What is Play/Creative Therapy and Who is it for?           3-18yrs of age

“You can discover more about a person in one hour of play than in a year of conversation”

Play Therapy uses the power of play to help children achieve optimal growth and development and prevent or resolve a range of developmental and or emotional difficulties.

The variety of modalities used to assist a child or young person such as art, clay, sand play, music, movement, puppetry make it suitable for children and young people from 3-18yrs of age.

Children and young people may be referred to play therapy for some of the following

Anxiety or grief. Nightmares
Sleeping or eating problems
Social anxiety (shyness). Difficulty making friends
Low self-esteem
Aggression, lack of Attention and hyperactivity. Obsessive and compulsive behaviours
Frequent conflict with siblings or peers
Separation anxiety or difficulty adapting to new situations, new school, teacher, baby, new house
Also, Embodiments -Headaches, stomach pains, vomiting, skin problems recurring infections………

The Benefits of Play

Play is essential for children to develop physically, emotionally & socially.
It fosters imagination & creativity
Encourages confidence & concentration.
Promotes high self-esteem competence and real expression
It helps them to learn about their ever-expanding world.
It allows them to learn from mistakes safely.
Play can be used to establish a relationship.
It can be used when “talking therapy” doesn’t work.

Confidentiality and Your Child

In general, Therapeutic Sessions with children/adolescence, and associated sessions with parents and carers, are subject to the same confidentiality arrangements as therapeutic sessions with other clients. You are requested therefore, to uphold the confidentiality of the therapy space and are advised to refrain from asking your child/adolescent to share the content of their play sessions. It is up to your child/adolescent to say as much or as little about the session as they wish, and to choose if or when to share any information about their use of the play time and space. I will however share the themes and feelings of your child with you at review sessions which will be agreed with you in an effort to assist in the therapeutic process. If I feel your child is at risk in any way I will inform you and advise you on what to do.

Your child’s sessions are reserved for you. If you are unable to make the appointment, you are requested to give 24 hrs advance notice so that someone else may use the time. In the absence of a notification, you will be requested to part-pay for the session.

Thank You.

Ber