Play Therapy

Non-directive Play Therapy is based on Carl-Rogers’ person centre approach and theories of child development, attachment and separation. Virginia Axline (a student of Rogers), was instrumental in developing client-centred play therapy, which enables clients the freedom to explore and play out their thoughts and feelings.

The client can explore, at their own pace (in a safe space) those issues from their past and present, conscious or unconscious that are affecting their behaviours and relationships in the here and now. The therapist supports the client in gaining insight and understanding of their experiences, and through the therapeutic relationship allows growth and change to happen.

Play Therapists work with children and young adolescents, suffering from a range of psychological difficulties and complex life experiences – including for example loss and separation, stress, anxieties, phobias, abuse, bullying, chronic illness, disability, trauma and behavioural difficulties. Therapists work closely with the child’s parents/carers throughout the Play Therapy intervention and occasionally undertake parent-child relationship interventions.

Anyone working therapeutically with children will appear on the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists and should receive regular clinical supervision. For more information visit www.playtherapy.org.uk

Birds fly, fish swim, and children play.

-- Garry L. Landreth, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship