Therapeutic Play
Therapeutic Play is a gentle, child-led therapeutic approach that enables children aged 4 - 12 years of age, to express thoughts and feelings through the natural language of play.
Within a safe, accepting and nurturing environment, children are free to 'play out' difficult emotions, process challenging experiences and explore their inner world in ways that may not be possible through words alone.
By following the child's lead, Therapeutic Play supports emotional expression, strengthens resilience, enhances self-esteem and helps children develop healthier ways of understanding themselves and relating to others.
Therapeutic Play sessions help children cope with:
-
Upsets or meltdowns after school
-
Friendship struggles
-
School Transitions
-
Worries that can't be explained in words.
-
Big feelings that can overwhelm
-
Challenges after difficult family events
-
Changes in behaviour, emotional and withdrawn.
Qualified Therapist
All Therapeutic Play sessions are carried out with a qualified Therapeutic Play Practitioner who is registered with PTUK (Play Therapy UK). They have completed postgraduate training and undertake regular clinical supervision.
Parents and carers can also feel safe in knowing that the therapist is extensively trained and experienced, holds an enhanced DBS check, has undertaken local authority approved safeguarding training and has all relevant insurance and risk assessments in place.
Integrative Holistic Model
An integrative holistic approach to Therapeutic Play recognises that every child is unique. Rather than focusing solely on behaviours or symptoms, it considers the whole child—their emotional, physical, social, cognitive and developmental needs, as well as the relationships and environments that shape their experiences.
Using play, creative expression, storytelling, sand, art, sensory experiences and other therapeutic activities, children are supported to explore their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel safe and natural.
.jpg)
A safe, confidential space.
Therapeutic Play sessions can take place in school or at one of our play rooms based at Wyton and near Warboys in Huntingdonshire. The play rooms are confidential safe spaces where children can explore a range of play and creative art resources.
At the heart of the holistic integrative approach is a trusting therapeutic relationship. By providing a warm, accepting and non-judgemental space, the therapist supports each child's innate capacity for healing, growth and positive change
Parents and carers can refer their children directly to us for Therapeutic Play. Alternatively, schools can also refer children to our services.
Referral process and costs:
- Initial consultation - £60
Parents or carers and the therapist will meet together to explore some of the concerns. The discussion will help to gain an understanding of the child's developmental history and presenting needs. SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) forms will be competed with the parent/carer to support the discussions. During this meeting a plan will be agreed regarding the amount of Therapeutic Play sessions a child may need and regular 'check in' and review dates will be set out.
- Therapeutic Play Sessions - £45
A Therapeutic Play sessions occur weekly on the same day and at the same time. The sessions last for 45mins. Within the session a child has the time and space to express themselves through play. The session is led by the child and not the therapist. However, the therapist is with the child, developing a therapeutic relationship where the child feels heard, seen and accepted. The therapist may mirror play or reflect back to the child, feelings and emotions. This is all carried out in a non judgemental way and with minimal direction from the therapist. The number of sessions will be agreed at the Initial consultation. All children are different. Some may need less sessions and others more. On average an initial episode of Therapeutic Play will be for 12 weeks.
Review / end consultation and written report - £90
A professional report is written at the end of the episode of Therapeutic Play. This will be presented and discussed at the end consultation held between the therapist and parent / carers. The report will include SDQ scores taken at the start of the episode and again at the end. Whilst maintaining the child's confidence, there will be notes from the sessions that the child has taken part in. Recommendations will also be included for parents and carers with possible next steps shared.
Attendance at EHCP reviews - £90 (plus 45p per mile millage if required)
The therapist can be invited, by parents and carers, to attend EHCP Reviews for children where they will be able to provide further insight that reflects the child's needs.