Why play and creative arts therapy?
Young people don’t always have the words to explain what they are thinking or feeling, but they naturally express themselves through play. Play and creative arts therapy uses the natural language of play to help them work through challenges, express emotions and build coping skills.
What age child would play and creative arts therapy be suitable for?
Play and creative arts therapy is most effective for children between the age of 4-11 but this can depend on the young person’s developmental, not just chronological, age. If you have a child older than 11 who may benefit from the opportunity to express things through play or creative arts rather than through a predominantly ‘talk based’ approach, play and creative arts therapy might be just right for them. I adapt my therapeutic approach to suit the needs of the clients I work with and as I get to know the young person, I will be able to shift the approach as required. Get in contact using the button below and we can arrange a free consultation to see what the best approach for your child might be.
What does play and creative arts therapy look like?
In play therapy, your child will have a safe, supportive space with toys, puppets, art materials and games. During the sessions, I may play alongside your child, observe their play or guide them in more directed activities. This helps your child express their feelings and practice new ways of handling situations.
It isn’t about your child ‘just playing’ – it’s a structured, therapeutic approach. The toys, activities and the way I respond and interact with your child are carefully chosen to help them process what is going on for them in a way that feels natural to them.
What are the benefits of play and creative arts therapy?
Through play and creative arts therapy, children may learn to:
Express feelings in healthier ways
Reduce anxiety or anger
Manage impulses and regulate emotions
Improve problem-solving and decision making skills
Improve focus, attention and planning skills
Build stronger relationships and confidence
My child is neurodivergent, is play and creative arts therapy suitable for them?
In short, yes, play and creative arts therapy can be an excellent choice of therapeutic support for neurodivergent young people. Play and creative arts therapy is non-directed which means I follow where the child leads. I create a predictable, safe and supportive environment which helps to reduce stress and encourage exploration. Play offers an excellent way of communicating non-verbally, allowing the participant to express feelings, needs and experiences without the pressure of finding the words.
Play and creative arts therapy can support neurodivergent young people with:
Emotional regulation: Learning to manage big emotions like frustration, anxiety or sensory over-whelm.
Social skills: Practicing turn-taking, cooperation and perspective taking in a safe and neurodivergence affirming space.
Self-confidence: Building success experiences and celebrating strengths
Coping strategies: Developing tools to manage tranistions, changes or challenges
Parent-child connection: supporting stronger attachment and communication at home
I take a neuro-diversity affirming approach to all my therapeutic work. This means that I I work from the perspective that neurological differences (like autism, ADHD, dyslexia etc) are natural variations of the human brain and not deficits to be ‘fixed’. My focus is on supporting my clients well-being, growth and self-acceptance, rather than endeavouring to make them act more neuro-typical.
How long do sessions last and what is the cost per session?
Sessions are 40-50 minutes long (depending on the age of the child) and cost £55 per session.
I have a limited number of low cost sessions for students and those on low income. Please contact me to discuss this.
I’m interested in my child attending play therapy sessions, what do I do now?
Contact me via the button below and I will arrange to phone you for a free consultation call. During this phone call, we will discuss the reasons for referral and whether this is the right approach for your child.