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Play-based therapy for children...
Unlike adults, young children are not likely to sit down and talk about their problems. Their language is play! Doing therapy through play means that the therapist creates a safe space for the child to express themselves, where they feel free to play out anything that they are struggling to process or that has upset, angered or scared them. Children naturally use toys and creative materials to symbolically express what they can't articulate with words.
The job of the play therapist is to engage the child at whatever developmental level they are presenting, to contain big emotions, and to help children to make sense of difficult experiences. Like adult therapy, children need time to feel safe with the therapist before they explore difficult experiences, and for this reason, we recommend a minimum of 20 sessions. |
How do you know if your child needs therapy?
Most children, in a safe, nurturing environment, will work through difficult experiences and emotions without professional intervention. Sometimes, however, processing can become stuck, and this is normally seen in children in either very difficult or very compliant behaviour. If your child seems out of control, overly angry or aggressive, "naughty" or defiant, or alternatively is withdrawn, day-dreamy, too "good" or overly people pleasing, this could indicate a problem. Sometimes children's struggles show up in physical complaints - lots of tummy aches or headaches, withholding their poo, bedwetting, or other physical issues that can't be explained by their doctors. Whatever your child is struggling with, give us a shout and we can talk through it and see how we can help.
Most children, in a safe, nurturing environment, will work through difficult experiences and emotions without professional intervention. Sometimes, however, processing can become stuck, and this is normally seen in children in either very difficult or very compliant behaviour. If your child seems out of control, overly angry or aggressive, "naughty" or defiant, or alternatively is withdrawn, day-dreamy, too "good" or overly people pleasing, this could indicate a problem. Sometimes children's struggles show up in physical complaints - lots of tummy aches or headaches, withholding their poo, bedwetting, or other physical issues that can't be explained by their doctors. Whatever your child is struggling with, give us a shout and we can talk through it and see how we can help.
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Possible signs of trauma in 3-5 year old's
Regression Constipation or diarrhea Separation anxiety Issues saying or hearing "no" Depression Nightmares Developmental delay Rage Lack of cooperation Difficulty with transitions Wetting/soiling Repetitive behaviours/play Aggression with friends/pets Clingy Day-dreaming / dissociation |
Possible signs of trauma in 6-8 year old's
School issues Attention problems Social problems Self-blame Self-hatred Low self-esteem Lying Stealing Being mean to children and animals Eating disorders Hoarding Compulsive behaviours Aggression Withdrawal Day-dreaming / dissociation |
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Possible signs of trauma in 8-12 year old's
School problems Smoking, drinking, drugs Attention problems Rejecting compliments Withdrawal Denial of needs Nail biting Eating disorders Mistrust of self, feelings and others Lying Stealing Depression Lack of creativity/curiosity Loneliness Shame Unresolvable fears Impulsivity |
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