Therapeutic Play

What is it? 

These sessions use the foundations of play therapy (psychotherapy) to support young children with a range of social and emotional difficulties, such as:

  • struggling to communicate
  • limited play
  • finding it hard to regulate themselves
  • unable to express themselves through language (as in echolalia, speech delay or non-verbal autism)
  • difficulty managing the interplay between their internal world and the external world around them 

How does it work?

Rather than ‘correcting’ or ‘normalising’ behaviour, I support neurodiverse children to relate to the world in their own unique way through the process of play. It is their underlying relationship with speaking, playing and socialising that I help children to explore and develop. I use a respectful, non-invasive, play-based approach which supports children to develop a more robust sense of themselves, and, over time, better manage their internal world and the outside world around them.

Some children struggle to play at all and these sessions support children to begin exploring the toys alongside myself as a trusted facilitator with whom they build a relationship over time. Other children may have more access to play and this will be extended and used to work on their difficulties and worries.

The sessions also give parents space for us to notice more about how your child plays and what is difficult. Parents are supported to find new ways to understand their children and to expand on what is already working.

Who is it for?

I work with children in the early years (0-5 years old) and primary school age (5-11 years old) who struggle with language and communication, have difficulties socialising or playing alongside others, who may become dysregulated often or struggle to attend school, who may be experiencing developmental delays or are non-verbal, or children diagnosed with Autism. Many of the children I work with are waiting for a diagnosis, however, all children are at different stages so please get in contact if you would like to discuss some specific needs/concerns that you have.

The sessions usually take place one-to-one with the therapist but sometimes alongside a parent or trusted adult.

Sessions work best when they happen consistently (i.e. once or twice a week) and are ongoing for a period of time. Children who struggle to regulate themselves sometimes need time to settle into the sessions.

Where do sessions take place?

At my play room in St Paul’s Adventure Playground, next to the Bike Exchange, Bristol.