Play Therapy
Play Therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them. Through play, the therapist can help the child to express their thoughts and feelings; make sense of their experiences; explore and develop a positive sense of self; identify difficulties and discover new possibilities; build new skills; and form a trusting therapeutic relationship that can bring emotional healing and facilitate new ways of thinking and relating to others.
It is a theoretical and evidenced-based approach that draws upon a wide variety of play and creative arts techniques, including the therapeutic use of art, music, drama, dance, sand tray, storytelling, creative visualization, puppets, clay and sensory play activities.
Play Therapy can be both non-directive, where the child chooses their activities, or more structured, where the therapist will offer specific activities tailored to the child or young person’s need.
Play Therapy enables children to express themselves non-verbally, which can be particularly helpful for children who have experienced difficulties at a pre-verbal stage of development, have speech and language delays, or simply find it difficult or uncomfortable talking about their feelings.
Using play and creative arts gives children an opportunity to explore and embrace their inner world in a non-threatening, creative, and child-centered way, which is often a magical and transformative process.
What to Expect
Play Therapy is arranged weekly during school term time, with the same appointment time each week. The sessions are held at the Waymaker Studio and last for 45 mins. The parent/carer is requested to remain available in the waiting area.
As part of the therapeutic package, consultation sessions with the parent/carer are included to provide understanding of therapeutic parenting and support the child at home.
“For my young people this is special time with Jessica where they can express feelings without realising they are in therapy, her subtle yet impactful methods and coping strategies have resulted in young people who feel safe and have found a way to voice their feelings rather than act them out. Jessica is known as the ‘Fairy Godmother’ in our house and rightly so. Just last week my seven-year-old told me she needed some ‘Jess magic’ to stop her wobbly tummy, what more can I say!”
-Sadie, Foster Carer
Referrals
Referrals may be initiated through my contact form.
For professionals in Social Care:
An Initial Assessment will be undertaken following referral, to assess the complexity and severity of the child/young person’s needs and consider the suitability of the intervention and timescales. The assessment report will include a recommended treatment plan, timescales, and full costings to support your application for funding.
Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique (CATT):
For children/young people suffering from PTSD or complex trauma, consideration may be given to the integrated use of Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique (CATT). CATT is a child-centred trauma-focused therapy that integrates cognitive behavioural theory with creative arts methods, helping children to process their traumatic memories in a safe, child-focused way.