How many sessions will I need?
Amount of sessions vary per client. We work on regular reviews; roughly every 10 sessions, or termly if school based.
Is it for me?
Play therapy can help a child or adult who:
- is not realising their full potential – academically or socially
- is at risk of being/is excluded from school
- is hyperactive
- has suffered trauma
- is thought to exhibit ADHD
- has suffered emotional, physical or sexual abuse
- is being adopted or fostered
- suffers because of separated/divorced parents
- suffers from anxiety, stress or phobias
- has suffered a personal loss or bereavement
- is withdrawn or unhappy
- is disabled or suffers from a long term illness
- is on the autistic spectrum
- finds it difficult to make friends
- has frequent outbursts of violent anger
- argues frequently with peers or siblings
- bullies others or is bullied
- displaces inappropriate behaviour
- has nightmares or disturbed sleep
- doesn’t play
However, play therapy is not a miracle cure-all. The latest research by Play Therapy UK suggests that 75% of children experiencing play therapy will show a positive change.
What Happens?
I offer a safe, confidential and caring environment that allows play with as few limits as possible but as many as necessary to remain safe.
Above all, personal time is given. So often in today’s world we never seem to have enough time for ourselves or our children.
I offer sessions for individuals or at times for groups (please inform me if a group is desired and I will let you know when one suiting your child’s needs is available).
Individual sessions will be client led, and you/your child will choose how we spend our time and what we focus on; I will on occasion when appropriate offer ideas of activities to try or topics to explore.
The sessions are typically weekly and last for 45minutes.
Some of the creative methods offered are:
- Painting and Drawing
- Sandplay
- Clay
- Puppets and masks
- Music
- Drama
- Creative visualisation
- Dance and Movement
- Storytelling
Do I have to engage in creative methods?
For those that may feel a little apprehensive about having to be ‘creative’, I can offer a talking therapy service, but I would still have the above mentioned tools available at all times should you wish to explore at any time.
If i choose to opt for one method can I change my mind at a later date?
You are free to move between the modalities I have on offer as and when you wish; a selection of my tool kit will be available at every session and should anything else be desired I will do my upmost to provide it at our next session.
How do you use massage in sessions?
Kind Hands massage techniques are used only on arms, head or a clothed back; this will be offered in sessions ONLY AFTER an in-depth discussion about why and exactly what is involved (with child clients this will be discussed with the parent/career whom will also be encouraged to use these skills at home).
Massage will never be initiated by myself; I may remind a client that it is available to them should I feel it could be beneficial in a session but would only be engaged in should they instigate or ask for this expressly.