Photo of Fortis Therapy and Training , Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Fortis Therapy and Training
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Louth LN11
We provide a range of different types of therapy including talking therapy, humanistic approaches, cognitive behavioural therapy, BMDR, art therapy, play therapy, drama therapy, and couple and family therapy.
We provide the gold standard in counselling and psychotherapy. A multi award-winning practise, Fortis specialises in supporting all ages and all difficulties, providing a range of different therapeutic models to support you in the most effective way we can. We are passionate about supporting you with your mental health and emotional wellbeing. We do not have waiting lists at Fortis, we aim to see you as soon as possible and match your needs with the right therapist for you, to ensure you have the best experience possible.
We provide a range of different types of therapy including talking therapy, humanistic approaches, cognitive behavioural therapy, BMDR, art therapy, play therapy, drama therapy, and couple and family therapy.
We provide the gold standard in counselling and psychotherapy. A multi award-winning practise, Fortis specialises in supporting all ages and all difficulties, providing a range of different therapeutic models to support you in the most effective way we can. We are passionate about supporting you with your mental health and emotional wellbeing. We do not have waiting lists at Fortis, we aim to see you as soon as possible and match your needs with the right therapist for you, to ensure you have the best experience possible.
01472 517214 View 01472 517214
Photo of Debbie Pries, Counsellor in Louth, England
Debbie Pries
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Louth LN11
Life can be a challenge for any of us at any given time, we can feel out of our depth, scared and generally overwhelmed! Counselling offers you a safe space to explore those struggles and find a way forward, regain balance and calm. As a counsellor I hope to support you on your journey and hopefully help in improving your emotional well being.
Life can be a challenge for any of us at any given time, we can feel out of our depth, scared and generally overwhelmed! Counselling offers you a safe space to explore those struggles and find a way forward, regain balance and calm. As a counsellor I hope to support you on your journey and hopefully help in improving your emotional well being.
01754 802730 View 01754 802730

Online Therapists

Photo of Jade Cammarata, Counsellor in Louth, England
Jade Cammarata
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Peterborough PE7
As well as talking therapy I can also bring art and play therapy into my practice as I understand that sometimes talking can be hard, it also allows deeper exploration at times.
Are you suffering from Anxiety, Depression? maybe a Bereavement or Relationship issue? With 10 Years experience in many areas I can support you. It's not always easy talking to family or friends, this is where counselling can really help you. Together we can look at whatever it is thats troubling you whether its past or current events, this will enable you to have a clearer understanding, freeing you to live a happier more positive life. I am a qualified and experienced counsellor providing a safe, confidential and non judgmental place for you to talk and explore your inner thoughts and feelings. I use a variety of CBT tools.
As well as talking therapy I can also bring art and play therapy into my practice as I understand that sometimes talking can be hard, it also allows deeper exploration at times.
Are you suffering from Anxiety, Depression? maybe a Bereavement or Relationship issue? With 10 Years experience in many areas I can support you. It's not always easy talking to family or friends, this is where counselling can really help you. Together we can look at whatever it is thats troubling you whether its past or current events, this will enable you to have a clearer understanding, freeing you to live a happier more positive life. I am a qualified and experienced counsellor providing a safe, confidential and non judgmental place for you to talk and explore your inner thoughts and feelings. I use a variety of CBT tools.
01733 942099 View 01733 942099
Photo of Sharon Anderson, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Sharon Anderson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leeds LS7  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a certified, play/creative therapist (USA/UK) with a MSc in Coun.
Hi there, these are REALLY trying times so I truly appreciate you taking the brave step to reach out. I'm here, happy to work with you on the journey. My therapy style is warm, interactive, accepting & specific to you. I am internationally trained to MSc level & have worked in the UK & overseas. This means I bring inter/multicultural richness & diversity to our sessions. I am skilled to serve the unique needs of the local & international diaspora & those feeling displaced. I also have clinical & pastoral training (Uk) & a multi faith theology degree offering spiritual counselling for those who desire a faith perspective.
I am a certified, play/creative therapist (USA/UK) with a MSc in Coun.
Hi there, these are REALLY trying times so I truly appreciate you taking the brave step to reach out. I'm here, happy to work with you on the journey. My therapy style is warm, interactive, accepting & specific to you. I am internationally trained to MSc level & have worked in the UK & overseas. This means I bring inter/multicultural richness & diversity to our sessions. I am skilled to serve the unique needs of the local & international diaspora & those feeling displaced. I also have clinical & pastoral training (Uk) & a multi faith theology degree offering spiritual counselling for those who desire a faith perspective.
View
Photo of Natalie Mills, Counsellor in Louth, England
Natalie Mills
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Manchester M21
When counselling I use an integrative approach as it encompasses different therapies such as person-centred, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapies, creative therapy, and play therapy.
I know things can be difficult but you don’t need to struggle alone, because I'm here to help. As a qualified therapist, my mission is to help you to overcome your fears and doubts and realise what you are truly capable of. I offer a friendly and confidential one-to-one counselling service supporting adults, young people, and children with a variety of emotional, mental, and physical issues. I will be empathic, honest, and non-judgemental during our sessions.
When counselling I use an integrative approach as it encompasses different therapies such as person-centred, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapies, creative therapy, and play therapy.
I know things can be difficult but you don’t need to struggle alone, because I'm here to help. As a qualified therapist, my mission is to help you to overcome your fears and doubts and realise what you are truly capable of. I offer a friendly and confidential one-to-one counselling service supporting adults, young people, and children with a variety of emotional, mental, and physical issues. I will be empathic, honest, and non-judgemental during our sessions.
0161 850 3632 View 0161 850 3632
Photo of Eleanor Sophie McKone, Counsellor in Louth, England
Eleanor Sophie McKone
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford BD4
Hello, my name is Eleanor and I am a qualified counsellor/ psychotherapist for children, young people and adults. I provide an empathic, warm, non-judgemental space, where together we can explore what is going on for you. I am an integrative counsellor, whereby I use a range of methods to suit the clients needs, including talking therapy and play therapy. I am particularly interested in exploring attachment styles with my clients as I believe our early attachments can significantly shape the people that we become. I also have a keen interest and experience in working with neurodiversity.
Hello, my name is Eleanor and I am a qualified counsellor/ psychotherapist for children, young people and adults. I provide an empathic, warm, non-judgemental space, where together we can explore what is going on for you. I am an integrative counsellor, whereby I use a range of methods to suit the clients needs, including talking therapy and play therapy. I am particularly interested in exploring attachment styles with my clients as I believe our early attachments can significantly shape the people that we become. I also have a keen interest and experience in working with neurodiversity.
0113 519 1182 View 0113 519 1182
Photo of Thriving Young Minds, Counsellor in Louth, England
Thriving Young Minds
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bury BL0
I'm Adele and I'm the founder of Thriving Young Minds in Ramsbottom, Bury. We are a team of therapists offering Counselling and Play Therapy for children, teenagers and young adults aged 4-25 years. This means that we can provide the most appropriate support for your needs. If you are impacted by autism, anxiety, panic, low mood, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, school issues, trauma and abuse, and if you're unsure of how to move forward, we can work with you to achieve your goals in a strengths-focused way, to help you develop the confidence to thrive rather than just survive.
I'm Adele and I'm the founder of Thriving Young Minds in Ramsbottom, Bury. We are a team of therapists offering Counselling and Play Therapy for children, teenagers and young adults aged 4-25 years. This means that we can provide the most appropriate support for your needs. If you are impacted by autism, anxiety, panic, low mood, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, school issues, trauma and abuse, and if you're unsure of how to move forward, we can work with you to achieve your goals in a strengths-focused way, to help you develop the confidence to thrive rather than just survive.
07429 186569 View 07429 186569
Photo of Children & Young People Counselling (ZB Therapy), Counsellor in Louth, England
Children & Young People Counselling (ZB Therapy)
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Peterborough PE4
I integrate various techniques including talking therapy, play, CBT, art & creativity to support a range of needs including anger, anxiety, bereavement, behavioural difficulties, low mood, trauma, parental conflict/divorce, ASD/ADHD.
I'm Zoe, an integrative Children & Young People (CYP) Counsellor, providing support for ages 5-25 in Peterborough UK. We all experience various emotions each day in every situation we face. As adults, emotions affect our behaviour leaving us feeling overwhelmed, angry, scared, sad & confused. CYP also experience these emotions but with developing brains, emotions may feel big, scary & unmanageable resulting in overwhelm, aggression, dysregulation or withdrawal. I support CYP to normalise emotions & recognise their triggers & behaviours. Together, we find healthy coping skills & ways to manage & express big or difficult feelings.
I integrate various techniques including talking therapy, play, CBT, art & creativity to support a range of needs including anger, anxiety, bereavement, behavioural difficulties, low mood, trauma, parental conflict/divorce, ASD/ADHD.
I'm Zoe, an integrative Children & Young People (CYP) Counsellor, providing support for ages 5-25 in Peterborough UK. We all experience various emotions each day in every situation we face. As adults, emotions affect our behaviour leaving us feeling overwhelmed, angry, scared, sad & confused. CYP also experience these emotions but with developing brains, emotions may feel big, scary & unmanageable resulting in overwhelm, aggression, dysregulation or withdrawal. I support CYP to normalise emotions & recognise their triggers & behaviours. Together, we find healthy coping skills & ways to manage & express big or difficult feelings.
01733 964947 View 01733 964947
Photo of Glendene Care Uk Child and Family Wellbeing Centre, Counsellor in Louth, England
Glendene Care Uk Child and Family Wellbeing Centre
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bedford MK44
We are experienced in using trauma focused CBT, Play therapy and attachment based interventions.
We are a team of qualified children and young people's therapists. We have 25 years experience of counselling children, young people and families, having worked in a variety of settings including schools, colleges and for the NSPCC all delivering therapeutic work. We are qualified practitioners in delivering DDP and VIG which are two attachment based therapeutic interventions used to strengthen and improve relationships between children and their primary carers. We are experienced in working with children and young people aged from 4 years to 30 years old. We use a range of age appropriate therapeutic interventions.
We are experienced in using trauma focused CBT, Play therapy and attachment based interventions.
We are a team of qualified children and young people's therapists. We have 25 years experience of counselling children, young people and families, having worked in a variety of settings including schools, colleges and for the NSPCC all delivering therapeutic work. We are qualified practitioners in delivering DDP and VIG which are two attachment based therapeutic interventions used to strengthen and improve relationships between children and their primary carers. We are experienced in working with children and young people aged from 4 years to 30 years old. We use a range of age appropriate therapeutic interventions.
01234 608775 View 01234 608775
Photo of Claire Wallace Counselling, Counsellor in Louth, England
Claire Wallace Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Saffron Walden CB10
I'm a therapist that will hold you emotionally throughout your process, within your therapeutic journey i provide talking therapy aswell as incorporating exploration by different methods such as Play/Art/NVC therapy & much more.
Hi, I'm an integrative counsellor/therapist, I'm an accredited MBACP Reg. and MNCS Reg. therapist. I offer 1:1 therapy, couples therapy and family therapy via zoom or face to face appointments in my private practice. It can feel quite daunting to see a counsellor, so I provide an initial free 50 minute in-take session for you to discuss your issues and any concerns you may have about your counselling journey. The in-take session will give the opportunity for me the counsellor and you the client, time to explore what you want from this process. Then together we can decide if you want to continue the proccess as me as your therapist.
I'm a therapist that will hold you emotionally throughout your process, within your therapeutic journey i provide talking therapy aswell as incorporating exploration by different methods such as Play/Art/NVC therapy & much more.
Hi, I'm an integrative counsellor/therapist, I'm an accredited MBACP Reg. and MNCS Reg. therapist. I offer 1:1 therapy, couples therapy and family therapy via zoom or face to face appointments in my private practice. It can feel quite daunting to see a counsellor, so I provide an initial free 50 minute in-take session for you to discuss your issues and any concerns you may have about your counselling journey. The in-take session will give the opportunity for me the counsellor and you the client, time to explore what you want from this process. Then together we can decide if you want to continue the proccess as me as your therapist.
01799 619195 View 01799 619195
Photo of Karen Martin Counselling and psychotherapy service, Counsellor in Louth, England
Karen Martin Counselling and psychotherapy service
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG3
Are you feeling lost or out of sorts? Life can be hard and this is where counselling can play a pivotal role in turning your life around. No one should be dealing with issues alone. Standing beside you, developing a trusting relationship where you feel at ease and able to share in a place of safety without judgements or demands is an important starting point. People don’t need to be in crisis or at breaking point to have therapy. It is about empowerment for you to lead the life you want. The outcome being that you have a strong mental platform and resources to facilitate growth.
Are you feeling lost or out of sorts? Life can be hard and this is where counselling can play a pivotal role in turning your life around. No one should be dealing with issues alone. Standing beside you, developing a trusting relationship where you feel at ease and able to share in a place of safety without judgements or demands is an important starting point. People don’t need to be in crisis or at breaking point to have therapy. It is about empowerment for you to lead the life you want. The outcome being that you have a strong mental platform and resources to facilitate growth.
0115 647 1038 View 0115 647 1038
Photo of Maisie Matthews Counselling, Counsellor in Louth, England
Maisie Matthews Counselling
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kenilworth CV8
Working with children and young people I have found it is useful to use arts and play to keep it engaging and allow them a voice when they do not know what to say.
Hello! My name is Maisie Matthews. I am a children and young people’s counsellor. I work with clients between the ages of 11-25. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental space for clients to feel heard. This space will allow clients to speak freely and explore their thoughts and feelings to understand and overcome the difficulties they are experiencing.
Working with children and young people I have found it is useful to use arts and play to keep it engaging and allow them a voice when they do not know what to say.
Hello! My name is Maisie Matthews. I am a children and young people’s counsellor. I work with clients between the ages of 11-25. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental space for clients to feel heard. This space will allow clients to speak freely and explore their thoughts and feelings to understand and overcome the difficulties they are experiencing.
024 7542 0536 View 024 7542 0536
Photo of happy parent and child initiative, Counsellor in Louth, England
happy parent and child initiative
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ipswich IP7
Waitlist for new clients
I’m Kinsley, I work with children from the ages of 4, using both talking & creative play based therapy. I can help if your child is suffering from anxiety, or emotional & mental health issues, challenging behaviours, eating issues, emotional based school avoidance & much more. I specialise in working with Autistic, adhd & PDA Children. I offer therapeutic play therapy sessions, parent counselling sessions & parent support sessions. I work with parents who have suffered birth trauma, postnatal depression, ptsd & can work with parent child attachment.
I’m Kinsley, I work with children from the ages of 4, using both talking & creative play based therapy. I can help if your child is suffering from anxiety, or emotional & mental health issues, challenging behaviours, eating issues, emotional based school avoidance & much more. I specialise in working with Autistic, adhd & PDA Children. I offer therapeutic play therapy sessions, parent counselling sessions & parent support sessions. I work with parents who have suffered birth trauma, postnatal depression, ptsd & can work with parent child attachment.
01449 701331 View 01449 701331
Photo of Tracy Sapier, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Tracy Sapier
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Leeds LS17
For your children, play and art therapies can enable self-expression in ways that talking may not.
I trained as a person-centred counsellor, which simply means our sessions are all about you. I’d like to welcome you to a confidential and non-judgemental safe space where you can talk freely to explore your inner-self. Together, we can discover any underlying issues behind the difficulties you are experiencing and by overcoming the ghosts of your past, you will be in a better place to move forward with your life.Having counselling enables you to rediscover yourself in a safe place, where you can go at your own pace and allow yourself to release your true emotions that you may have locked away.
For your children, play and art therapies can enable self-expression in ways that talking may not.
I trained as a person-centred counsellor, which simply means our sessions are all about you. I’d like to welcome you to a confidential and non-judgemental safe space where you can talk freely to explore your inner-self. Together, we can discover any underlying issues behind the difficulties you are experiencing and by overcoming the ghosts of your past, you will be in a better place to move forward with your life.Having counselling enables you to rediscover yourself in a safe place, where you can go at your own pace and allow yourself to release your true emotions that you may have locked away.
0113 487 2769 View 0113 487 2769
Photo of Sally Todd, Counsellor in Louth, England
Sally Todd
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Burton-on-Trent DE14
I empower families to play an active role in their child's healing journey, offering guidance, education, and strategies to create a harmonious home environment that supports the child's emotional growth.
I am a kind and creative Child Therapist with an unwavering Passion for helping children and adolescents deal with life's crises. With a profound love for nature and a heart full of Patience, I feel I have a rich background as a teacher for primary school-aged children, a nursery and theatre school owner, and a counsellor specialising in supporting individuals through various challenges. I have a particular affinity for working with children who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those with attachment issues.
I empower families to play an active role in their child's healing journey, offering guidance, education, and strategies to create a harmonious home environment that supports the child's emotional growth.
I am a kind and creative Child Therapist with an unwavering Passion for helping children and adolescents deal with life's crises. With a profound love for nature and a heart full of Patience, I feel I have a rich background as a teacher for primary school-aged children, a nursery and theatre school owner, and a counsellor specialising in supporting individuals through various challenges. I have a particular affinity for working with children who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those with attachment issues.
01283 387281 View 01283 387281
Photo of Dr Persa Maerz, Psychologist in Louth, England
Dr Persa Maerz
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
York YO24
I also offer None-directive play therapy for children.
Hello, thanks for making the first step to a happier more positive you. I know it is one of the hardest things to do to open up and go through this journey, but we can take it step by step and you will get there. I have been a therapist for almost a decade and see people from all walks of life and different cultures. Whether it is for your child, teenager or yourself I love working with and get along well with each person regardless their age. I am an experienced CAMHS therapist and adult therapist. I have held Consultant, Lead and Supervisor Specialist roles In a number of services and clinics successfully.
I also offer None-directive play therapy for children.
Hello, thanks for making the first step to a happier more positive you. I know it is one of the hardest things to do to open up and go through this journey, but we can take it step by step and you will get there. I have been a therapist for almost a decade and see people from all walks of life and different cultures. Whether it is for your child, teenager or yourself I love working with and get along well with each person regardless their age. I am an experienced CAMHS therapist and adult therapist. I have held Consultant, Lead and Supervisor Specialist roles In a number of services and clinics successfully.
01904 803383 View 01904 803383
Photo of JD Counselling Therapy, Counsellor in Louth, England
JD Counselling Therapy
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Goole DN14
I use person centred, attachment focused therapy, elements of CBT and art and play therapy to enable the most suitable therapy to meet the clients needs within a safe and empathetic space.
If you are feeling like things are getting you down and preventing you leading your life the way you would like to, perhaps you may feel anxious or depressed and feel you have lost your self-esteem and belief in yourself, this could be through difficult life events like stress, relationship, bereavement or something that happened to you in the past. Taking back control of your life and living the way you want to can be helped with therapy to gain a more positive happier future.
I use person centred, attachment focused therapy, elements of CBT and art and play therapy to enable the most suitable therapy to meet the clients needs within a safe and empathetic space.
If you are feeling like things are getting you down and preventing you leading your life the way you would like to, perhaps you may feel anxious or depressed and feel you have lost your self-esteem and belief in yourself, this could be through difficult life events like stress, relationship, bereavement or something that happened to you in the past. Taking back control of your life and living the way you want to can be helped with therapy to gain a more positive happier future.
01405 807474 View 01405 807474
Photo of Tracy Tuffs, Counsellor in Louth, England
Tracy Tuffs
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincoln LN4
I use a variety of skills and counselling models such as Systemic, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy with Children, Emotional Focused Therapy, Psychosexual Therapy.
Hi, looking for a counsellor can be difficult but if you are looking for someone who is empathic, will listen and will try to help you make sense of your feelings in order to make changes or informed choices to improve your future then I am here. I work with children, young people, individuals and couples. I am a Integrative counsellor using the most appropriate theoretical modality suited to you and your needs. I work with a variety of issues from bereavement, anxiety, relationship issues and sexual issues. If you would like to know more contact me and following an assessment session we can decide on the best way forward.
I use a variety of skills and counselling models such as Systemic, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy with Children, Emotional Focused Therapy, Psychosexual Therapy.
Hi, looking for a counsellor can be difficult but if you are looking for someone who is empathic, will listen and will try to help you make sense of your feelings in order to make changes or informed choices to improve your future then I am here. I work with children, young people, individuals and couples. I am a Integrative counsellor using the most appropriate theoretical modality suited to you and your needs. I work with a variety of issues from bereavement, anxiety, relationship issues and sexual issues. If you would like to know more contact me and following an assessment session we can decide on the best way forward.
01400 222202 View 01400 222202
Photo of Your Space Foundation, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Your Space Foundation
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK7
We offer privately commissioned psychotherapy, play therapy, creative therapy, Single Session Therapy and CBT.
All Your Space Foundation practitioners are Master's qualified specialist counsellors for Children and Young People registered or accredited with the BACP and fully trained to work therapeutically with children and young people from the age of five.
We offer privately commissioned psychotherapy, play therapy, creative therapy, Single Session Therapy and CBT.
All Your Space Foundation practitioners are Master's qualified specialist counsellors for Children and Young People registered or accredited with the BACP and fully trained to work therapeutically with children and young people from the age of five.
01788 221807 View 01788 221807
Photo of Jennifer @Need2Talk2Someone Counselling Services, Psychologist in Louth, England
Jennifer @Need2Talk2Someone Counselling Services
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leek ST13
Are you noticing difficulties with work-life balance, abusing alcohol, cigarettes, or food, not caring or caring too much, avoiding or wondering what everyone else thinks? Support is available when these traits come into play, especially when stressed as negative self-sabotage coping strategies kick in. I support people with anxiety, anger, parenting, work and life relationships and more. Make time to find the source and motivation for your thoughts feelings and behaviours and together we can make a difference in your life.
Are you noticing difficulties with work-life balance, abusing alcohol, cigarettes, or food, not caring or caring too much, avoiding or wondering what everyone else thinks? Support is available when these traits come into play, especially when stressed as negative self-sabotage coping strategies kick in. I support people with anxiety, anger, parenting, work and life relationships and more. Make time to find the source and motivation for your thoughts feelings and behaviours and together we can make a difference in your life.
01538 712566 View 01538 712566

See more therapy options for Louth

Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Louth

See More Play Therapy Counsellors
Play Therapy Counsellors

Who is play therapy for?

Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.

Why do people need play therapy?

Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behaviour and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.

What happens in play therapy?

A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.

What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?

Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.

How long does play therapy last?

Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behaviour.