
Services
Play Therapy and Children’s Counselling
“Toys are children’s words and play is their language” ~Garry Landreth

Children’s therapy designed for children
Children find it hard to articulate their world experiences and inner struggles with words. Instead, you might see your child express their emotions – their anger, their sadness, their fears – in ways which seem unhelpful or challenging.
As a parent or carer, seeing your child hurting can be one of the most troubling parts of parenting and can leave you feeling helpless.
Maybe your child is having trouble with friends at school, or you are noticing their anxieties are increasing, or perhaps their meltdowns are so big, it’s become scary for both of you. You might also be concerned about how your child is coping with a big change or event in their life, such as parent divorce or an experience of trauma.
You feel like you have tried everything and now, you just want someone to help you, your child and your family to find a way through.
Benefits of Play Therapy and Children's Counselling for your child
Helping children to develop confidence and a positive self-concept.
Supporting children to express their feelings more constructively
Creating a safe space for children to heal through play
A playful solution to children’s therapy
As the name suggests, Play Therapy is a way of working with children where they use play, in the same way adults may use words, to express themselves and explore their underlying issues. Through play, children can more easily share their inner world, thoughts and feelings and make meaning of their experiences.
While play therapy might look like a lot of fun, it is not just play. Children’s play has meaning and is the most effective way for them to communicate and express themselves, rather than explaining their experiences by trying to use words they most likely don’t yet have.
Play Therapy allows a space for children to work through their big and difficult emotions and helps them to feel truly seen and heard throughout the process.
In being seen and understood, children can heal and begin to move forward, grow and learn new skills.
Through Play Therapy, children learn to accept their feelings and express them constructively, develop a more positive self-concept, become more confident and self-accepting, and learn self-control and self-responsibility.
A nurturing, supportive space for children’s counselling
Play Therapy is best suited for children aged between 2–12 years and can help support families in many areas, including anxiety/depression, trauma, emotional and behavioural concerns, Autism, ADHD, and school refusal.
We also work with teenagers/adolescents in circumstances where they may be better able to engage in creative and play therapies, rather than talk therapy. This may include teens who are autistic, have an intellectual disability or have experienced trauma.
We are committed to offering a holistic service and as such, we recognise parents and carers are an integral part of the success of their children’s therapy. We will invite parents and carers to participate in regular consultations throughout the course of their child’s therapy and they will also have access to parent education and support services.
FAQ's
How long do sessions last?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes, however, may be shorter depending on the age of the child. The remaining 10 minutes of the hour is utilised to clean the play room between sessions and complete administration tasks.
Do I go in to the session with my child?
Generally, your child will be in sessions on their own, as this is a confidential space for them to be able to complete their therapy. However, there may be times you will be invited into the play room with your child, depending on the needs of the child and their goals.
We ask in the interest of your child’s emotional safety, that you remain in the premises during your child’s session.
You will be provided with updates about how your child is progressing in therapy, during the regular parent/carer consultations which will be scheduled every 6 sessions.
How do I know if Play Therapy is right for my child?
Play Therapy is generally best suited for 2-12 year-old children, however can be utilised for older children when appropriate. Play Therapy can be utilised for a variety of issues and concerns.
For a more individualised discussion, contact us for a free phone consultation to discover how this therapy can benefit you and your child.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a unique and effective approach to children’s therapy, utilising the universal language of play. Unlike traditional therapy, Play Therapy allows children to express themselves, explore their thoughts, and communicate their feelings in the most natural way possible – through play.
- Meaningful and Communicative: While play therapy might look like a lot of fun, it is not just play. Children’s play has meaning and is the most effective way for them to communicate and express themselves, rather than explaining their experiences by trying to use words they most likely don’t yet have.
- Expressive and Exploratory: Play Therapy allows a space for children to work through their big and difficult emotions and helps them to feel truly seen and heard throughout the process. In being seen and understood, children can heal and begin to move forward, grow and learn new skills.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play Therapy is more than just play. It’s a therapeutic journey that offers profound benefits for children, helping them navigate through their emotions and challenges.
- Emotional Healing: Children learn to work through their emotions, feeling seen and heard, which is crucial for their emotional healing.
- Growth and Learning: The therapy supports children in moving forward, growing, and acquiring new skills for emotional and social development.
- Positive Self-concept: Through Play Therapy, children develop a more positive self-image, become more self-confident and self-accepting.
- Self-Control and Responsibility: It encourages children to express their feelings constructively and learn the importance of self-control and self-responsibility.
A Nurturing Space for Every Child
Our Play Therapy services cater to children aged 2–12 years, offering support for a range of issues including:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Trauma and Emotional Concerns
- Behavioral Issues
- Autism and ADHD
- School Refusal and more
Extending Support Beyond Children
We believe in a holistic approach and understand the crucial role of families in therapy:
- Inclusive of Parents and Carers: Regular consultations and involvement in the therapy process to ensure a supportive environment.
- Education and Support: Access to resources and support services for parents and carers, empowering them to contribute positively to their child’s therapy journey.
Adapting to Older Children
For teenagers and adolescents, especially those who are autistic, have an intellectual disability, or those who have experienced trauma, we offer tailored creative and play therapies.
These alternatives to traditional talk therapy are designed to engage older children more effectively in their healing process.