Play Therapy
Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of counseling that uses play to communicate with and help children. This ‘Special Time’ as we call it when working with the children, enables them to consider and acknowledge their feelings. It helps them to learn that it is ok to feel, and teaches them to cope with their feelings in a safe and constructive way. This is thought to help them towards better growth and development.
A safe environment will be provided which will allow the children to play with as few limits as possible but as many as necessary (for safety). Special time is led by the children and the toys or activities they choose. A session will last up to 35 minutes and will be once a week at the same time on the same day.
The purpose of play therapy in schools is to help the children benefit from learning and to reach their full potential.
Below is a list of some of the reasons children will be identified for play therapy.
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Not realising their full potential - academically, or socially? |
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Has nightmares or has disturbed sleep? |
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At risk of being/is excluded from school? |
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Suffered trauma? |
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Is (or in the process of being) adopted or fostered? |
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Suffers because of separated/divorced parents? |
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Suffers from anxiety, stress or phobias? |
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Has suffered a loss or bereavement of any kind? |
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Is withdrawn or continually unhappy? |
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Is ill, disabled, or autistic? |
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Finds it difficult to make friends? |
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Quarrels frequently with peers or siblings? |
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Bullies others or is bullied themselves? |
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Displays inappropriate behaviour? |
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Doesn’t play? |