Play Therapy
Children very often do not have the words to communicate their feelings, worries, fears, needs and experiences. Play therapy recognises that children’s natural form of communication is play, and uses this medium to allow children to ‘play out’ these feelings. Children are encouraged to draw upon their own resources, imagination and creativity to bring about understanding, change and self-development. This in turn brings about healing and allows children to reach their full potential.
How Does it Work?
Children attending play therapy sessions have access to a large selection of toys and creative media, all which have been selectively chosen to encourage imagination, creativity and expression (See ‘The Play Therapist’s Tool-kit’ below).
Each child is unique and individual, and so this choice of media appeals to children of different ages, gender, and interests. The therapist works in a non-directive manner, providing a supportive environment in which children can work through their feelings, thoughts and experiences at their own pace.
Structures and boundaries function to keep the child safe in the play room, but freedom of expression is encouraged. The play therapy room is a space where children can be themselves, express themselves and learn about themselves without pressure or expectation.
Each child is unique and individual, and so this choice of media appeals to children of different ages, gender, and interests. The therapist works in a non-directive manner, providing a supportive environment in which children can work through their feelings, thoughts and experiences at their own pace.
Structures and boundaries function to keep the child safe in the play room, but freedom of expression is encouraged. The play therapy room is a space where children can be themselves, express themselves and learn about themselves without pressure or expectation.
The Play Therapist
The play therapist is specially trained to follow the child’s lead and identify themes in the child’s play which facilitate the therapeutic process. Children often ‘play out’ themes which reflect their worries, experiences or fears. This may occur both on a conscious or unconscious level, and the therapist supports the child as he/she works through these. Play also allows children to develop new patterns of thinking, problem-solving and understanding about situations and circumstances relevant to their world.
Based on the principles of Virginia Axline, a pioneer in the field of Play Therapy, the play therapist:
Based on the principles of Virginia Axline, a pioneer in the field of Play Therapy, the play therapist:
- Develops a warm and friendly relationship with the child.
- Accepts the child as he/she is.
- Establishes a feeling of permission in the relationship so that the child feels free to express his or her feelings completely.
- Is alert to recognise the feelings the child is expressing and reflects these feelings back in such a manner that the child gains insight into his/her behaviour.
- Maintains a deep respect for the child’s ability to solve his/her problems and gives the child the opportunity to do so. The responsibility to make choices and to institute change is the child’s.
- Does not attempt to direct the child’s actions or conversations in any manner. The child leads the way, the therapist follows.
- Does not hurry the therapy along. It is a gradual process and must be recognised as such by the therapist.
- Only establishes those limitations necessary to anchor the therapy to the world of reality and to make the child aware of his/her responsibility in the relationship.
The Play Therapist's Tool-Kit
During play therapy, children have access to many toys and creative media/techniques to encourage imagination, expression and growth. These include the following:
- Painting and drawing
- Sand play
- Drama, role-play, dress-up
- Music and rhythm
- Movement and dance
- Therapeutic Storytelling
- Creative visualisation
- Puppets, masks, dolls
- Clay, crafts, mixed media
- Construction materials
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