Play Therapy Counselling in Swansea

Photo of Katie Ruddy - The Family and Therapy Wellbeing Clinic , MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
The Family and Therapy Wellbeing Clinic
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Swansea SA1
We provide a range of support, including Play Therapy, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Family Therapy for all individuals experiencing emotional distress.
At Family and Therapy, we provide comprehensive support for individuals of all ages, from young children to adults, embracing families and couples across Wales and online. Our approach is holistic and tailored, ensuring that every person, regardless of their age or stage in life, receives the support and care they need to thrive. Our team of professionals is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where individuals can explore, grow, play and heal.
We provide a range of support, including Play Therapy, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Family Therapy for all individuals experiencing emotional distress.
At Family and Therapy, we provide comprehensive support for individuals of all ages, from young children to adults, embracing families and couples across Wales and online. Our approach is holistic and tailored, ensuring that every person, regardless of their age or stage in life, receives the support and care they need to thrive. Our team of professionals is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where individuals can explore, grow, play and heal.
07546 614644 View 07546 614644
Photo of Rosie Bufton, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap., Psychotherapist
Rosie Bufton
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
Swansea SA2
I have extensive experience working as a creative therapist and solution focused therapist with children, young people and adults. As a neurodivergent person I have lived experience of the challenges that can come up when you experience the world differently, so I offer an understanding space for those who feel excluded, lonely and overwhelmed by the world. I have extensive experience working with those recovering from trauma and complex trauma, using creative methods to find expression for experiences. For couples and families I offer solution focused sessions to improve communications and ways of being together.
I have extensive experience working as a creative therapist and solution focused therapist with children, young people and adults. As a neurodivergent person I have lived experience of the challenges that can come up when you experience the world differently, so I offer an understanding space for those who feel excluded, lonely and overwhelmed by the world. I have extensive experience working with those recovering from trauma and complex trauma, using creative methods to find expression for experiences. For couples and families I offer solution focused sessions to improve communications and ways of being together.
01792 949829 View 01792 949829
Photo of Nia Ward, BACP, Counsellor
Nia Ward
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Swansea SA4
Croeso! My aim as a counsellor is to provide a sense of hope and healing, empowering clients to find resilience and strength amidst life's challenges. A nurturing and transformative experience leaving a lasting impact on individuals seeking support, creating positive change and instilling a sense of empowerment and well-being. I am dedicated and committed, going above and beyond to ensure clients receive the care they deserve. My experience and knowledge in suicide prevention and self-harm has enhanced my ability to help individuals in crisis.
Croeso! My aim as a counsellor is to provide a sense of hope and healing, empowering clients to find resilience and strength amidst life's challenges. A nurturing and transformative experience leaving a lasting impact on individuals seeking support, creating positive change and instilling a sense of empowerment and well-being. I am dedicated and committed, going above and beyond to ensure clients receive the care they deserve. My experience and knowledge in suicide prevention and self-harm has enhanced my ability to help individuals in crisis.
01792 949913 View 01792 949913
Photo of Julie Elizabeth Shipton - Growing Wings, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Growing Wings
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Swansea SA4
I'm Julie Shipton MA, BSc (Hons) Psych, GMBPsS, PCBT (Foundation), CTP (Certified Trauma Professional), MNCPS (Acc.) and I'm a Trauma Psychotherapist and Humanistic Counsellor. My practice is built on a foundation of empathy and professionalism. I offer a range of therapeutic services to individuals of all ages. Whether you're an adult seeking a warm and supportive environment for self-discovery, a parent looking for help for your child, or a young person seeking emotional balance and resilience, I'm here to assist you. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy, tailored to your specific needs.
I'm Julie Shipton MA, BSc (Hons) Psych, GMBPsS, PCBT (Foundation), CTP (Certified Trauma Professional), MNCPS (Acc.) and I'm a Trauma Psychotherapist and Humanistic Counsellor. My practice is built on a foundation of empathy and professionalism. I offer a range of therapeutic services to individuals of all ages. Whether you're an adult seeking a warm and supportive environment for self-discovery, a parent looking for help for your child, or a young person seeking emotional balance and resilience, I'm here to assist you. I provide both short-term and long-term therapy, tailored to your specific needs.
01792 949728 View 01792 949728
Photo of Post Natal Depression Counsellor Katie Leatham, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Post Natal Depression Counsellor Katie Leatham
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Swansea SA1
You are probably feeling very upset, alone and confused, maybe even ashamed and wondering if counselling could help? Everyone who comes to therapy has a unique set of issues but the underlying need to share the distress and be understood, is true for everyone. If you are struggling with parenting, postnatal depression, miscarriage or your identity during a life transition, you are not alone. I have lots of experience working with women (and men) who are struggling with life and want to feel better than they currently do. I also help younger people and teens who may have self esteem issues, feel sad, anxious or be self harming.
You are probably feeling very upset, alone and confused, maybe even ashamed and wondering if counselling could help? Everyone who comes to therapy has a unique set of issues but the underlying need to share the distress and be understood, is true for everyone. If you are struggling with parenting, postnatal depression, miscarriage or your identity during a life transition, you are not alone. I have lots of experience working with women (and men) who are struggling with life and want to feel better than they currently do. I also help younger people and teens who may have self esteem issues, feel sad, anxious or be self harming.
01792 949668 View 01792 949668

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lisa Margaret Gilchrist, BACP, Counsellor
Lisa Margaret Gilchrist
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Port Talbot SA12
Hi, I'm an experienced and professionally qualified counsellor, having had my own practice since 1999. I work with individuals, couples, children, young people and families. I specialise in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), providing sessions in a warm, non-judgemental and solution focussed environment. Please don't worry about taking the step to get you to where you want to be, I'll work with you, at your own pace and together we'll find a solution to how you are feeling.
Hi, I'm an experienced and professionally qualified counsellor, having had my own practice since 1999. I work with individuals, couples, children, young people and families. I specialise in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), providing sessions in a warm, non-judgemental and solution focussed environment. Please don't worry about taking the step to get you to where you want to be, I'll work with you, at your own pace and together we'll find a solution to how you are feeling.
01656 336848 View 01656 336848

Online Therapists

Photo of Cassie de Pourtales, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Cassie de Pourtales
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
Hello, I'm Cassie ! In practice for 13 years, I offer specialist trauma informed support to adults, adolescents and children. I offer adult & teen counselling, parent consultations and child play therapy. If you are a parent struggling to find effective solutions for your child's challenging/distressed behaviour, I'm here to help. If you are a young adult or teen struggling to manage your thoughts and emotions I can provide safe, warm and confidential support. If you are an adult battling with issues related to anxiety, grief, distress or major life changes I am here to help you find your way to relief, resolve and greater ease.
Hello, I'm Cassie ! In practice for 13 years, I offer specialist trauma informed support to adults, adolescents and children. I offer adult & teen counselling, parent consultations and child play therapy. If you are a parent struggling to find effective solutions for your child's challenging/distressed behaviour, I'm here to help. If you are a young adult or teen struggling to manage your thoughts and emotions I can provide safe, warm and confidential support. If you are an adult battling with issues related to anxiety, grief, distress or major life changes I am here to help you find your way to relief, resolve and greater ease.
01275 402765 View 01275 402765
Photo of Gemma Greenland, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Gemma Greenland
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cardiff CF23
I am a qualified counsellor, hypnotherapist and play therapist and I can use all of these skills to help you.
I can only imagine how hard it feels to reach out for help for yourself or your child; to want things to feel better and not know how to make it happen. This is what I can help you with. Maybe you or your child feel anxious all the time and just want to feel safe? Or perhaps you can't seem to get rid of that little voice inside that tells you you'll never be good enough? Maybe your child is struggling with understanding themselves and the world around them and you just want them to feel happy and safe? I understand that situations like these can feel overwhelming and I am passionate about helping people overcome them and feel better
I am a qualified counsellor, hypnotherapist and play therapist and I can use all of these skills to help you.
I can only imagine how hard it feels to reach out for help for yourself or your child; to want things to feel better and not know how to make it happen. This is what I can help you with. Maybe you or your child feel anxious all the time and just want to feel safe? Or perhaps you can't seem to get rid of that little voice inside that tells you you'll never be good enough? Maybe your child is struggling with understanding themselves and the world around them and you just want them to feel happy and safe? I understand that situations like these can feel overwhelming and I am passionate about helping people overcome them and feel better
029 2010 3039 View 029 2010 3039
Photo of Kate Burn, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Kate Burn
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS15
I offer a space for children, young people and their families using a blended approach of art therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy to come alongside each individual to help them to explore their inner world. With over 15 years of experience working in a number of settings, including schools, charitable organisations and the NHS, I love to meet new people and work together to build a trusting relationship in which thoughts and feelings can be explored and understood. The added dynamic of art and play allows an opportunity for children’s primary mode of communication to enable expression where words sometimes cannot be found.
I offer a space for children, young people and their families using a blended approach of art therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy to come alongside each individual to help them to explore their inner world. With over 15 years of experience working in a number of settings, including schools, charitable organisations and the NHS, I love to meet new people and work together to build a trusting relationship in which thoughts and feelings can be explored and understood. The added dynamic of art and play allows an opportunity for children’s primary mode of communication to enable expression where words sometimes cannot be found.
0117 463 8779 View 0117 463 8779
Photo of Claire Kennaby - Pinch of Positivity Centre, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Pinch of Positivity Centre
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Gloucester GL2
This can involve elements of talking, art, music, games, creative expression, CBT, play or systemic exploration.
Hi, and a warm welcome. I'm a qualified counsellor and have been for many years offering therapeutic support for adults, adolescents, children and families either together or individually, in my private practice and within primary and secondary schools. I can offer support too many for many reasons and offer flexible Integrative approaches to suit you. I always welcome a free initial email or chat or meet and briefly discuss ways of support that suits all. This can also give you all an opportunity to see the space, meet and talk with me with no obligation. This helps in deciding what is best for you.
This can involve elements of talking, art, music, games, creative expression, CBT, play or systemic exploration.
Hi, and a warm welcome. I'm a qualified counsellor and have been for many years offering therapeutic support for adults, adolescents, children and families either together or individually, in my private practice and within primary and secondary schools. I can offer support too many for many reasons and offer flexible Integrative approaches to suit you. I always welcome a free initial email or chat or meet and briefly discuss ways of support that suits all. This can also give you all an opportunity to see the space, meet and talk with me with no obligation. This helps in deciding what is best for you.
01452 923058 View 01452 923058
Photo of Angharad E Rees - Turning Point Child Therapy Ltd, MSc, Psychotherapist
Turning Point Child Therapy Ltd
Psychotherapist, MSc
Verified Verified
Haverfordwest SA62
Play therapy allows children to express, explore and make sense of their difficult and painful experiences through the medium of play.
My name is Angharad and I have over 20 years of primary teaching experience, including 8 years as a head teacher, I have seen first hand the difficulties many children face, coupled with the lack of provision available to support their emotional and mental health needs. I am a qualified Child Therapist specialising in Play Therapy, with a MSc in Play Therapy. I believe the benefits of play therapy to be transformative - hence retraining to become a child therapist. Play Therapy is an effective therapy that helps children modify their behaviours, clarify their self-concept, and build healthy relationships.
Play therapy allows children to express, explore and make sense of their difficult and painful experiences through the medium of play.
My name is Angharad and I have over 20 years of primary teaching experience, including 8 years as a head teacher, I have seen first hand the difficulties many children face, coupled with the lack of provision available to support their emotional and mental health needs. I am a qualified Child Therapist specialising in Play Therapy, with a MSc in Play Therapy. I believe the benefits of play therapy to be transformative - hence retraining to become a child therapist. Play Therapy is an effective therapy that helps children modify their behaviours, clarify their self-concept, and build healthy relationships.
01437 809025 View 01437 809025
Photo of Philippa Casement, MBACP, Counsellor
Philippa Casement
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Marlborough SN8  (Online Only)
CBT, creative counselling, play therapy, person-centred.
I am a BACP registered therapist working with people to make practical positive steps to making changes to improve their lives. You will be heard in a non-judgmental, confidential caring way.
CBT, creative counselling, play therapy, person-centred.
I am a BACP registered therapist working with people to make practical positive steps to making changes to improve their lives. You will be heard in a non-judgmental, confidential caring way.
01672 550788 View 01672 550788
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
Stroud GL5
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 Christian Dixon - The AoC Trust / The Arts of Change Trust, HCPC-Drama Therap., Counsellor
The AoC Trust / The Arts of Change Trust
Counsellor, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
Dudley DY1
We offer a wide range of modalities including art therapy, integrative counselling, play therapy, psychotherapy, person-centred, gestalt, CBT, art therapy and more.
Creative Arts Therapies & Traditional Talking Therapies. At The AoC Trust we really want to support families needing emotional help; couples trying to save their relationship or an individual looking for professional counselling/therapy in order to work through and heal psychological or social difficulties. If you cannot travel to us we can support you via telephone or video call. We are based in Central Dudley just a few minutes from the town centre and local bus station where we have our own lovely therapeutic rooms and training spaces and provide a fantastic team of registered and qualified therapeutic clinicians.
We offer a wide range of modalities including art therapy, integrative counselling, play therapy, psychotherapy, person-centred, gestalt, CBT, art therapy and more.
Creative Arts Therapies & Traditional Talking Therapies. At The AoC Trust we really want to support families needing emotional help; couples trying to save their relationship or an individual looking for professional counselling/therapy in order to work through and heal psychological or social difficulties. If you cannot travel to us we can support you via telephone or video call. We are based in Central Dudley just a few minutes from the town centre and local bus station where we have our own lovely therapeutic rooms and training spaces and provide a fantastic team of registered and qualified therapeutic clinicians.
01384 319264 View 01384 319264
Photo of Paulette Kynanne Montroe - Sunnycove Counselling and Supervision Services, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sunnycove Counselling and Supervision Services
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Weston-super-Mare BS24
For children and young people I offer sand tray, play dough, Lego, games, painting and drawing, or a space that's quiet and reflective.
Hi my name is Paulette and I have been a therapist for over twenty years. I work with adults, children 5+ and young people. I have worked in various organisations, charities, secondary schools and colleges. If you or a loved one is struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, addiction, relationship problems, work based problems, family dysfunction, stress, anger, etc. I offer a confidential and safe space where you would be heard and not judged. Together we will work on the problems, identify what needs to done and ensure you have the right skills for the future. A healthy positive future is possible.
For children and young people I offer sand tray, play dough, Lego, games, painting and drawing, or a space that's quiet and reflective.
Hi my name is Paulette and I have been a therapist for over twenty years. I work with adults, children 5+ and young people. I have worked in various organisations, charities, secondary schools and colleges. If you or a loved one is struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety, OCD, grief, addiction, relationship problems, work based problems, family dysfunction, stress, anger, etc. I offer a confidential and safe space where you would be heard and not judged. Together we will work on the problems, identify what needs to done and ensure you have the right skills for the future. A healthy positive future is possible.
01934 311516 View 01934 311516
Photo of Nicki Livesey - Achieve360 Ltd individual MBACP Children & Adults, BACP, Counsellor
Achieve360 Ltd individual MBACP Children & Adults
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Shrewsbury SY4  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Nicki, I have been a therapist since 2008 and a member of the BACP, I am very passionate about my work as a person centered counsellor and a Family Mentor. I want to see my clients empowered by gaining confidence, and to get to their desired goals. I offer a very warm welcome, non judgemental environment. For those who may feel uncomfortable just sitting and talking, you can draw, use play dough, paint during our sessions, I would happily bring my therapy d Ness too not yet 12 month old jug jack Russel x Pug)!we have Thumper our Therapy rabbit running around if Ness is in the house ( further training required!
Hello, my name is Nicki, I have been a therapist since 2008 and a member of the BACP, I am very passionate about my work as a person centered counsellor and a Family Mentor. I want to see my clients empowered by gaining confidence, and to get to their desired goals. I offer a very warm welcome, non judgemental environment. For those who may feel uncomfortable just sitting and talking, you can draw, use play dough, paint during our sessions, I would happily bring my therapy d Ness too not yet 12 month old jug jack Russel x Pug)!we have Thumper our Therapy rabbit running around if Ness is in the house ( further training required!
01643 802392 View 01643 802392
Photo of Vikki Joy Fear, MBACP, Counsellor
Vikki Joy Fear
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
Waitlist for new clients
I use talking therapy, EFT, neuroscience and creative techniques suh as art, sand tray, journalling and play to help you process trauma and support you through difficulties.
I am a down to earth and approachable counsellor for children, young people and adults. I have 27 years experience working with young people who have been abused as well as people with neurodivergence. At times, feelings and behaviours can become difficult due to past trauma, increasing anxiety or for unknown reasons. We can also feel this physically and it blocks lifes natural progression. Past trauma does not need to be extreme and we often underestimate the impact an event has on us. I can help you make sense of your emotions and behaviours and manage your responses to triggers, allowing progression towrards your desired goals.
I use talking therapy, EFT, neuroscience and creative techniques suh as art, sand tray, journalling and play to help you process trauma and support you through difficulties.
I am a down to earth and approachable counsellor for children, young people and adults. I have 27 years experience working with young people who have been abused as well as people with neurodivergence. At times, feelings and behaviours can become difficult due to past trauma, increasing anxiety or for unknown reasons. We can also feel this physically and it blocks lifes natural progression. Past trauma does not need to be extreme and we often underestimate the impact an event has on us. I can help you make sense of your emotions and behaviours and manage your responses to triggers, allowing progression towrards your desired goals.
01275 402983 View 01275 402983
Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor
Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Wells BA5
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
01749 605317 View 01749 605317
Photo of Laura Denmead - Counselling and Play Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Counselling and Play Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS8  (Online Only)
17 years of counselling and 10 years of Play Therapy experience supporting adults, teens, and children. Holistic person centred approach incorporating other therapeutic modalities when beneficial. Empathic and intuitive approach to supporting your exploration of self and any circumstances that you may be struggling with. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & eating disorders. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
17 years of counselling and 10 years of Play Therapy experience supporting adults, teens, and children. Holistic person centred approach incorporating other therapeutic modalities when beneficial. Empathic and intuitive approach to supporting your exploration of self and any circumstances that you may be struggling with. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & eating disorders. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
View
Photo of Mae Hodgkinson, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Mae Hodgkinson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Ludlow SY8
Waitlist for new clients
I use a combination of talking therapy, interpretative play and the use of creative mediums such as arts, crafts and sand tray.
When our children experience significant emotional distress, it is extremely difficult for them and for you. I aim to support a child or young person with dignity and respect, working with a warm, caring and sensitive individual approach to suit their needs. I use the relationship between myself and the child at the centre of the therapy. I then guide the therapeutic process using theories from psychoanalysis, Gestalt theory and neuroscience's somatic theories. This knowledge informs my understanding of a child's developmental traumas, often the foundations of the current problematic thinking and behaviours being experienced.
I use a combination of talking therapy, interpretative play and the use of creative mediums such as arts, crafts and sand tray.
When our children experience significant emotional distress, it is extremely difficult for them and for you. I aim to support a child or young person with dignity and respect, working with a warm, caring and sensitive individual approach to suit their needs. I use the relationship between myself and the child at the centre of the therapy. I then guide the therapeutic process using theories from psychoanalysis, Gestalt theory and neuroscience's somatic theories. This knowledge informs my understanding of a child's developmental traumas, often the foundations of the current problematic thinking and behaviours being experienced.
01584 708322 View 01584 708322

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Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Swansea

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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.