For Children

Has Someone Spoken to You About Coming for Play Therapy Sessions, or Would You Like to Know More about Play Therapy Yourself?

What has been happening?

Maybe you have been feeling confused, angry or sad.

Maybe you feel full of worries about what might happen, or what has happened to you before.

Maybe you have some very big feelings inside you, and they are hard to understand.

Sometimes these painful thoughts and complicated feelings can get in the way of making or having fun with friends, or being able to concentrate on schoolwork or sports skills.

Sometimes these thoughts and feelings can get in the way of sleeping well, thinking clearly or feeling happy and relaxed.

Sometimes these big feelings can spill out as actions that might upset you, people around you, or get you into trouble.

Sometimes people need help from a therapist do get back to, or to reach, a place where they feel happy and healthy.

Who are Play Therapists and what do they do?

Play Therapists are trained to work with children who are going through times like these, to help you understand what has been going on, how you are feeling, and what that means.   We use a wide range of art and play materials, so that there is no need to talk if you don’t want to, and no need to be asked questions.

Before you begin therapy your therapist will talk to your parent(s)/carer and to your Class Teacher or School SENCO.  This is so that they can learn a bit about what has been happening that has been so difficult, and what those grown-ups would hope will be made easier for you by coming to the sessions.  Next, the therapist will introduce themselves to you and you can begin your sessions.   Sessions are always held in the same place, at the same time each week, and for the same length of time.  The sessions are your time, just for you.

When you start, the therapist will explain what they will share with other grown-ups from your session.  How you play and what you play is just between you and your therapist, but sometimes they will have to talk to another grown-up who looks after you if they are worried that you are not safe.  Your therapist will speak to you before they do this, to explain what they will be saying, and to who.  It is very important to us that you are safe.