Play Therapy
Children naturally use play as a way to express, discover, solve, communicate and relax. Through Play Therapy, a child is provided with a safe space to make sense of their thoughts, experiences and feelings and so feel more regulated and happier as a result.
Integrative-Holistic Play Therapy is theory-informed and child-led, enabling the child to play expressively and creatively within a safe and consistent space with clear boundaries. In the playroom, a wide range of toys and activities are available to the child, such as art and craft resources, messy play, clay and play doh, small world play, sand play, games, therapeutic stories, a den, movement and music and puppets.
Play therapy is primarily non-directive in approach but if appropriate, directive techniques may also be utilised within the session:
Non-directive play therapy: in this approach, the child leads the play and the therapist follows, providing a safe, accepting and non-judgemental environment.
Directive play therapy: the therapist takes a more active role, guiding the play to address specific issues or therapeutic outcomes.
Play therapy is suitable for all children, aged between 4 and 13. Children who may particularly benefit from play therapy may have experienced adverse situations in early childhood and/or are currently experiencing social and/or emotional difficulties, such as anxiety or friendship difficulties. Play Therapy can promote self-confidence and self-esteem.
Play Therapy can take place on an individual basis, or with a group of up to 4 children. A minimum of 12 sessions is recommended for individual play therapy and a minimum of 6 sessions is recommended for group play therapy.
AutPlay® Therapy
AutPlay® Therapy is a neurodiversity informed and affirming collaborative process for children and adolescents aged between 3 and 18.
It is a play therapy approach designed to value the individual child and highlight their strengths as well as guide areas of intervention, goals, and approaches for addressing the needs of the child and family.
Providing purposeful mental health therapy for neurodivergent children and adolescents means supporting positive self-worth, taking a strengths based approach, creating affirming identity understanding, and teaching advocacy.
AutPlay® Therapy views parents/carers as co-agents of change in the therapeutic process. The therapist and parents/carers work together from the start of the episode to identify and establish the treatment goals. As the episode of AutPlay® Therapy progresses, the therapist will share directive techniques utilised in the sessions for use at home to support the development of skills, such as around social navigation and emotional regulation.
AutPlay® Therapy is designed to take place on an individual basis. A minimum of 15 sessions is recommended.
Next Steps
If you have questions or are ready to book a therapy session, get in touch through my contact page. We will then arrange a phone or video call to see if a referral for play therapy is suitable, and I can answer any of your questions.