Play Therapy Counselling in Tewkesbury

Photo of Tina Kilgallon - Our Space Play & Family Therapies, MSc
Our Space Play & Family Therapies
MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tewkesbury GL20
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.
01905 975361 View 01905 975361
Photo of Franeen McDonald, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Franeen McDonald
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Tewkesbury GL20
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.
01452 941705 View 01452 941705
Photo of Julie Ingram, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Julie Ingram
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Tewkesbury GL20
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.
01981 200129 View 01981 200129
Photo of Julie Jakeman, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Julie Jakeman
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tewkesbury GL20
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.
01905 950220 View 01905 950220
Photo of Anne Coats, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Anne Coats
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Tewkesbury GL20
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. ​
01242 903657 View 01242 903657

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Helen Fenton - Helen Fenton: Face-to-Face & Online Counselling, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
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.
01666 336813 View 01666 336813
Photo of Mark Brady - Cotswold Neurodevelopmental Service , MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Cotswold Neurodevelopmental Service
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
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.
01285 842652 View 01285 842652
Photo of Victoria Morgan - Victoria Morgan Counselling , MA, BACP, Counsellor
Victoria Morgan Counselling
Counsellor, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
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.
015242 35827 View 015242 35827
Photo of Rachel Power, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Power
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
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.
07961 627500 View 07961 627500
Photo of Grace McIntyre, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Grace McIntyre
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
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?"
01235 424339 View 01235 424339
Photo of Gary Catterall - The Child Psychiatric & Psychological Consultants, PsychD, ACP, Psychotherapist
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.
01452 687104 View 01452 687104
Photo of Deborah Grice-Griffin, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Deborah Grice-Griffin
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Worcester WR10
Your mental health is important. If you have any issues or concerns that are affecting your well-being or feel that you are struggling with your emotions or you just sense that having someone to talk to could affect real change in your life, then now is the right time to explore Counselling, whether you are an adult or child counselling can help you. My name is Debbie and I have worked with both adults and children helping them through a variety of issues and concerns, whether it's anxiety, stress, grief, depression, low self-esteem, feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to help.
Your mental health is important. If you have any issues or concerns that are affecting your well-being or feel that you are struggling with your emotions or you just sense that having someone to talk to could affect real change in your life, then now is the right time to explore Counselling, whether you are an adult or child counselling can help you. My name is Debbie and I have worked with both adults and children helping them through a variety of issues and concerns, whether it's anxiety, stress, grief, depression, low self-esteem, feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to help.
01299 666667 View 01299 666667

Online Therapists

Photo of Lisa Rose Akanuma, MSc, ACP, Psychotherapist
Lisa Rose Akanuma
Psychotherapist, MSc, ACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SE25
As a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, I was trained to carefully observe children and young people and respond to what they are consciously and unconsciously communicating through their behaviour, verbally and non-verbally, through unstructured play, their silence, and other ways to communicate their emotional difficulties or distress. I have several years working in the NHS in CAMHS, and with charity organizations, providing evidence-based therapy and individual & group interventions for children and adolescents and supporting the networks involved in their care so that they can build resilience, flourish and live fuller lives.
As a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, I was trained to carefully observe children and young people and respond to what they are consciously and unconsciously communicating through their behaviour, verbally and non-verbally, through unstructured play, their silence, and other ways to communicate their emotional difficulties or distress. I have several years working in the NHS in CAMHS, and with charity organizations, providing evidence-based therapy and individual & group interventions for children and adolescents and supporting the networks involved in their care so that they can build resilience, flourish and live fuller lives.
01883 779598 View 01883 779598
Photo of Lara Danielle Therapy, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Lara Danielle Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
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.
01748 900772 View 01748 900772
Photo of Marta Benko, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Marta Benko
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London NW3
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.
020 8016 3516 View 020 8016 3516
Photo of Deb Haynes, MBACP, Counsellor
Deb Haynes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nantwich CW5
Hello, I'm Deb Haynes and I hope that I can help you. I work primarily with children and families, but also with individuals. I use a person centred approach and other techniques which I have trained in such as play therapy. Some of the stressful issues that a lot of people experience are, anxiety, bereavement (including pet bereavement), trauma, behavioural/trust issues, self-esteem issues, self-harming and harmful sexualized behaviour issues. Please get in touch.
Hello, I'm Deb Haynes and I hope that I can help you. I work primarily with children and families, but also with individuals. I use a person centred approach and other techniques which I have trained in such as play therapy. Some of the stressful issues that a lot of people experience are, anxiety, bereavement (including pet bereavement), trauma, behavioural/trust issues, self-esteem issues, self-harming and harmful sexualized behaviour issues. Please get in touch.
01270 906390 View 01270 906390
Photo of Sharon Deacon, MBACP, Counsellor
Sharon Deacon
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tring HP23
We are all different and so you might like to just talk or perhaps you express your feelings and emotions better in a creative way through play, drawing, painting, sand tray etc.
Hello, you have made the decision, which may have not been easy, to seek out a Counsellor. I understand that it can be a challenging and daunting experience, but well done for taking the first step. I am a caring and warm and I’m here to listen and walk with you on your journey to better mental health whatever that looks like for you. I’m currently working Face to Face from my garden office in Tring Hertfordshire with Couples, Adults and Children 15+ . I can also work via Teams with Adults.There is parking but no waiting room. I'm also happy to do a home session in certain circumstances within 5 miles.
We are all different and so you might like to just talk or perhaps you express your feelings and emotions better in a creative way through play, drawing, painting, sand tray etc.
Hello, you have made the decision, which may have not been easy, to seek out a Counsellor. I understand that it can be a challenging and daunting experience, but well done for taking the first step. I am a caring and warm and I’m here to listen and walk with you on your journey to better mental health whatever that looks like for you. I’m currently working Face to Face from my garden office in Tring Hertfordshire with Couples, Adults and Children 15+ . I can also work via Teams with Adults.There is parking but no waiting room. I'm also happy to do a home session in certain circumstances within 5 miles.
01296 254465 View 01296 254465
Photo of Jane Gillett, MBACP, Counsellor
Jane Gillett
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waltham Cross EN8
I offer play therapy and talking therapy with children and young people.
We all have times in our life where we may need the support of our family and friends to help us get through. Sometimes though seeking professional support of a counsellor is beneficial to enable you to discuss and work through things you may feel unable to discuss with friends and family. I can work with you on a number of life problems in a way that suits your needs. I will help you become more in touch and aware of feelings, thoughts and barriers in your life. I believe that the counselling relationship is important and work in a way that is beneficial to helping you become more self-aware, authentic and able to move forward.
I offer play therapy and talking therapy with children and young people.
We all have times in our life where we may need the support of our family and friends to help us get through. Sometimes though seeking professional support of a counsellor is beneficial to enable you to discuss and work through things you may feel unable to discuss with friends and family. I can work with you on a number of life problems in a way that suits your needs. I will help you become more in touch and aware of feelings, thoughts and barriers in your life. I believe that the counselling relationship is important and work in a way that is beneficial to helping you become more self-aware, authentic and able to move forward.
01992 945251 View 01992 945251
Photo of Mihaela Popp, MA
Mihaela Popp
MA
Verified Verified
London SW16  (Online Only)
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.
01260 541231 View 01260 541231
Photo of Kerry Mattock, PTUK, Psychotherapist
Kerry Mattock
Psychotherapist, PTUK
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thrapston NN14
Working with children 4+ - young people, using a therapeutic play approach, which is child led, therapist supported and strategy focused, to improve clients awareness of their issues, difficulties, actions, thoughts and emotions.
Hello, thank you for looking at my profile. I am a PTUK registered play therapist, specialising in offering creative therapy for children and young people. I am experienced in working with clients who have experienced trauma, loss, separation anxiety, low or conflicted self esteem, challenging behaviours, social and peer difficulties, reluctant talkers (mutism), pre/post adoption and attachment disorders. If you’d like to chat about your child’s/families needs please do contact me. NB- CHECK SPAM as reply emails from me can go straight there. For more you can visit my website: www.theconnectedtherapist.co.uk
Working with children 4+ - young people, using a therapeutic play approach, which is child led, therapist supported and strategy focused, to improve clients awareness of their issues, difficulties, actions, thoughts and emotions.
Hello, thank you for looking at my profile. I am a PTUK registered play therapist, specialising in offering creative therapy for children and young people. I am experienced in working with clients who have experienced trauma, loss, separation anxiety, low or conflicted self esteem, challenging behaviours, social and peer difficulties, reluctant talkers (mutism), pre/post adoption and attachment disorders. If you’d like to chat about your child’s/families needs please do contact me. NB- CHECK SPAM as reply emails from me can go straight there. For more you can visit my website: www.theconnectedtherapist.co.uk
01832 778353 View 01832 778353

See more therapy options for Tewkesbury

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.