Red Door Therapy is partnering with Play Wooden to offer weekly playgroups for young SEND, neurodivergent, and autistic children in Bristol.
The groups offer children who might normally avoid (or find difficult) socialising, the chance to experience a relaxed social group facilitated by curious but gentle facilitators. They will have the chance to develop their emerging sense of self alongside other children in a safe and nurturing environment where difference is valued and play is king.
The group will be facilitated by myself and a senior playworker from Play Wooden who invite the children to play freely with the games and toys while being alongside others.
We work using the philosophy of ‘plural practice’, a way of supporting neurodivergent children which comes from Lacanian psychoanalysis. In this approach, facilitators follow the children’s interests and help support them with their own solutions to what is difficult. Adults limit demands as much as possible and remain curious about the children’s play, as well as what emerges as difficult or distressing.
Groups will consist of the same children each week in order for everyone to feel safe and comfortable in the new environment. If you would like to know more, please get in touch through the contact page.
In schools, LSAs/TAs/Teachers are welcome to join some sessions and take part in our thinking about individual children.
For a review of The Greenhouse stay and play group, run in a similar way in north London, click here
If you would like to run a Little Sparks playgroup at your setting please contact me.
Red Door Therapy 