Play Therapy Counselling in Cheltenham
![Photo of Franeen McDonald, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/695fb907-ad85-4401-ad8d-0f4d75820cc6/1/320x400.jpeg)
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), BSP (Brainspotting), NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming), Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, , Timeline therapyTM), Counselling, Family Therapy, Life- and Executive Coaching.
I am an accredited Psychotherapist, CBT and Brainspotting Practitioner, providing help and guidance to adults, children, and teenagers. I use a variety of proven approaches and with 38 years of experience, I take great care to consider your specific needs to establish the best approach to help you with any emotional block or problem you are experiencing. My aim is to help you to achieve your goals for therapy and together we work collaboratively to achieve them. My office is situated in such a way that clients can access therapy in a private and confidential setting.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), BSP (Brainspotting), NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming), Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, , Timeline therapyTM), Counselling, Family Therapy, Life- and Executive Coaching.
I am an accredited Psychotherapist, CBT and Brainspotting Practitioner, providing help and guidance to adults, children, and teenagers. I use a variety of proven approaches and with 38 years of experience, I take great care to consider your specific needs to establish the best approach to help you with any emotional block or problem you are experiencing. My aim is to help you to achieve your goals for therapy and together we work collaboratively to achieve them. My office is situated in such a way that clients can access therapy in a private and confidential setting.
![Photo of Helen Fenton - Helen Fenton: Face-to-Face & Online Counselling, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af60c0fa-dbf1-44bc-97f8-29e0d45c0cbc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Fenton: Face-to-Face & Online Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL50
You may be finding it difficult to cope, and feel alone? You may be struggling after a trauma or bereavement, separation, or with ill-health? Or maybe feel that your life is stuck, or lacking purpose? At times like these, counselling offers a space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, with someone who will strive to understand without judgement, & help you make sense of your feelings, find clarity, or make decisions. I offer all my clients Empathy, Congruence, and Unconditional Positive Regard. I also offer play, sand-tray, art and creative therapies to my younger clients. Home visits are available.
You may be finding it difficult to cope, and feel alone? You may be struggling after a trauma or bereavement, separation, or with ill-health? Or maybe feel that your life is stuck, or lacking purpose? At times like these, counselling offers a space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, with someone who will strive to understand without judgement, & help you make sense of your feelings, find clarity, or make decisions. I offer all my clients Empathy, Congruence, and Unconditional Positive Regard. I also offer play, sand-tray, art and creative therapies to my younger clients. Home visits are available.
![Photo of Rachel Power, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49464d5a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults and children and young people who want to be able to explore their feelings and their thoughts in a safe place. Have you been struggling with feelings that are overwhelming? Maybe you know what is bothering you and you would like to explore the past and how it is affecting your present situation? Sometimes we just don’t know why we are experiencing anxiety and depression or why each day is such a struggle. Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships? I am here to offer you a guiding hand to enable you to explore in a space that is full of love and understanding and not judgemental.
I work with adults and children and young people who want to be able to explore their feelings and their thoughts in a safe place. Have you been struggling with feelings that are overwhelming? Maybe you know what is bothering you and you would like to explore the past and how it is affecting your present situation? Sometimes we just don’t know why we are experiencing anxiety and depression or why each day is such a struggle. Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships? I am here to offer you a guiding hand to enable you to explore in a space that is full of love and understanding and not judgemental.
![Photo of Julie Ingram, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07ade1dd-b80d-4c57-98b6-0fdd19663d4c/5/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, and welcome to my page. I have been qualified as a psychotherapist and supervisor for over 18 years, with previous experience in mental health and Social Work Management. I work with adults, children, adolescents and have expertise in working with family issues. I can help with a wide range of matters including: anxiety and depression, self esteem, family difficulties, relationship issues, Childhood abuse, Childhood neglect, Life threatening events, eating disorders, self harm, suicide and trauma. I provide a welcoming, safe space (indoors or out doors) which provides a relationship based approach to working together.
Hello, and welcome to my page. I have been qualified as a psychotherapist and supervisor for over 18 years, with previous experience in mental health and Social Work Management. I work with adults, children, adolescents and have expertise in working with family issues. I can help with a wide range of matters including: anxiety and depression, self esteem, family difficulties, relationship issues, Childhood abuse, Childhood neglect, Life threatening events, eating disorders, self harm, suicide and trauma. I provide a welcoming, safe space (indoors or out doors) which provides a relationship based approach to working together.
![Photo of Victoria Morgan - Victoria Morgan Counselling , MA, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a76fb68-4600-423d-98ca-2b70b3f3a2cf/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am qualified and experienced in working with adults, teenagers and children. Life can be complex, presenting challenges like career stress, relationship issues, past trauma and personal development hurdles. In our sessions, I’ll work with you to navigate these complexities, providing a space for reflection, understanding, and growth.
I am qualified and experienced in working with adults, teenagers and children. Life can be complex, presenting challenges like career stress, relationship issues, past trauma and personal development hurdles. In our sessions, I’ll work with you to navigate these complexities, providing a space for reflection, understanding, and growth.
![Photo of Anne Coats, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b805c016-fa34-4b42-91dc-23df64cad478/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist and supervisor working with adults, adolescents and relationships. Sometimes life can be challenging, we can feel lost or stuck or that we have no control over what is happening. Counselling can provide vital relief. If you suffer with depression, anxiety,relationship issues, grief, trauma or anger management, I am hear to support you. I offer a warm, reflective, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I will provide the compassionate support you need to find effective solutions to any issue you may have.
I am a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist and supervisor working with adults, adolescents and relationships. Sometimes life can be challenging, we can feel lost or stuck or that we have no control over what is happening. Counselling can provide vital relief. If you suffer with depression, anxiety,relationship issues, grief, trauma or anger management, I am hear to support you. I offer a warm, reflective, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I will provide the compassionate support you need to find effective solutions to any issue you may have.
![Photo of Gary Catterall - The Child Psychiatric & Psychological Consultants, PsychD, ACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a023813-7cd1-4fa8-a3de-424278f62b1f/1/320x400.png)
The Child Psychiatric & Psychological Consultants
Psychotherapist, PsychD, ACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
We provide medical psychiatric & psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment for Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gender dysmorphia, eating disorders, tic disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, self-harm, psychotic disorders and emotional dysregulation and more. We have over 20 years’ experience working in various CAMHS mental health settings with extensive experience and knowledge. The service is clinically led by a consultant child psychiatrist and a consultant child & adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapist who both trained in the NHS who have provided clinical leadership for services.
We provide medical psychiatric & psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment for Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gender dysmorphia, eating disorders, tic disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, self-harm, psychotic disorders and emotional dysregulation and more. We have over 20 years’ experience working in various CAMHS mental health settings with extensive experience and knowledge. The service is clinically led by a consultant child psychiatrist and a consultant child & adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapist who both trained in the NHS who have provided clinical leadership for services.
![Photo of Mark Brady - Cotswold Neurodevelopmental Service , MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a786e694-77ff-4b62-9c9a-625e6b4cd3b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cotswold Neurodevelopmental Service is a dedicated provider of support for adults and children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Autism or ADHD. Our friendly experienced team of therapists, mentors and psychologists, use adapted approaches and specialist tools, to help people overcome their challenges.
Cotswold Neurodevelopmental Service is a dedicated provider of support for adults and children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Autism or ADHD. Our friendly experienced team of therapists, mentors and psychologists, use adapted approaches and specialist tools, to help people overcome their challenges.
![Photo of Julie Jakeman, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d8157cd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Children and Young People have many issues which they cannot always express and understand their feelings, as adults sometimes can. Issues can range from parents splitting up, school problems, exam stress and pressure, friendship issues, witnessing domestic abuse or sexual abuse. The lists can be endless. My job is to creatively work with the child or young person to explore what their issues are and help build up self esteem and track their goals in therapy in creative ways.
Children and Young People have many issues which they cannot always express and understand their feelings, as adults sometimes can. Issues can range from parents splitting up, school problems, exam stress and pressure, friendship issues, witnessing domestic abuse or sexual abuse. The lists can be endless. My job is to creatively work with the child or young person to explore what their issues are and help build up self esteem and track their goals in therapy in creative ways.
![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?"
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Tina Kilgallon - Our Space Play & Family Therapies, MSc](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/848ae272-9ad6-42f4-a47e-af834cbae2b4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about working with young people and their families. I am an integrative play and EMDR therapist working with clients from 3 years of age and up. I am also qualified to deliver Child Parent Relationship Therapy and have completed training in Sand Tray as well as being an Autplay practitioner. I have lots of experience in working with children, young people and their families SEND and/or with additional needs. I have experience of working with complex trauma, attachment, bereavement and loss.
I am passionate about working with young people and their families. I am an integrative play and EMDR therapist working with clients from 3 years of age and up. I am also qualified to deliver Child Parent Relationship Therapy and have completed training in Sand Tray as well as being an Autplay practitioner. I have lots of experience in working with children, young people and their families SEND and/or with additional needs. I have experience of working with complex trauma, attachment, bereavement and loss.
![Photo of Andrea Hughes, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8dd141f3-ae72-482f-b2f1-c941a92d9706/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whatever you are struggling with, my approach here is professional, confidential, safe and non-judgemental, offering you an impartial space to freely discuss your presenting issues. Making the first step is often the biggest one! Investing in yourself is a powerful tool. Thank you for visiting my profile.
Whatever you are struggling with, my approach here is professional, confidential, safe and non-judgemental, offering you an impartial space to freely discuss your presenting issues. Making the first step is often the biggest one! Investing in yourself is a powerful tool. Thank you for visiting my profile.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Shira Barkan Tal, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b2c88c2-bf42-41a0-8b11-ec213d2e83ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and their parents. My expertise lies in parent-child relationships, anxiety in early childhood and adolescence, ASD and trauma. I believe that both the parent and the child are integral to the therapeutic process. Sometimes the parent will be present in the therapy room, and at other times, the child and the parent will attend separately. The medium of therapy with the child depends on their age; for younger children, therapy involves play and play-based activities, gradually transitioning to a more conversational approach as they grow older.
I work with infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and their parents. My expertise lies in parent-child relationships, anxiety in early childhood and adolescence, ASD and trauma. I believe that both the parent and the child are integral to the therapeutic process. Sometimes the parent will be present in the therapy room, and at other times, the child and the parent will attend separately. The medium of therapy with the child depends on their age; for younger children, therapy involves play and play-based activities, gradually transitioning to a more conversational approach as they grow older.
![Photo of Marian Claudiu Ciuhan - Pro Comfort Counselling - Marian Claudiu Ciuhan, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29302933-5517-400d-acda-a8c8151c33c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pro Comfort Counselling - Marian Claudiu Ciuhan
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Dagenham RM8
Step into a realm where family complexities and relationship intricacies find understanding and transformation. In the face of challenges like family conflicts, ADHD, and substance abuse, envision a guide specializing in Family and Couples Therapy—someone attuned to your unique journey. I am that guide, offering more than expertise; I offer a compassionate partnership. As a psychologist skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey. Your narrative of fulfillment and resilience, meticulously crafted for your family's needs, awaits.
Step into a realm where family complexities and relationship intricacies find understanding and transformation. In the face of challenges like family conflicts, ADHD, and substance abuse, envision a guide specializing in Family and Couples Therapy—someone attuned to your unique journey. I am that guide, offering more than expertise; I offer a compassionate partnership. As a psychologist skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey. Your narrative of fulfillment and resilience, meticulously crafted for your family's needs, awaits.
![Photo of Zoe Brown - Children & Young People Counselling, (ZB Therapy) , MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b774961-eb01-460f-a1dd-820b56d52f43/1/320x400.jpeg)
Children & Young People Counselling, (ZB Therapy)
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Peterborough PE4
I tailor therapy sessions to my clients needs and age, using talking therapies, games, play or creativity to explore feelings, work through issues, help gain understanding & insight, develop self-awareness & feel more able to manage when things get difficult.
Hi, I'm Zoe. Are you a parent/carer of a child or young person aged 5-25 struggling with anger, anxiety or low mood? Are they withdrawn, worried or finding it hard to manage emotions & behaviour? Perhaps a life event like bereavement, divorce, school move or other difficulty has happened & your child is finding it hard to cope? Maybe you are a young person 18-25 looking for your own mental health support, or a school/education setting looking to support your students wellbeing. Whatever your need, I welcome you to get in touch for a friendly no obligation chat to see how I might be able to help you manage these current struggles.
I tailor therapy sessions to my clients needs and age, using talking therapies, games, play or creativity to explore feelings, work through issues, help gain understanding & insight, develop self-awareness & feel more able to manage when things get difficult.
Hi, I'm Zoe. Are you a parent/carer of a child or young person aged 5-25 struggling with anger, anxiety or low mood? Are they withdrawn, worried or finding it hard to manage emotions & behaviour? Perhaps a life event like bereavement, divorce, school move or other difficulty has happened & your child is finding it hard to cope? Maybe you are a young person 18-25 looking for your own mental health support, or a school/education setting looking to support your students wellbeing. Whatever your need, I welcome you to get in touch for a friendly no obligation chat to see how I might be able to help you manage these current struggles.
![Photo of Dr Ilan Ben-Zion, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81583a33-019b-4a4e-bb0c-0099a7fc3f23/1/320x400.jpeg)
I love to play and watch a variety of sports, and employ many of the skills I help others develop whilst watching my frustrating team, Arsenal, play football.
Hi, I’m Ilan! I’m a Clinical Psychologist and Director of The Oak Tree Practice. I want to tell you a bit more about myself, as I realise selecting a psychologist can be a tough task! I feel very privileged to be able to say I love what I do and always have, ever since I started volunteering for ChildLine in 2007. Following this, I’ve had experience working with a wide variety of clients including children, young people, adults, older adults, military personnel, individuals with learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological conditions. I have also furthered my studies through the completion of undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees. All this aside, one of the most important parts of my work is building relationships with those sitting opposite me. I have always believed that you can have all the training and knowledge in the world, but if the client doesn’t return, none of this can be put into action. Therefore, my first aim is always to provide a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental space where we can work on the clients’ difficulties together.
I love to play and watch a variety of sports, and employ many of the skills I help others develop whilst watching my frustrating team, Arsenal, play football.
Hi, I’m Ilan! I’m a Clinical Psychologist and Director of The Oak Tree Practice. I want to tell you a bit more about myself, as I realise selecting a psychologist can be a tough task! I feel very privileged to be able to say I love what I do and always have, ever since I started volunteering for ChildLine in 2007. Following this, I’ve had experience working with a wide variety of clients including children, young people, adults, older adults, military personnel, individuals with learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological conditions. I have also furthered my studies through the completion of undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees. All this aside, one of the most important parts of my work is building relationships with those sitting opposite me. I have always believed that you can have all the training and knowledge in the world, but if the client doesn’t return, none of this can be put into action. Therefore, my first aim is always to provide a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental space where we can work on the clients’ difficulties together.
![Photo of Claire Kennaby - Pinch of Positivity Centre, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b5b0a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
This can involve elements of talking, art, music, games, creative expression, CBT, play or systemic exploration.
Hi, and a warm welcome. I'm a qualified counsellor and have been for many years offering therapeutic support for adults, adolescents, children and families either together or individually, in my private practice and within primary and secondary schools. I can offer support too many for many reasons and offer flexible Integrative approaches to suit you. I always welcome a free initial email or chat or meet and briefly discuss ways of support that suits all. This can also give you all an opportunity to see the space, meet and talk with me with no obligation. This helps in deciding what is best for you.
This can involve elements of talking, art, music, games, creative expression, CBT, play or systemic exploration.
Hi, and a warm welcome. I'm a qualified counsellor and have been for many years offering therapeutic support for adults, adolescents, children and families either together or individually, in my private practice and within primary and secondary schools. I can offer support too many for many reasons and offer flexible Integrative approaches to suit you. I always welcome a free initial email or chat or meet and briefly discuss ways of support that suits all. This can also give you all an opportunity to see the space, meet and talk with me with no obligation. This helps in deciding what is best for you.
![Photo of Madeleine Vieira, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9085183-445c-40b3-9f9f-6a1e8c8b6377/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madeleine Vieira offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy, Play and Creative Arts Therapy, and Diagnostic Assessments to children and adolescents.
Dr. Madeleine Vieira is a Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist specialised in Anxiety Disorders and has also extensively worked with the following: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Third Culture Kids' Issues, Grief, Family Change, Cultural Adaptation, Transitions, Friendships, Academic Achievement, Learning Difficulties, Behavioural Difficulties, Illness, Social Isolation, Teenager / Adolescent Issues.
Madeleine Vieira offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy, Play and Creative Arts Therapy, and Diagnostic Assessments to children and adolescents.
Dr. Madeleine Vieira is a Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist specialised in Anxiety Disorders and has also extensively worked with the following: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Third Culture Kids' Issues, Grief, Family Change, Cultural Adaptation, Transitions, Friendships, Academic Achievement, Learning Difficulties, Behavioural Difficulties, Illness, Social Isolation, Teenager / Adolescent Issues.
![Photo of Sinead M Jones, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b73b7ba-47da-421c-9e35-f18d8ec8953e/1/320x400.jpeg)
As well as offering free space to talk, I draw on a wide range of creative interventions such as sand tray, art, music, drama and play.
I am specifically trained, at Masters level, to work therapeutically with children, young people, and families as a counsellor and psychotherapist. I am also a qualified teacher with experience of working with children who have been diagnosed, and or who identify as neurodiverse. In addition to my private practice, I work as a school counsellor and I volunteer in a Youth Counselling Service. My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I use the ideas and strategies from a range of therapeutic models, matching the best approach suited specifically to your or your child’s needs.
As well as offering free space to talk, I draw on a wide range of creative interventions such as sand tray, art, music, drama and play.
I am specifically trained, at Masters level, to work therapeutically with children, young people, and families as a counsellor and psychotherapist. I am also a qualified teacher with experience of working with children who have been diagnosed, and or who identify as neurodiverse. In addition to my private practice, I work as a school counsellor and I volunteer in a Youth Counselling Service. My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I use the ideas and strategies from a range of therapeutic models, matching the best approach suited specifically to your or your child’s needs.
![Photo of Priya Vigneswaran, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93625fab-0696-44a4-9267-8ebe9b80a11a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Priya excels in helping children and young people recover from issues of anxiety, depression, bullying, loneliness and stress. Priya has specialist training in: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Therapy and Child Psychotherapy.
Priya excels in helping children and young people recover from issues of anxiety, depression, bullying, loneliness and stress. Priya has specialist training in: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Therapy and Child Psychotherapy.
See more therapy options for Cheltenham
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Cheltenham
- Bromsgrove
- Cirencester
- Evesham
- Gloucester
- Redditch
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Stroud
- Swindon
- Tewkesbury
- Warwick
- Witney
- Worcester
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.