Play Therapy Counselling in Belfast

Photo of Rachael Morrison, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Rachael Morrison
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT8
From talking therapy including CBT, to therapeutic art and play for children, each client is an individual and therefore their counselling should be individually tailored for them.
Adults, children and adolescents all need a space to explore and express their experiences, and for some this tends to be more difficult as they struggle to understand what they're feeling, never mind find the words to describe them to someone. People often find that when they voice their experiences, feelings, and worries, and confide in a professional who can offer support and help them make sense of these, they feel heard, understood, and often a little lighter from sharing the weight of these. I aim to help my clients to feel that little bit lighter.
From talking therapy including CBT, to therapeutic art and play for children, each client is an individual and therefore their counselling should be individually tailored for them.
Adults, children and adolescents all need a space to explore and express their experiences, and for some this tends to be more difficult as they struggle to understand what they're feeling, never mind find the words to describe them to someone. People often find that when they voice their experiences, feelings, and worries, and confide in a professional who can offer support and help them make sense of these, they feel heard, understood, and often a little lighter from sharing the weight of these. I aim to help my clients to feel that little bit lighter.
028 9694 3247 View 028 9694 3247
Photo of Órla O'Neill- Rulu, MSc, PTUK, Counsellor
Órla O'Neill- Rulu
Counsellor, MSc, PTUK
Verified Verified
Belfast BT13
I'm passionate about and dedicated to supporting Children and Young People aged 4 to 16 years, helping them on their own journeys to grow and heal ​themselves from a Holistic, Creative, Whole Person ​approach. From my previous experience in Psychological Services to now as a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist, I have and continue to support Children and Young People who have experienced difficulties such as Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Bereavement and Grief and much more and their Parents/Carers. I believe in using neuro-affirming language, attitude and care in my sessions with Children and Young People.
I'm passionate about and dedicated to supporting Children and Young People aged 4 to 16 years, helping them on their own journeys to grow and heal ​themselves from a Holistic, Creative, Whole Person ​approach. From my previous experience in Psychological Services to now as a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist, I have and continue to support Children and Young People who have experienced difficulties such as Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Bereavement and Grief and much more and their Parents/Carers. I believe in using neuro-affirming language, attitude and care in my sessions with Children and Young People.
028 9694 3613 View 028 9694 3613
Photo of Conal David McAlorum - Play Therapy Belfast
Play Therapy Belfast
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Play Therapy occurs over a series of sessions and includes the use of a variety of mediums.
Play Therapy Belfast is a small business developed by Conal McAlorum. Conal is a professionally trained Play Therapist, Artist, Social Worker and Art teacher. Conal has worked in mental health services with children and young people for twelve years. He currently works in CAMHS alongside his private practice and is registered with PTUK and NISCC.
Play Therapy occurs over a series of sessions and includes the use of a variety of mediums.
Play Therapy Belfast is a small business developed by Conal McAlorum. Conal is a professionally trained Play Therapist, Artist, Social Worker and Art teacher. Conal has worked in mental health services with children and young people for twelve years. He currently works in CAMHS alongside his private practice and is registered with PTUK and NISCC.
028 9057 1727 View 028 9057 1727
Photo of Michelle Duffy - Creative Healing , MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Creative Healing
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT14
My name is Michelle. I have over 10 years of experience working with young people & families impacted by sexual trauma. I have worked in schools and the community as a counsellor supporting children and adults with a wide range of issues. I have an MSc in Children & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Dip: integrative Therapy, BSc in SW, Certificate in sand play, & EMDR. I am passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals feel safe enough to explore their thoughts and feelings through a trusted therapeutic relationship. I utilise different creative approaches alongside play and talk therapy & EMDR.
My name is Michelle. I have over 10 years of experience working with young people & families impacted by sexual trauma. I have worked in schools and the community as a counsellor supporting children and adults with a wide range of issues. I have an MSc in Children & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Dip: integrative Therapy, BSc in SW, Certificate in sand play, & EMDR. I am passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals feel safe enough to explore their thoughts and feelings through a trusted therapeutic relationship. I utilise different creative approaches alongside play and talk therapy & EMDR.
028 9694 3420 View 028 9694 3420
Photo of Sinead Corey - Sinead Corey Play Therapy, MA, PTUK Accred, Counsellor
Sinead Corey Play Therapy
Counsellor, MA, PTUK Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT15
I offer individual Play Therapy to children aged between 4-16 yrs and SandStory Therapy to children aged 8-16yrs.
Hello my name is Sinead and I am an Accredited Play Therapist and Registered SandStory Therapist. I have twenty-six years’ experience in a mainstream primary school where I have specialised as a Nurture Room Teacher. I am experienced in supporting children with Attachment Type Difficulties, Selective Mutism, and children diagnosed with with ASD and ADHD. I have supported children experiencing isolation and bullying and have empowered children to build resilience and develop social skills with their peers. I have extensive knowledge of working with individuals and with small groups of children/young people and their parents.
I offer individual Play Therapy to children aged between 4-16 yrs and SandStory Therapy to children aged 8-16yrs.
Hello my name is Sinead and I am an Accredited Play Therapist and Registered SandStory Therapist. I have twenty-six years’ experience in a mainstream primary school where I have specialised as a Nurture Room Teacher. I am experienced in supporting children with Attachment Type Difficulties, Selective Mutism, and children diagnosed with with ASD and ADHD. I have supported children experiencing isolation and bullying and have empowered children to build resilience and develop social skills with their peers. I have extensive knowledge of working with individuals and with small groups of children/young people and their parents.
028 9694 3693 View 028 9694 3693
Photo of Bouchra Yassin - Mindtherapy NI, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Mindtherapy NI
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Having worked with children and adult mental health sectors using models of psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment, knowledgeable of our community and voluntary sector. I am privileged to have experience with people from a broad range of cultural backgrounds and levels of complexity. And help them to overcome the language and the culture barriers by speaking the same language with them as I m fluent in Arabic, English, French and Persian.
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Having worked with children and adult mental health sectors using models of psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment, knowledgeable of our community and voluntary sector. I am privileged to have experience with people from a broad range of cultural backgrounds and levels of complexity. And help them to overcome the language and the culture barriers by speaking the same language with them as I m fluent in Arabic, English, French and Persian.
07378 105155 View 07378 105155
Photo of Louise Doran, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Louise Doran
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
I am a BACP accredited counsellor and am passionate about mental health, emotional regulation and empowering people to bring about change in order to live a more fulfilling life. It is a natural part of life to find yourself struggling, however there is no need to feel alone. Seeking out a professional who can offer a safe, supportive space to help you find a way to move forward is already a tangible step towards change. I have therapeutic experience in working with a wide variety of issues and can offer a warm atmosphere where I will invite you to explore what’s going on for you and look at how you could bring about change.
I am a BACP accredited counsellor and am passionate about mental health, emotional regulation and empowering people to bring about change in order to live a more fulfilling life. It is a natural part of life to find yourself struggling, however there is no need to feel alone. Seeking out a professional who can offer a safe, supportive space to help you find a way to move forward is already a tangible step towards change. I have therapeutic experience in working with a wide variety of issues and can offer a warm atmosphere where I will invite you to explore what’s going on for you and look at how you could bring about change.
028 9124 7943 View 028 9124 7943
Photo of Nora Smyth, BACP, Counsellor
Nora Smyth
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT7
Hi there. Thanks for visiting my profile. I am an an integrated counsellor and work with adults, children, and young people. I have over ten years experience working with children and families in school-based counselling and in private practice. My hope is to provide all my clients a safe space to explore their issues and provide families the support and understanding they need to overcome difficulties. I have worked as a project manager for Place2be, a UK wide organisation that specialises in working therapeutically with children and young people and their families.
Hi there. Thanks for visiting my profile. I am an an integrated counsellor and work with adults, children, and young people. I have over ten years experience working with children and families in school-based counselling and in private practice. My hope is to provide all my clients a safe space to explore their issues and provide families the support and understanding they need to overcome difficulties. I have worked as a project manager for Place2be, a UK wide organisation that specialises in working therapeutically with children and young people and their families.
028 9694 3508 View 028 9694 3508
Photo of Victoria Lynn Brown, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Victoria Lynn Brown
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Hello! Thank you for taking a moment to visit my profile.  My name is Victoria, I am a qualified and registered Psychotherapist. My registration is with British association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. As a psychotherapist, my primary focus is to provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with various mental health challenges such as depression, stress, family issues and trauma. I offer a safe and non judgemental space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences.
Hello! Thank you for taking a moment to visit my profile.  My name is Victoria, I am a qualified and registered Psychotherapist. My registration is with British association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. As a psychotherapist, my primary focus is to provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with various mental health challenges such as depression, stress, family issues and trauma. I offer a safe and non judgemental space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences.
028 9692 8289 View 028 9692 8289
Photo of Aisling Sherry, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Aisling Sherry
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT14
Hi, my name is Aisling. I am a registered Art Psychotherapist. In Art Psychotherapy we use a range of creative materials to communicate feelings, emotions and experiences. It’s not necessary to be “good” at art as we don’t focus on the final product. It’s much more important that you are open to the creative process; sometimes how we feel isn’t pretty, so the art we create isn’t pretty either. My aim is to provide a safe and confidential space for you to open up and explore your inner world; my role is to hold space for what may come up for you. I aim to meet my clients where they are, with understanding and connection.
Hi, my name is Aisling. I am a registered Art Psychotherapist. In Art Psychotherapy we use a range of creative materials to communicate feelings, emotions and experiences. It’s not necessary to be “good” at art as we don’t focus on the final product. It’s much more important that you are open to the creative process; sometimes how we feel isn’t pretty, so the art we create isn’t pretty either. My aim is to provide a safe and confidential space for you to open up and explore your inner world; my role is to hold space for what may come up for you. I aim to meet my clients where they are, with understanding and connection.
028 9694 3575 View 028 9694 3575
Photo of Anne O’Kelly, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Anne O’Kelly
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT14
Are you worried for you and your family as a result of a breakdown in relationships. Are you fearful for the mental and emotional well being of all the family members especially children. Would you want to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours in order to reach an understanding of how to cope with family change and transition? I am an experienced and skilled therapist. I provide a safe healing space for you to address your concerns and fears with a view to reaching a resolution and plan for the future.
Are you worried for you and your family as a result of a breakdown in relationships. Are you fearful for the mental and emotional well being of all the family members especially children. Would you want to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours in order to reach an understanding of how to cope with family change and transition? I am an experienced and skilled therapist. I provide a safe healing space for you to address your concerns and fears with a view to reaching a resolution and plan for the future.
028 9071 1608 View 028 9071 1608
Photo of John McRandal, BACP, Counsellor
John McRandal
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT14
I have been working in support of mental health for the past five years, having experience in addressing issues such as trauma, stress, burnout, addictive processes, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, relational issues, grief, carer fatigue, health-related anxiety and sexual abuse. I know it can be extremely difficult in taking the first step on your journey of healing and I am committed to working with you respectfully.
I have been working in support of mental health for the past five years, having experience in addressing issues such as trauma, stress, burnout, addictive processes, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, relational issues, grief, carer fatigue, health-related anxiety and sexual abuse. I know it can be extremely difficult in taking the first step on your journey of healing and I am committed to working with you respectfully.
028 9057 1559 View 028 9057 1559
Photo of Sam Montgomery, MBACP, Counsellor
Sam Montgomery
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT10
I am a qualified counsellor working in the Mid-Ulster area, My goal as a therapist is to help clients embrace their authentic selves, foster meaningful relationships, and improve their quality of life. In my practice, I work to create a safe and accepting environment that values the unique personality, lifestyle, and goals of the individual. I offer individual therapy to address any type of mental health issue such as depression, interpersonal problems, trauma, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, self-harm, abuse, and self-esteem issues.
I am a qualified counsellor working in the Mid-Ulster area, My goal as a therapist is to help clients embrace their authentic selves, foster meaningful relationships, and improve their quality of life. In my practice, I work to create a safe and accepting environment that values the unique personality, lifestyle, and goals of the individual. I offer individual therapy to address any type of mental health issue such as depression, interpersonal problems, trauma, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, self-harm, abuse, and self-esteem issues.
07511 628324 View 07511 628324
Photo of Dr Allyson Kelly, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Allyson Kelly
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belfast BT1
I offer a neurosequential approach to understanding your needs and work using a range of approaches including: - Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy - Thera play - Narrative therapy - Systemic practice - NMT - ACT - CBT, & CFT.
I am a Specialist Clinical Psychologist offering psychological support for young people, adults and families. I understand it can be hard to make the first step to seek help and there are many reasons someone might wish to reach out; including anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, behavioural difficulties, low self esteem, distress following traumatic events, or personal exploration. I offer an opportunity to safely explore the challenges you may be experiencing from an integrative psychological perspective with the aim of developing a treatment plan based on psychological theory and evidence based practice.
I offer a neurosequential approach to understanding your needs and work using a range of approaches including: - Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy - Thera play - Narrative therapy - Systemic practice - NMT - ACT - CBT, & CFT.
I am a Specialist Clinical Psychologist offering psychological support for young people, adults and families. I understand it can be hard to make the first step to seek help and there are many reasons someone might wish to reach out; including anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, behavioural difficulties, low self esteem, distress following traumatic events, or personal exploration. I offer an opportunity to safely explore the challenges you may be experiencing from an integrative psychological perspective with the aim of developing a treatment plan based on psychological theory and evidence based practice.
View
Photo of Christina Marie Murphy - CM Therapies, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
CM Therapies
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1
I am an integrative counsellor. I work on a relationship based on trust, acceptance and non-judgement. From this foundation, using various therapeutic tools, I can help you to understand and question outmoded beliefs, conditions or rules that once served you but no longer fit. If you have an urning for change but are not sure where to start, counselling can help by acting as an agent or catalyst for change. Change can be scary, it can also be very empowering. When we let go of our old beliefs we open the way for new even exciting things to happen. Change doesn't have to be a slow or long process, it can be quick and effective.
I am an integrative counsellor. I work on a relationship based on trust, acceptance and non-judgement. From this foundation, using various therapeutic tools, I can help you to understand and question outmoded beliefs, conditions or rules that once served you but no longer fit. If you have an urning for change but are not sure where to start, counselling can help by acting as an agent or catalyst for change. Change can be scary, it can also be very empowering. When we let go of our old beliefs we open the way for new even exciting things to happen. Change doesn't have to be a slow or long process, it can be quick and effective.
07401 329913 View 07401 329913
Photo of Brenda Adams Cyp Adult Counsellor, MBACP, Counsellor
Brenda Adams Cyp Adult Counsellor
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT1
Waitlist for new clients
Hello and welcome to my profile. At Flourish Well-Being NI your individual needs come first and are as unique as you are. Your confidentialty is paramount to me. Counselling can help you to manage your feelings and improve your well-being. Working in a way that best suits you as an individual ensures the best possible outcome. In my practice I use a number therapeutic approaches, including Humanistic, CBT, Person Centred, Brief Therapy, Psychodynamic, EFT (tapping) and Creative therapies. Ensuring there is always a safe, warm, compassionate and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and work towards healing and growth.
Hello and welcome to my profile. At Flourish Well-Being NI your individual needs come first and are as unique as you are. Your confidentialty is paramount to me. Counselling can help you to manage your feelings and improve your well-being. Working in a way that best suits you as an individual ensures the best possible outcome. In my practice I use a number therapeutic approaches, including Humanistic, CBT, Person Centred, Brief Therapy, Psychodynamic, EFT (tapping) and Creative therapies. Ensuring there is always a safe, warm, compassionate and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and work towards healing and growth.
07429 313798 View 07429 313798

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Megan Crowe, Counsellor
Megan Crowe
Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newtownabbey BT37
I offer a free one to one consultant for parents to meet me personally and to come and see the play room and to have an indepth conversation about the current circumstances of your child.
I am passionate and devoted to providing therapueitc opportunities for all children and young people from different cultures, backgrounds, religions and beliefs.  By using play and creative arts therapy, I have supported children and young people who have experienced bereavement and grief, anxiety, anger, Autism, ADHD, bullying, relationship issues, trauma, self-esteem, nightmares, school issues. I understand and recognise that no child and young person are the same and they are unique. I ensure that this is also reflected upon their therapeutic process and journey, meaning that the child can control their therapeutic process.
I offer a free one to one consultant for parents to meet me personally and to come and see the play room and to have an indepth conversation about the current circumstances of your child.
I am passionate and devoted to providing therapueitc opportunities for all children and young people from different cultures, backgrounds, religions and beliefs.  By using play and creative arts therapy, I have supported children and young people who have experienced bereavement and grief, anxiety, anger, Autism, ADHD, bullying, relationship issues, trauma, self-esteem, nightmares, school issues. I understand and recognise that no child and young person are the same and they are unique. I ensure that this is also reflected upon their therapeutic process and journey, meaning that the child can control their therapeutic process.
View
Photo of Susan Ann Burgess, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Susan Ann Burgess
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Newtownards BT23
Hello my name is Susan and I have been a practicing Counsellor for 25 years also a practicing Supervisor and trainer. My focus is to support you to gain strength in challenging areas of your life, whilst in a relaxed and confidential environment. I work creatively, sometimes incorporating art materials and sensory objects. Trained Mindfulness coach working. Working face to face, phone and video call can be arranged.
Hello my name is Susan and I have been a practicing Counsellor for 25 years also a practicing Supervisor and trainer. My focus is to support you to gain strength in challenging areas of your life, whilst in a relaxed and confidential environment. I work creatively, sometimes incorporating art materials and sensory objects. Trained Mindfulness coach working. Working face to face, phone and video call can be arranged.
07815 095391 View 07815 095391

Online Therapists

Photo of Kim McAllister - Kim McAllister Counselling , MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Kim McAllister Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Girvan KA26
If you, your child or anyone in your family is struggling and requires a safe space to talk and play, then I can help.
Award Winning Child Therapist. Children and young people require a safe space for them to explore their feelings and emotions and make sense of their world. Children need to feel accepted, heard and believed, so that they can explore their emotions and unravel their past. If you, your kid or anyone in your family could benefit from talking or play therapy, then get in touch. You can find me on other directories, registered with the BACP an accredited registrant with the NCS and on Facebook as: Kim McAllister Counselling Ltd.
If you, your child or anyone in your family is struggling and requires a safe space to talk and play, then I can help.
Award Winning Child Therapist. Children and young people require a safe space for them to explore their feelings and emotions and make sense of their world. Children need to feel accepted, heard and believed, so that they can explore their emotions and unravel their past. If you, your kid or anyone in your family could benefit from talking or play therapy, then get in touch. You can find me on other directories, registered with the BACP an accredited registrant with the NCS and on Facebook as: Kim McAllister Counselling Ltd.
01253 835140 View 01253 835140
Photo of Linda-Jayne Hoey - Apex Counselling Antrim, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Apex Counselling Antrim
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Antrim BT41
I have been counselling children and adults since 2006, tailoring sessions to individual's requirements. I integrate various methods including CBT, person-centred therapy, therapeutic art therapeutic play, and creative techniques to provide personalised support for individuals from age 3 and up. I specialise in working with people who are neuro-divergent, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all my clients. I am an accredited member of BACP (British Accreditation for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and a RNIB accredited sight loss counsellor.
I have been counselling children and adults since 2006, tailoring sessions to individual's requirements. I integrate various methods including CBT, person-centred therapy, therapeutic art therapeutic play, and creative techniques to provide personalised support for individuals from age 3 and up. I specialise in working with people who are neuro-divergent, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all my clients. I am an accredited member of BACP (British Accreditation for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and a RNIB accredited sight loss counsellor.
028 9057 1757 View 028 9057 1757

See more therapy options for Belfast

Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Belfast

See More Play Therapy Counsellors
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.