Play therapy uses toys and games to help children explore their feelings, express themselves and make sense of their difficult life experiences. It can help them to shift their perspective of the trauma of abuse so that they are less likely to internalise blame.
1. Take the first step
Fill out our referral form (below) or ring 01243 786349 to speak to one of our client support officers. We will process your application and get back to you as soon as possible. Play therapy is typically recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 10.
2. Start the conversation
This is a chance for the parent or carer of the child to meet the play therapist for a detailed assessment of the child’s needs and situation. This first meeting will typically take place without the child there, so that they do not feel scared by lots of adult talk.
3. Meeting the child
The play therapist will meet with the child for the first time for a child-centred assessment which involves play and explaining in simple language to the child what to expect. We ask the parent/carer to stay with the child for this first session – unless the child does not want that.
Should this trauma-informed therapy precede a trial in court we will tweak our support accordingly. Please see our pre-trial therapy leaflet for more details.
4. Receive weekly support
We offer up to 18 sessions of play therapy as part of each programme, with an additional 4 around a court case. We ask that the parent or carer does not stay in the room for these but stays nearby, so that the child knows where they are.
5. Donate if you can
Consider making a voluntary donation towards the costs of your play therapy and help us keep waiting times to a minimum for others. There is no obligation to pay, so you are still welcome to access the service if you know you will be unable to donate.
If you can’t afford to make a monetary donation but would like to contribute to our cause, please see our ‘Fundraising’ page for ideas.
About our therapists
Our team of qualified play therapists have extensive experience working with vulnerable children. Our approach to play therapy is child-centred, so all session are built around their individual needs and desires. All of our therapists:
- are qualified with a minimum of a Diploma in Counselling
- are experienced with at least two years’ post qualification experience
- are affiliated to an approved professional body
- receive monthly professional supervision
- receive ongoing continuous professional development
- have statutory qualifications around the treatment and supervising of children