Play Therapy Counselling in South West London, London
Alongside private practice, I currently work for a charity, providing play therapy for children affected by domestic abuse.
I am a child-centred play therapist and work with children aged 4 to 17 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.
Alongside private practice, I currently work for a charity, providing play therapy for children affected by domestic abuse.
I am a child-centred play therapist and work with children aged 4 to 17 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.
Leoni Lombaard Play Therapy
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South West London, London SW20
I specialise in using therapeutic play and creative arts to promote children's mental well-being and help them explore difficult experiences. Through play therapy, children can express themselves in a safe and accepting environment, work towards understanding their emotions, and make sense of their life experiences. I have 25 years of experience working with children and families, and I utilise a variety of materials such as toys, art supplies, sensory toys, sand, and water beads to aid in the children's process. Materials used are informed by neuroscience to aid emotional regulation and repair negative experiences.
I specialise in using therapeutic play and creative arts to promote children's mental well-being and help them explore difficult experiences. Through play therapy, children can express themselves in a safe and accepting environment, work towards understanding their emotions, and make sense of their life experiences. I have 25 years of experience working with children and families, and I utilise a variety of materials such as toys, art supplies, sensory toys, sand, and water beads to aid in the children's process. Materials used are informed by neuroscience to aid emotional regulation and repair negative experiences.
I may draw from attachment theory and play therapy.
I am an Adult Psychotherapist, Child and Adolescent Counsellor, and Adult Counsellor with over a decade of training in mental health, working with an integrative approach. I work with various presentations, with a focus on Anxiety, Depression and Relationship Issues. Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Psychology; MSc Applied Cognitive Neuroscience (Department of Psychology); MSc Integrative Psychotherapy (Metanoia Institute, validated by Middlesex University); CBT: Introductory Course (BPS Approved); Certificate in Counselling Children; Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Memberships: UKCP, Reg. BACP, GMBPsS, DBS Enhanced Certificate.
I may draw from attachment theory and play therapy.
I am an Adult Psychotherapist, Child and Adolescent Counsellor, and Adult Counsellor with over a decade of training in mental health, working with an integrative approach. I work with various presentations, with a focus on Anxiety, Depression and Relationship Issues. Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Psychology; MSc Applied Cognitive Neuroscience (Department of Psychology); MSc Integrative Psychotherapy (Metanoia Institute, validated by Middlesex University); CBT: Introductory Course (BPS Approved); Certificate in Counselling Children; Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Memberships: UKCP, Reg. BACP, GMBPsS, DBS Enhanced Certificate.
Madeleine Vieira
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW7
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.
As a person-centred therapist, you will find in me a space holder for your experience. The knowledge will come from both of us: your knowledge about your personal story and my knowledge about the human mind will meet in the safe therapeutic space, untangling what needs attention and care. Training in Psychology, Play Therapy, mindfulness and embodied practices, allows me to create space for different modalities: we might talk, or use images, stories, dreams and objects to access parts of us that aren’t so easily accessible to conscious thought.
As a person-centred therapist, you will find in me a space holder for your experience. The knowledge will come from both of us: your knowledge about your personal story and my knowledge about the human mind will meet in the safe therapeutic space, untangling what needs attention and care. Training in Psychology, Play Therapy, mindfulness and embodied practices, allows me to create space for different modalities: we might talk, or use images, stories, dreams and objects to access parts of us that aren’t so easily accessible to conscious thought.
I found play, art, cards and other creative tools can support the therapeutic process.
I spent the last decade working with children, teenagers, parents and educational teams, with the mission of supporting children's emotional and educational needs. My specialities are behavioural problems, emotional regulation difficulties, and school-related challenges.
I found play, art, cards and other creative tools can support the therapeutic process.
I spent the last decade working with children, teenagers, parents and educational teams, with the mission of supporting children's emotional and educational needs. My specialities are behavioural problems, emotional regulation difficulties, and school-related challenges.
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.
Lara Danielle Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW6 (Online Only)
I utilize various approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play, Strength-based, Psychodynamic and/or Expressive Arts Therapy.
I work with children from aged five, adolescents and adult females. I am compassionate and warm. I specialize in difficulties, including trauma, self-esteem, attachment, divorce, aggression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and body concerns. I have worked extensively with young children and adolescents, both as a child therapist and in previous careers. I have worked at non-profit and for profit organizations, including a national adolescent treatment centre for mental health and substance use, foster homes and a domestic violence organization. I approach the therapeutic relationship with genuineness, curiosity, and warmth.
I utilize various approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play, Strength-based, Psychodynamic and/or Expressive Arts Therapy.
I work with children from aged five, adolescents and adult females. I am compassionate and warm. I specialize in difficulties, including trauma, self-esteem, attachment, divorce, aggression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and body concerns. I have worked extensively with young children and adolescents, both as a child therapist and in previous careers. I have worked at non-profit and for profit organizations, including a national adolescent treatment centre for mental health and substance use, foster homes and a domestic violence organization. I approach the therapeutic relationship with genuineness, curiosity, and warmth.
My approach is child-centred as I adopt a non-directive stance, allowing the child to lead the session to support their sense of autonomy by utilising elements of art, drama and play therapy.
I work with neurotypical and neurodiverse children aged 5-18 years old, who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, anger, and behavioural and socialising difficulties. I also work with children navigating the complexities of grief, and the challenges of changes in family dynamics. I am an integrative Child and Adolescent Counsellor, qualified to work with children, young people, and their families. I am registered with the BACP (British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and adhere to their Ethical Framework. I offer counselling services in English and Greek.
My approach is child-centred as I adopt a non-directive stance, allowing the child to lead the session to support their sense of autonomy by utilising elements of art, drama and play therapy.
I work with neurotypical and neurodiverse children aged 5-18 years old, who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, anger, and behavioural and socialising difficulties. I also work with children navigating the complexities of grief, and the challenges of changes in family dynamics. I am an integrative Child and Adolescent Counsellor, qualified to work with children, young people, and their families. I am registered with the BACP (British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and adhere to their Ethical Framework. I offer counselling services in English and Greek.
With the integration of Attachment & Object Relation Theory in the play process, children can alleviate different kinds of emotional pains that may be disturbing daily life, and/or preventing them from reaching their full potential.
I am a Clinical supervisor with a social work background and have been working with families for over 20 years. I realise that it can often be difficult for children to understand or express their emotions. This can lead to overwhelming, confusing, or stuck feelings, perhaps resulting in low esteem and struggles with relationships with others, and themselves. I offer a safe and supportive environment where children can express their emotional and relational difficulties by using their natural language of communication, PLAY, with the facilitation of various play and creative materials in the playroom.
With the integration of Attachment & Object Relation Theory in the play process, children can alleviate different kinds of emotional pains that may be disturbing daily life, and/or preventing them from reaching their full potential.
I am a Clinical supervisor with a social work background and have been working with families for over 20 years. I realise that it can often be difficult for children to understand or express their emotions. This can lead to overwhelming, confusing, or stuck feelings, perhaps resulting in low esteem and struggles with relationships with others, and themselves. I offer a safe and supportive environment where children can express their emotional and relational difficulties by using their natural language of communication, PLAY, with the facilitation of various play and creative materials in the playroom.
I have a Play&Movement approach when working with children to allow them to express their world.
Welcome to my page! I am passionate to help and guide people to find solutions to their difficulties, to make helpful changes and live a meaningful and joyful life. I work with ADULTS with depression, anxiety, panic attack, burnout, stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, domestic abuse, trauma, anger management, transition life. I can help you to create believes to support your recovering and healing process. I work with CHILDREN with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional/behavioural issues and help them to improve self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, to increase their attention spam.
I have a Play&Movement approach when working with children to allow them to express their world.
Welcome to my page! I am passionate to help and guide people to find solutions to their difficulties, to make helpful changes and live a meaningful and joyful life. I work with ADULTS with depression, anxiety, panic attack, burnout, stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, domestic abuse, trauma, anger management, transition life. I can help you to create believes to support your recovering and healing process. I work with CHILDREN with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional/behavioural issues and help them to improve self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, to increase their attention spam.
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My ideal clients are couples or individuals who would like a warm and competent counsellor to help them renew their relationship or deal with current and or sexual issues or goals. As a COSRT Accredited Psychosexual Therapist and Couples Counsellor I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focussed Couple's Therapy and Encounter based Therapy by Hedy Schliefer. My background in play, dance and creativity means I also encourage people to find new parts of themselves or their relationships. My web site is also full of videos and articles.
My ideal clients are couples or individuals who would like a warm and competent counsellor to help them renew their relationship or deal with current and or sexual issues or goals. As a COSRT Accredited Psychosexual Therapist and Couples Counsellor I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focussed Couple's Therapy and Encounter based Therapy by Hedy Schliefer. My background in play, dance and creativity means I also encourage people to find new parts of themselves or their relationships. My web site is also full of videos and articles.
Flor Ferraco
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW19
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.
Dr Ilan Ben-Zion
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW9
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.
I would be happy to hear from any of these organisations or parents/carers who would like to learn more about the effectiveness of Play Therapy and how this might benefit a child with difficulties.
I provide integrative holistic Play and Creative Arts Therapy as a method of helping children and young people with behavior and emotional difficulties. I offer tailored individual and group sessions for children and young adults with additional needs, and those that have challenges in accessing learning and meeting their full potential due to school or life difficulties, emotional, behavior and wellbeing issues. I use creative mediums such as art, drama, music, sand play, story telling and many other channels to understand a child/ young person’s world and help them deal with social/emotional challenges.
I would be happy to hear from any of these organisations or parents/carers who would like to learn more about the effectiveness of Play Therapy and how this might benefit a child with difficulties.
I provide integrative holistic Play and Creative Arts Therapy as a method of helping children and young people with behavior and emotional difficulties. I offer tailored individual and group sessions for children and young adults with additional needs, and those that have challenges in accessing learning and meeting their full potential due to school or life difficulties, emotional, behavior and wellbeing issues. I use creative mediums such as art, drama, music, sand play, story telling and many other channels to understand a child/ young person’s world and help them deal with social/emotional challenges.
Marta Benko
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW1X
Additionally trained in different therapeutic approaches like CBT, ACT, CFT, mindfulness, play and creative arts therapy, filial therapy, narrative approaches.
Supporting kids, YP, parents and adults with: mental health difficulties in the context of a physical illness (especially with endometriosis, asthma, CF, oncology, haematology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurosurgery, and surgery), health anxiety, functional presentation/ medically unexplained symptom, relationship breakdown and divorce, children and young people, school avoidance/school anxiety, ex-pats and 3rd country children, mood difficulties (anxiety, panic attacks, fear and phobias, low mood) , stress , OCD, body repetitive behaviours (hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting) , sleep, non-underweight eating disorders.
Additionally trained in different therapeutic approaches like CBT, ACT, CFT, mindfulness, play and creative arts therapy, filial therapy, narrative approaches.
Supporting kids, YP, parents and adults with: mental health difficulties in the context of a physical illness (especially with endometriosis, asthma, CF, oncology, haematology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurosurgery, and surgery), health anxiety, functional presentation/ medically unexplained symptom, relationship breakdown and divorce, children and young people, school avoidance/school anxiety, ex-pats and 3rd country children, mood difficulties (anxiety, panic attacks, fear and phobias, low mood) , stress , OCD, body repetitive behaviours (hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting) , sleep, non-underweight eating disorders.
Elodie De-Souza
Psychotherapist, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW5 (Online Only)
I am an MBACP registered psychotherapist. I work with clients of all ages, but have a particular interest in working with children and young people. I have a longstanding interest in how our early relationships affect our development. I offer counselling (including play therapy where appropriate) and parenting support. I work as an integrative therapist. This means I blend elements from different approaches and I tailor this according to each of my client’s needs. This can include exploring how buried thoughts, feelings and experiences shape our current relationships.
I am an MBACP registered psychotherapist. I work with clients of all ages, but have a particular interest in working with children and young people. I have a longstanding interest in how our early relationships affect our development. I offer counselling (including play therapy where appropriate) and parenting support. I work as an integrative therapist. This means I blend elements from different approaches and I tailor this according to each of my client’s needs. This can include exploring how buried thoughts, feelings and experiences shape our current relationships.
I am one of the first Certified Compassionate Inquiry Practitioners in the UK, trained in Addiction Psychology, Play Therapy and Child Development Psychology.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious or agitated? Maybe you're struggling in your relationships, your job or with enjoying life? Are you noticing yourself feeling angry or upset all the time?I can help you to understand why you are struggling and that the problems you’re experiencing developed as coping mechanisms. They are not your fault. They can be changed.Together we can get to the root of what is happening in your life and bring you relief. Through this process you will find acceptance for yourself. You won't be stuck with these feelings any more, you'll be able to open up space to start enjoying your life and your relationships.
I am one of the first Certified Compassionate Inquiry Practitioners in the UK, trained in Addiction Psychology, Play Therapy and Child Development Psychology.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious or agitated? Maybe you're struggling in your relationships, your job or with enjoying life? Are you noticing yourself feeling angry or upset all the time?I can help you to understand why you are struggling and that the problems you’re experiencing developed as coping mechanisms. They are not your fault. They can be changed.Together we can get to the root of what is happening in your life and bring you relief. Through this process you will find acceptance for yourself. You won't be stuck with these feelings any more, you'll be able to open up space to start enjoying your life and your relationships.
I don't believe that there is one method of psychotherapy that suits everyone. I believe in adapting my way of working for each client I meet. You may feel that you want to work short-term on a specific aspect of your life. You may feel that you want to take time to look back on your early life experiences or you may not know where to start or where you are going. Whatever your situation is, I will do my best to see the world as you do and, where possible, offer you an alternative perspective. I believe the same is true for children and using sand tray and art materials I allow children to process their emotions through play.
I don't believe that there is one method of psychotherapy that suits everyone. I believe in adapting my way of working for each client I meet. You may feel that you want to work short-term on a specific aspect of your life. You may feel that you want to take time to look back on your early life experiences or you may not know where to start or where you are going. Whatever your situation is, I will do my best to see the world as you do and, where possible, offer you an alternative perspective. I believe the same is true for children and using sand tray and art materials I allow children to process their emotions through play.
Dr Zara Hosany
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South West London, London SW5 (Online Only)
I use a variety of approaches in my work, which includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Family and Couple work, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), IPT-A, Solution-focussed, Psychodynamic, Play and Attachment based therapies.
Do you feel fed up and struggling to achieve your goals? Are you looking for movement and change? Would you like a therapist or supervisor who is understanding and able to help you progress forwards in the direction you would like to move in? I am Dr Zara Hosany, a Principal Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working in mental health. I offer a range of interventions: individual work with adults, young people, parents, couples, family therapy; supervision for qualified professionals and trainees; coaching and mentoring, consultation work with organisations, and reflective spaces for groups.
I use a variety of approaches in my work, which includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Family and Couple work, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), IPT-A, Solution-focussed, Psychodynamic, Play and Attachment based therapies.
Do you feel fed up and struggling to achieve your goals? Are you looking for movement and change? Would you like a therapist or supervisor who is understanding and able to help you progress forwards in the direction you would like to move in? I am Dr Zara Hosany, a Principal Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working in mental health. I offer a range of interventions: individual work with adults, young people, parents, couples, family therapy; supervision for qualified professionals and trainees; coaching and mentoring, consultation work with organisations, and reflective spaces for groups.
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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.