so What exactly is play therapy?

Play Therapy is a type of therapy where play and art materials are used as the main way for people to express themselves.

 

Using play means that the child can explore their thoughts and feelings in creative and dynamic ways, without having to use words to articulate themselves.

In Play Therapy sessions, children explore their own creativity and express themselves using media such as: drawing and painting, water and clay, sand tray and miniatures, guided imagery and relaxation techniques, drama and puppetry, poetry, movement and music.

 

Play therapy sessions are 1-to-1, meaning it is only the child and the play therapist in the room. The therapeutic relationship means that crucially the child is not alone with their experiences. The therapist holds the session via predictable boundaries and materials and creates a containing experience for the child’s emotional experience.  This means that the child feels supported, understood, safe and able to approach deep and strong feelings.