What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is based on play as a child’s natural language, the medium in which they most easily express themselves. While an adult can talk to a therapist to help work through their challenges, a child is less likely to do so.  Instead they can share their story through play.

In the therapeutic play room a child is free to choose what to play and how this looks. The very nature of this play allows them to engage in an instinctual, spontaneous, and meaningful manner.  They have control over what happens and are provided with the opportunity to make links between their experiences and their understanding of them.

At Expressions Play Therapy we use a humanistic, non directive model of play therapy, focusing on the therapeutic relationship and the individual child's experiences to guide the way.

As the child plays they are able to communicate their thoughts, feelings, struggles, ideas and needs.  Their play can give an insight into their inner world and provides them with the opportunity to safely explore worries and concerns.

With the support of a qualified Play Therapist they are able to gain insight into their own life, develop problem solving and coping skills and build their self esteem.