety of settings, including a Youth Support Service and Children's Service, Primary and Secondary schools and for a local charity organisation. I have a private practice in NW London where I offer a safe and confidential space that is non-judgemental, in which together with my clients I explore the difficulties that they may be experiencing. I am also a certified Couples Counsellor. If you call me and do not get through please leave a message.
![Photo of Clare Lewis, MA, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a66de059-098a-4a84-ac57-28e8e2a8457e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Clare. I am a child and adolescent counsellor using the arts. I take a genuine interest in young people and enjoy engaging with them in an informal approach. Sometimes, young people aren’t able to talk about how they feel. I offer an alternative means of expressing complex or painful experiences that may otherwise be difficult to convey in words alone. It’s vital to offer ways of communicating feelings other than through everyday language, for example, with paint, clay, music, drama or sand play. I will always follow the child’s lead, as my first priority is for the child/young person to feel relaxed and comfortable.
Hi, my name is Clare. I am a child and adolescent counsellor using the arts. I take a genuine interest in young people and enjoy engaging with them in an informal approach. Sometimes, young people aren’t able to talk about how they feel. I offer an alternative means of expressing complex or painful experiences that may otherwise be difficult to convey in words alone. It’s vital to offer ways of communicating feelings other than through everyday language, for example, with paint, clay, music, drama or sand play. I will always follow the child’s lead, as my first priority is for the child/young person to feel relaxed and comfortable.
![Photo of Penelope Stanley, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd23f33b-2ec5-49fb-86bf-d5f748621889/2/320x400.jpeg)
For work with children and adolescents, I use Play therapy, creative tools and CBT.
Hello and welcome. Searching for a therapist via directory listings can be a daunting experience, especially at a time when you are struggling. My name is Penny and I work with Adults, Adolescents, Young children and Families. I am also a Supervisor of other therapists. I have a quiet, private therapy space in SW London and offer sessions online via Zoom if preferred. Whether you are an adult seeking help for yourself or a parent for your child, I offer a warm non-judgmental space in which to explore your current difficulties - relationship issues, anxiety, low-mood, loss, feeling stuck - all can be brought, heard, and explored.
For work with children and adolescents, I use Play therapy, creative tools and CBT.
Hello and welcome. Searching for a therapist via directory listings can be a daunting experience, especially at a time when you are struggling. My name is Penny and I work with Adults, Adolescents, Young children and Families. I am also a Supervisor of other therapists. I have a quiet, private therapy space in SW London and offer sessions online via Zoom if preferred. Whether you are an adult seeking help for yourself or a parent for your child, I offer a warm non-judgmental space in which to explore your current difficulties - relationship issues, anxiety, low-mood, loss, feeling stuck - all can be brought, heard, and explored.
![Photo of Anna Bassett](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9ae2fee-1473-44cd-a397-4a1157add98c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Play Therapy, especially non-directive play therapy is helpful for children, because it allows them to express themselves freely and without pressure to talk.
I am an integrative and trauma informed counsellor based in Chichester West Sussex. I work therapeutically with children, young people and adults in a gentle, empathic and warm way. Fundamental to my approach is the belief that we all have the potential to change, develop and lead more satisfying lives. You may be having relationship difficulties, issues with anxiety, experienced trauma of some kind, or looking to change an aspect of your life that is not fulfilling. In providing a relationship which feels safe you can, at your own pace, find your own answers and feel heard and supported towards a happier way of living and being
Play Therapy, especially non-directive play therapy is helpful for children, because it allows them to express themselves freely and without pressure to talk.
I am an integrative and trauma informed counsellor based in Chichester West Sussex. I work therapeutically with children, young people and adults in a gentle, empathic and warm way. Fundamental to my approach is the belief that we all have the potential to change, develop and lead more satisfying lives. You may be having relationship difficulties, issues with anxiety, experienced trauma of some kind, or looking to change an aspect of your life that is not fulfilling. In providing a relationship which feels safe you can, at your own pace, find your own answers and feel heard and supported towards a happier way of living and being
![Photo of Anna Smith, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c3f330e-334c-4cfc-b212-50be106e21ce/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work in an empathic, non-judgemental and accepting way to ensure that anyone who chooses therapy with me feels as though they have a safe space to talk, explore, play and resolve any difficulties they may be facing.
Life for children, young people and families can be really challenging, a fact that has only been made worse by the pandemic. seeking counselling or therapy for your child or yourself can be a really scary task, but it can also help to resolve the issues that many young people and families face every day. I am currently offering online sessions only. I have a virtual therapy room that is suitable for children aged 3-18. This is a highly effective tool and replicates the 'in person' therapy experience, meaning your child isn't missing out by working online.
I work in an empathic, non-judgemental and accepting way to ensure that anyone who chooses therapy with me feels as though they have a safe space to talk, explore, play and resolve any difficulties they may be facing.
Life for children, young people and families can be really challenging, a fact that has only been made worse by the pandemic. seeking counselling or therapy for your child or yourself can be a really scary task, but it can also help to resolve the issues that many young people and families face every day. I am currently offering online sessions only. I have a virtual therapy room that is suitable for children aged 3-18. This is a highly effective tool and replicates the 'in person' therapy experience, meaning your child isn't missing out by working online.
![Photo of Rebecca Earlby, MSc](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/811d8607-b9d1-413f-b738-27592be62c61/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work both directly with children offering play and creative arts therapy as well as working closely with parents and carers supporting emotional wellbeing at home through strategies to manage those tricky times.
I work with children and young people from age 4 to 16 who have had a range of experiences including; anxiety, low mood, social communication difficulties, learning needs, bereavement, parental alcohol and drug misuse, contact concerns, parental separation, domestic violence, homelessness and mental health difficulties amongst others. I strive to support both carers and children alike in the work that I do. I have completed over 600 hours of therapeutic support and have experience of court work.
I work both directly with children offering play and creative arts therapy as well as working closely with parents and carers supporting emotional wellbeing at home through strategies to manage those tricky times.
I work with children and young people from age 4 to 16 who have had a range of experiences including; anxiety, low mood, social communication difficulties, learning needs, bereavement, parental alcohol and drug misuse, contact concerns, parental separation, domestic violence, homelessness and mental health difficulties amongst others. I strive to support both carers and children alike in the work that I do. I have completed over 600 hours of therapeutic support and have experience of court work.
![Photo of Claire Rhodes, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5a6129a-a008-453a-83ca-4ec35250bc87/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer young children therapeutically informed play therapy, to help them process their emotions and difficulties.
Hi, my name is Claire and I am a child and adult psychotherapist. Often people don't fully understand why they feel bad and this can lead to confusion and feeling ashamed. The feelings are experienced throughout the whole body and can be so overwhelming that they can lead to panic, depression, anxiety and challenging or self-destructive behaviours. I help clients understand how things are for them right now, validate their challenges and help them see their unique strengths, all within the context of an accepting and compassionate relationship. I use neuro-scientifically informed approaches to help heal
I offer young children therapeutically informed play therapy, to help them process their emotions and difficulties.
Hi, my name is Claire and I am a child and adult psychotherapist. Often people don't fully understand why they feel bad and this can lead to confusion and feeling ashamed. The feelings are experienced throughout the whole body and can be so overwhelming that they can lead to panic, depression, anxiety and challenging or self-destructive behaviours. I help clients understand how things are for them right now, validate their challenges and help them see their unique strengths, all within the context of an accepting and compassionate relationship. I use neuro-scientifically informed approaches to help heal
![Photo of Flor Ferraco, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5723b40-778f-4560-8744-e1db2d0b9e31/2/320x400.jpeg)
Some of the healing tools I offer in my practice are art, mindfulness, meditation, body movement, breathing, sacred geometry, poetry, play therapy and other creative methods or we can talk.
Is it difficult for yourself to connect to your emotions and feelings? Sometimes it is complicated to find a link to enable us express freely. Unintentionally, we can create a habit in which we suppress, run away, deny or manipulate our emotions. It is normal to try to push away feelings of discomfort like stress, fear or pain; but there are tools you can learn to help you cope with these emotions in a healthy way. Instead of denying, distracting yourself, manipulating or disconnecting, you can accept, observe, acknowledge and connect deeply with your feelings.
Some of the healing tools I offer in my practice are art, mindfulness, meditation, body movement, breathing, sacred geometry, poetry, play therapy and other creative methods or we can talk.
Is it difficult for yourself to connect to your emotions and feelings? Sometimes it is complicated to find a link to enable us express freely. Unintentionally, we can create a habit in which we suppress, run away, deny or manipulate our emotions. It is normal to try to push away feelings of discomfort like stress, fear or pain; but there are tools you can learn to help you cope with these emotions in a healthy way. Instead of denying, distracting yourself, manipulating or disconnecting, you can accept, observe, acknowledge and connect deeply with your feelings.
![Photo of Meret Aeschlimann, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edaf8ae3-1407-4739-9592-88fa053018e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a child-centred play therapist and work with children aged 4 to 12 years old. Play therapy is a therapeutic approach which allows the child to process their emotions, trauma and relationship dynamics through play, the child's natural form of communication. Play therapy helps children process traumatic events and relationships, gain more self-esteem and self-acceptance, and lessens anxiety and depression. As a play therapist I provide a safe and containing setting by building a trusting, therapeutic relationship with the child. I am registered with BAPT and follow their code of ethics.
I am a child-centred play therapist and work with children aged 4 to 12 years old. Play therapy is a therapeutic approach which allows the child to process their emotions, trauma and relationship dynamics through play, the child's natural form of communication. Play therapy helps children process traumatic events and relationships, gain more self-esteem and self-acceptance, and lessens anxiety and depression. As a play therapist I provide a safe and containing setting by building a trusting, therapeutic relationship with the child. I am registered with BAPT and follow their code of ethics.
![Photo of Saphiah Otuo-Mensah - Mensah Wellbeing](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bf40bc4-7a83-4322-a797-e7dbcde2c4cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Play Therapy, Talking Therapy, Somatic Therapies.
Welcome to Mensah Wellbeing, a mental health and well-being hub dedicated to supporting neurodivergent adults and children, as well as those facing anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and related disorders. Founded on the principles of compassion, expertise, and inclusivity, our mission is to provide exceptional assessments and therapeutic interventions that empower individuals and families on their journey toward mental health and well-being.
Play Therapy, Talking Therapy, Somatic Therapies.
Welcome to Mensah Wellbeing, a mental health and well-being hub dedicated to supporting neurodivergent adults and children, as well as those facing anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and related disorders. Founded on the principles of compassion, expertise, and inclusivity, our mission is to provide exceptional assessments and therapeutic interventions that empower individuals and families on their journey toward mental health and well-being.
![Photo of Fleur Tavaré, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4be5ca41-16ea-43b0-a3c6-cc2636987acd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I often use play and art in sessions, allowing the child the freedom to explore at their own place.
I am an experienced, qualified BACP registered Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor offering short-term and long-term support. I work with children and adolescents in person or online. I am warm, compassionate, empathic, accepting, playful, and curious and work in a child-centred way. I have extensive experience of working as a therapist in both primary and secondary schools, as well as experience of working with neurodivergent children. I work with young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, bereavement, family breakdown, OCD, and attachment-related difficulties.
I often use play and art in sessions, allowing the child the freedom to explore at their own place.
I am an experienced, qualified BACP registered Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor offering short-term and long-term support. I work with children and adolescents in person or online. I am warm, compassionate, empathic, accepting, playful, and curious and work in a child-centred way. I have extensive experience of working as a therapist in both primary and secondary schools, as well as experience of working with neurodivergent children. I work with young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, bereavement, family breakdown, OCD, and attachment-related difficulties.
![Photo of Philippa Casement, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84d90ad5-52a2-42ab-8647-7b12a5dc5011/1/320x400.jpeg)
CBT, creative counselling, play therapy, person-centred.
I am a BACP registered therapist working with people to make practical positive steps to making changes to improve their lives. You will be heard in a non-judgmental, confidential caring way.
CBT, creative counselling, play therapy, person-centred.
I am a BACP registered therapist working with people to make practical positive steps to making changes to improve their lives. You will be heard in a non-judgmental, confidential caring way.
See more therapy options for Bath
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Bath
- Bournemouth
- Bridgwater
- Bristol
- Cheltenham
- Cirencester
- Gloucester
- Poole
- Ringwood
- Swindon
- Taunton
- Weston-super-Mare
Play Therapy Counsellors
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behaviour and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behaviour.