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 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 Duncan John Slater, Counsellor in Louth, England
Duncan John Slater
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ilkley LS29
I also offer talking therapy and play/art therapy.
I can help children and young adults make sense of their feelings, thoughts and behaviours and support them as they navigate relationships with friends and family, and deal with pressures at school and socially. You will be able to talk in a safe environment with clear boundaries.
I also offer talking therapy and play/art therapy.
I can help children and young adults make sense of their feelings, thoughts and behaviours and support them as they navigate relationships with friends and family, and deal with pressures at school and socially. You will be able to talk in a safe environment with clear boundaries.
01943 661903 View 01943 661903
Photo of Anna Smith, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Anna Smith
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK12  (Online Only)
I work in an empathic, non-judgemental and accepting way to ensure that anyone who chooses therapy with me feels as though they have a safe space to talk, explore, play and resolve any difficulties they may be facing.
Life for children, young people and families can be really challenging, a fact that has only been made worse by the pandemic. seeking counselling or therapy for your child or yourself can be a really scary task, but it can also help to resolve the issues that many young people and families face every day. I am currently offering online sessions only. I have a virtual therapy room that is suitable for children aged 3-18. This is a highly effective tool and replicates the 'in person' therapy experience, meaning your child isn't missing out by working online.
I work in an empathic, non-judgemental and accepting way to ensure that anyone who chooses therapy with me feels as though they have a safe space to talk, explore, play and resolve any difficulties they may be facing.
Life for children, young people and families can be really challenging, a fact that has only been made worse by the pandemic. seeking counselling or therapy for your child or yourself can be a really scary task, but it can also help to resolve the issues that many young people and families face every day. I am currently offering online sessions only. I have a virtual therapy room that is suitable for children aged 3-18. This is a highly effective tool and replicates the 'in person' therapy experience, meaning your child isn't missing out by working online.
01908 103294 View 01908 103294
Photo of Nichola Green, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Nichola Green
Psychotherapist, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
Leeds LS1
Hello, thanks for visiting my profile. I wonder what has brought you here. Perhaps you keep repeating old patterns, lack motivation, or are unhappy in your work or relationships. You know you want things to change but don't know where to start. I offer a unique and integrative approach. We connect to the body- that is the starting point. We may move, play, sing, paint, be still, talk, shout, act, and tell stories. I encourage you to tune in and observe, noticing feelings, sensations, and thoughts. I have many years of experience and many resources to help you become more grounded, and connected and shift your focus, and energy.
Hello, thanks for visiting my profile. I wonder what has brought you here. Perhaps you keep repeating old patterns, lack motivation, or are unhappy in your work or relationships. You know you want things to change but don't know where to start. I offer a unique and integrative approach. We connect to the body- that is the starting point. We may move, play, sing, paint, be still, talk, shout, act, and tell stories. I encourage you to tune in and observe, noticing feelings, sensations, and thoughts. I have many years of experience and many resources to help you become more grounded, and connected and shift your focus, and energy.
0113 519 4306 View 0113 519 4306
Photo of Emel Kahraman Banford, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Emel Kahraman Banford
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Norwich NR6
I am able to use different methods in my therapy practice, whether it is art, play, metaphors in storytelling or symbols in the sand to help children make sense of their overwhelming feelings or difficult experiences.
Growing up has never been easy but perhaps due to the ever-changing circumstances, it is becoming even more difficult for children and young people with so many things they have to navigate or are exposed to. When children struggle emotionally, whether they are toddlers or teenagers, either their behaviour detoriate or unhealthy ways to deal with those strong emotions emerge. Either option can be scary and not many will be willing to talk about what is in their mind or is upsetting them.
I am able to use different methods in my therapy practice, whether it is art, play, metaphors in storytelling or symbols in the sand to help children make sense of their overwhelming feelings or difficult experiences.
Growing up has never been easy but perhaps due to the ever-changing circumstances, it is becoming even more difficult for children and young people with so many things they have to navigate or are exposed to. When children struggle emotionally, whether they are toddlers or teenagers, either their behaviour detoriate or unhealthy ways to deal with those strong emotions emerge. Either option can be scary and not many will be willing to talk about what is in their mind or is upsetting them.
01603 361907 View 01603 361907
Photo of Cara Cramp, MBACP at Freedom Creative Arts Therapy, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Cara Cramp, MBACP at Freedom Creative Arts Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Leicester LE9
As a Creative Arts Therapist I can help your child and or teenager to express themselves, at their own pace, through the use of art, play, clay, sand tray and other therapeutic interventions, which can have a profound effect for resolving difficult issues.
Hello, my name is Cara, I’m a Creative Arts Therapist and I am guessing you are here because you're worried about a child or teenager in your life. Maybe your child/teenager is acting out and you just don’t know what to do next, maybe they’ve been through a difficult experience recently or in the past and need some help processing what happened to them. I’ve worked with many children and I want to be able to offer your child a safe and confidential environment to explore what is going on for them right now They can then begin to feel better about themselves and continue to have the positive experiences from life that they deserve.
As a Creative Arts Therapist I can help your child and or teenager to express themselves, at their own pace, through the use of art, play, clay, sand tray and other therapeutic interventions, which can have a profound effect for resolving difficult issues.
Hello, my name is Cara, I’m a Creative Arts Therapist and I am guessing you are here because you're worried about a child or teenager in your life. Maybe your child/teenager is acting out and you just don’t know what to do next, maybe they’ve been through a difficult experience recently or in the past and need some help processing what happened to them. I’ve worked with many children and I want to be able to offer your child a safe and confidential environment to explore what is going on for them right now They can then begin to feel better about themselves and continue to have the positive experiences from life that they deserve.
01455 243634 View 01455 243634
Photo of Zoe O’Connor (Play Therapist), Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Zoe O’Connor (Play Therapist)
Psychotherapist, PTUK
Verified Verified
Bourne PE10
How does play therapy help? Play therapy helps children express themselves.
Hello, I’m Zoe. I am a play and creative arts therapist based in Bourne and I see children from 3 to 16. Do you know a child with big emotions? Are these emotions hard to manage? Play therapy can help children process their emotions and make sense of their worlds. I also offer parenting support. I know how hard parenting can be and I’m passionate about offering a holistic service. I am an advocate of therapeutic parenting, playful parenting and attachment play. I like to work with parents to help support the therapeutic process and provide ways to foster co-operation, connection and play.
How does play therapy help? Play therapy helps children express themselves.
Hello, I’m Zoe. I am a play and creative arts therapist based in Bourne and I see children from 3 to 16. Do you know a child with big emotions? Are these emotions hard to manage? Play therapy can help children process their emotions and make sense of their worlds. I also offer parenting support. I know how hard parenting can be and I’m passionate about offering a holistic service. I am an advocate of therapeutic parenting, playful parenting and attachment play. I like to work with parents to help support the therapeutic process and provide ways to foster co-operation, connection and play.
01733 942001 View 01733 942001
Photo of Margaret Wilson - Child and Adolescent Counsellor, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Margaret Wilson - Child and Adolescent Counsellor
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrogate HG2
As a full member of the UKCP & MBACP I have undergone years of in-depth specialist training to understand the complexity of the young brain, developmental stages but to also offer a variety of individual therapeutic approaches, including play, creative and talking.
I am an experienced Child, Young Person and Parent Psychotherapist based in Harrogate. There are times when we all struggle emotionally. For children and young people it can often be difficult to understand their own emotions or be able to express their thoughts. Sometimes this leads to overwhelming and confusing feelings, with behaviours that seems stuck, possibly resulting in low self-esteem and struggles with relationships. Counselling and creative therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore emotions, feelings, develop an understanding of our thoughts whilst building communication skills and emotional resilience.
As a full member of the UKCP & MBACP I have undergone years of in-depth specialist training to understand the complexity of the young brain, developmental stages but to also offer a variety of individual therapeutic approaches, including play, creative and talking.
I am an experienced Child, Young Person and Parent Psychotherapist based in Harrogate. There are times when we all struggle emotionally. For children and young people it can often be difficult to understand their own emotions or be able to express their thoughts. Sometimes this leads to overwhelming and confusing feelings, with behaviours that seems stuck, possibly resulting in low self-esteem and struggles with relationships. Counselling and creative therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore emotions, feelings, develop an understanding of our thoughts whilst building communication skills and emotional resilience.
01423 449146 View 01423 449146
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 Mel Paulson, Counsellor in Louth, England
Mel Paulson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Derby DE22
To enrich the sessions, I use play and creative resources, if relevant, to allow exploration of experiences and emotions.
I understand that life can be difficult and there may be times when you could benefit from talking to an approachable counsellor. Collaboratively we can explore challenges or issues that you are facing and work towards empowerment for change. I specialise in neurodiversity (ASD/ADHD) and offer a therapeutic space for children, young people and adults to develop self-awareness and coping strategies. I am a qualified integrative counsellor who is committed to offering you a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space to allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
To enrich the sessions, I use play and creative resources, if relevant, to allow exploration of experiences and emotions.
I understand that life can be difficult and there may be times when you could benefit from talking to an approachable counsellor. Collaboratively we can explore challenges or issues that you are facing and work towards empowerment for change. I specialise in neurodiversity (ASD/ADHD) and offer a therapeutic space for children, young people and adults to develop self-awareness and coping strategies. I am a qualified integrative counsellor who is committed to offering you a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space to allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
01332 215292 View 01332 215292
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 Laura Keay, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
Laura Keay
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Harrogate HG2
Therapy with very young children is all in the metaphor and play and I work from a beautiful setting in Harrogate where we can 'get messy', play games, work in the sand or 'just talk'.
We all need support at one time or another and the fact that you are reading this tells me that you are curious about reaching out for that support, either for yourself or a loved one. This can be a very worrying time, and one that needs to be dealt with gently and with great consideration. I am lucky enough to be a highly qualified therapist and work with children, young people and adults. I've worked with clients from 4 - 100. Physical and emotional change can happen at any age and that is the focus of my work. I work face-to face from Harrogate and also online with clients aged 12 and upwards.
Therapy with very young children is all in the metaphor and play and I work from a beautiful setting in Harrogate where we can 'get messy', play games, work in the sand or 'just talk'.
We all need support at one time or another and the fact that you are reading this tells me that you are curious about reaching out for that support, either for yourself or a loved one. This can be a very worrying time, and one that needs to be dealt with gently and with great consideration. I am lucky enough to be a highly qualified therapist and work with children, young people and adults. I've worked with clients from 4 - 100. Physical and emotional change can happen at any age and that is the focus of my work. I work face-to face from Harrogate and also online with clients aged 12 and upwards.
01924 975489 View 01924 975489
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 The Retreat Clinics Manchester - Adults & Children, Psychotherapist in Louth, England
The Retreat Clinics Manchester - Adults & Children
Psychotherapist
Not Verified Not Verified
Manchester M20
Our therapeutic team includes highly experienced clinicians working in a range of modalities: CBT, psychodynamic therapy; integrative therapy, EMDR, Compassion-Focused therapy, Psychosexual therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills for individuals, Creative therapies- Art and Play, Transactional Analysis, Counselling and Psychiatry for adults.
Life can be complex, and so can mental health. This is why we have a range of different treatments and therapy approaches available, which we can tailor to suit your mental health needs. We put you at the heart of what we do. We offer choice and expert, individualised care for a very broad range of difficulties. We understand that seeking therapy can be daunting and that taking the first step can be a challenge. We work with you to design a bespoke approach to your therapy, based on exploring and understanding your concerns, needs, preferences and therapy goals.
Our therapeutic team includes highly experienced clinicians working in a range of modalities: CBT, psychodynamic therapy; integrative therapy, EMDR, Compassion-Focused therapy, Psychosexual therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills for individuals, Creative therapies- Art and Play, Transactional Analysis, Counselling and Psychiatry for adults.
Life can be complex, and so can mental health. This is why we have a range of different treatments and therapy approaches available, which we can tailor to suit your mental health needs. We put you at the heart of what we do. We offer choice and expert, individualised care for a very broad range of difficulties. We understand that seeking therapy can be daunting and that taking the first step can be a challenge. We work with you to design a bespoke approach to your therapy, based on exploring and understanding your concerns, needs, preferences and therapy goals.
0161 524 7409 View 0161 524 7409
Photo of The Therapeutic Rainbow , Counsellor in Louth, England
The Therapeutic Rainbow
Counsellor, MA, PTUK Accred
Verified Verified
Lutterworth LE17
Hi I'm Tash and I'm a fully qualified and accredited Play Therapist & Filali Play Coach. Play is a child's natural language: it speaks the worries and feelings too confusing for words. Where adults may speak about their worries and problems, children can express themselves through play long before they can articulate thoughts and feelings through the complexities of language. Often they do not know the words to describe their internal world but are ready to share it with opportunities through play and creative arts. Play builds trust, tells stories and takes us on brave adventures to wonderful places of safety, hope and happiness.
Hi I'm Tash and I'm a fully qualified and accredited Play Therapist & Filali Play Coach. Play is a child's natural language: it speaks the worries and feelings too confusing for words. Where adults may speak about their worries and problems, children can express themselves through play long before they can articulate thoughts and feelings through the complexities of language. Often they do not know the words to describe their internal world but are ready to share it with opportunities through play and creative arts. Play builds trust, tells stories and takes us on brave adventures to wonderful places of safety, hope and happiness.
01455 243895 View 01455 243895
Photo of Jenna Marie Rutherford, Counsellor in Louth, England
Jenna Marie Rutherford
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Ely CB7
I have over 20 years of experience of working as a counsellor with adults, young people, adolescents and children. I work face to face as well as on-line. I believe that you have the answers to your difficulties and that I as your therapist will provide a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings with the aim of gaining insight and understanding, so that you may live a happier and more authentic life. I use play therapy with children. Sometimes people come to therapy with specific difficulties, anxiety, depression, self harm, low self esteem and others with more generalised feelings of discontent. I am here to listen.
I have over 20 years of experience of working as a counsellor with adults, young people, adolescents and children. I work face to face as well as on-line. I believe that you have the answers to your difficulties and that I as your therapist will provide a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings with the aim of gaining insight and understanding, so that you may live a happier and more authentic life. I use play therapy with children. Sometimes people come to therapy with specific difficulties, anxiety, depression, self harm, low self esteem and others with more generalised feelings of discontent. I am here to listen.
020 8138 0406 View 020 8138 0406
Photo of Tracy Fiddler, Counsellor in Louth, England
Tracy Fiddler
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Doncaster DN2
For example, talking therapy and/or creative based sessions (art, sand play, play therapy, etc).
Thank you for viewing my profile. This may be your first step in seeking counselling and the beginning of getting you on the road to better mental health. At times, it can help to talk to someone other than family or friends. You may wish to talk about and explore what is troubling you, such as anxiety, depression, anger, gender, low self-esteem, relationships, work/school, bereavement and loss, or other things that are causing you difficulties.
For example, talking therapy and/or creative based sessions (art, sand play, play therapy, etc).
Thank you for viewing my profile. This may be your first step in seeking counselling and the beginning of getting you on the road to better mental health. At times, it can help to talk to someone other than family or friends. You may wish to talk about and explore what is troubling you, such as anxiety, depression, anger, gender, low self-esteem, relationships, work/school, bereavement and loss, or other things that are causing you difficulties.
01302 430921 View 01302 430921
Photo of Lighthouse Therapy Hub, Counsellor in Louth, England
Lighthouse Therapy Hub
Counsellor, PTUK Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leeds LS27
I am a qualified Play therapist, with a passion for supporting children and young people to become the best version of themselves. I am based in Leeds, West Yorkshire and I travel to schools within and around the local area approximately 1hour from Leeds. Play is a child’s natural way of experimenting and is an integral part of childhood development across physical and cognitive domains. Within a session children can express what they are struggling to verbalise . www.lhplaytherapy.co.uk Play supports children and they can discover and practise different ways of understanding and coping with difficult feelings, leading to healthier
I am a qualified Play therapist, with a passion for supporting children and young people to become the best version of themselves. I am based in Leeds, West Yorkshire and I travel to schools within and around the local area approximately 1hour from Leeds. Play is a child’s natural way of experimenting and is an integral part of childhood development across physical and cognitive domains. Within a session children can express what they are struggling to verbalise . www.lhplaytherapy.co.uk Play supports children and they can discover and practise different ways of understanding and coping with difficult feelings, leading to healthier
0113 519 0195 View 0113 519 0195

See more therapy options for Louth

Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Louth

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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.