Therapeutic services
for children, young people and their families
in Manchester and Cheshire
07515 484 310
Carolyn@PlatypusPlayTherapy.co.uk
Why Play Therapy?
Play is a child’s natural form of expression. They can use it to communicate, and to organise their understanding of the world and relationships. They can also use it to explore, express and manage emotions and conflicts.
Play Therapy can help children understand difficult feelings or upsetting events. In Play Therapy, children use play to communicate and work through their feelings at their own pace, without being questioned or feeling pressured.
One of the hoped-for outcomes in Play Therapy is to help the "thinking" part of the brain to co-ordinate more effectively with the "emotional" part of the brain.
Play, and the use of metaphor within play, can build new pathways in the brain. Using Play Therapy can increase a sense of well-being, self-esteem and resilience, and diminish feelings of aggression and anxiety.
Who can Play Therapy help?
Play Therapy can help children affected by a variety of difficult situations, such as:
• low self-esteem
• attachment issues
• anxiety, stress or phobias
• traumatic experiences
• family change or breakdown
• bullying
• anger
• nightmares
• loss or bereavement
• domestic violence
• issues relating to disability or illness
(of the child or family members)
• neglect or abuse
What happens during Play Therapy?
A one-to-one Play Therapy session lasts for 40 minutes. During the sessions, your child can choose from a wide variety of play options including:
• art
• clay
• sand tray
• role play
• creative visualisation
My role is to provide a free and protected space for your child to express themselves through play, with a therapeutic aim. Only a few boundaries are set so children understand they must keep themselves, me and the things in the room safe. They can then choose to play as they wish.
Play Therapy sessions are non-directive and non-interpretative.
What happens during the sessions is confidential, unless it is necessary to share information in order to safeguard your child or someone else from harm. However, I will have regular meetings with you to discuss your child's progress, and to listen to any concerns or questions that you might have.
• music
• movement
• puppets
• storytelling