Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy for children who are experiencing social, emotional or behavioural challenges. Since children don’t always have the words to explain their feelings, play (their language) offers them a natural and safe way to express difficult feelings such as anger, sadness, fear, or frustration. In play therapy, children use toys, puppets, games, sand and creative activities to explore their inner world and help make sense of their feelings and life experiences. Each intervention is tailored to meet the needs of each individual child.

"Play Therapy helps children understand muddled feelings and upsetting events that they haven't had the chance to sort out properly. Rather that having to explain what is troubling them, as adult therapy usually expects, children use play to communicate at their own level and at their own pace, without feeling interrogated or threatened".

BAPT, 2019

The child-centred play therapy approach focuses on the child through the relationship with the therapist and is based on a deep belief in the child's self directing capacity for change and growth. Therefore, at Play to Blossom we create a welcoming, warm and safe environment where the child can feel accepted and understood. Within the relationship, the child leads and if invited, the therapist joins the child in their play. The Therapist provides reflections and observations which help the child to learn more about themselves and their world. Find out more about play therapy at The British Association of Play Therapists website.

Reasons Your Child Might Benefit from Play Therapy

Range of emotional, social and behavioural challenges

Play therapy can help children who are experiencing a range of social or emotional difficulties, such as:

Anxiety, stress or phobias

Attachment and relationship difficulties

Bereavement, trauma & abuse

Communication challenges

Emotional, behavioural and physical regulation challenges

Friendship difficulties, bullying or being bullied

Low self-confidence

Looked-after and fostered children

Neurodevelopmental challenges (including Autism, ADHD and Tourette’s)

Parental & family separation

Struggling to access learning or achieve academic potential

Benefits

Feel more confident in expressing their thoughts and feelings

Managing and expressing emotions in a healthy way

Enhancing their emotional vocabulary through the language used by the Play Therapist to connect with their experiences.

Enhanced social skills including communication skills and building and maintaining friendships

Improved self-image and self-esteem

Become more confident and creative in their play

Processing traumatic experiences including loss, bereavement or healing from abuse or neglect

Improved family dynamics

Better ability to cope with life transitions

Session Details

Sessions happen on the same day, at the same time, in the same place every week and last 50 minutes. Sessions take place at the lovely playroom at 15 North Street, Bo'ness, EH51 0AQ. Please contact for me for availability.

Sessions are on a one-to-one basis and parents or carers are required to remain contactable and nearby during sessions. There is a waiting area if you wish to stay in the building (with tea and coffee available).

Therapeutic goals are tailored to the individual needs of each child and can target a range of social, emotional, and regulatory challenges.

Sessions are charged at £55 and begin with an assessment period after which sessions are booked in 10 week blocks. Some concessionary fees are available by negotiation depending on circumstances.

An initial conversation of 20 mins is free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will my child need?

A. An initial assessment period of 2-3 sessions takes place and thereafter a block of 10 sessions is recommended. While some children may benefit from a single block, others may need additional blocks depending on their individual needs. The total number of sessions will be discussed and will vary according to each child’s needs and therapeutic journey.

Will I know what happens in my child's sessions?

A. Anything done, made, or said during the sessions remains confidential, except in cases where concerns about the child's safety arise. In such cases, safeguarding procedures will be followed.

Play Therapy is most effective when the child has a private and secure space to explore their feelings. Therefore, I will not share specific details of your child's play but can provide insights into general themes and progress. This confidentiality is explained to the child, and they are free to share anything from their sessions if they choose. Only the therapist is required to maintain confidentiality.

What is the referral process?

A. Step 1: Initial discussion and referral paperwork.

Step 2: Assessment Sessions (2-3)

Step 3: Play Therapy Sessions (block of 10)

Step 4: Review and Next Steps

The title "Play Therapist" is not a protected term, so individuals with different levels of training may use it. To provide the public with assurance that their Play Therapists are fully qualified professionals, BAPT has trademarked the title "BAPT Registered Play Therapist®."

BAPT maintains a Voluntary Register of Play Therapists which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority:www.professionalstandards.org.uk