Play therapy
Play therapy is a vehicle for children to express their feelings through the language of play. It allows children to draw on their innate capacity for creative expression through mediums such as art, story making and play.
Why play?
The language of image, story and play can instantly reach children and enables them to communicate on a deeper and more satisfying level than verbalization.
This allows children to digest past events, to make sense of their feelings or to manage their worries in a process that feels safe and which they direct for themselves.
“You see a child play, and it is so close to seeing an artist paint, for in play a child says things without uttering a word. You can see how they solve their problems. You can also see what's wrong. Young children, especially, have enormous creativity, and whatever's in them rises to the surface in free play.”
— ERIK ERIKSON, CHILD PSYCHOANALYST
How it works
The Therapist will meet with a member of the family and possibly the school (if appropriate) to discuss the reasons for the referral.
The child will meet with the therapist at the same time and on the same day once a week.
Normally an initial six week block is planned. This gives the child time to start to feel comfortable and safe and provides the therapist with adequate time to observe the child`s psychological challenges.
Sometimes a child may only need six weeks. But usually more sessions are planned which include ongoing review meetings with the family and school (if this is appropriate)
Parents need support too
Monthly or fortnightly sessions are offered to support the child to make positive changes.