The Power of Play Therapy

Play is a natural and integral part of childhood. It is how children explore the world, express themselves, and make sense of their experiences. For children who may be dealing with difficult emotions or challenging life circumstances, play can become a powerful tool for healing. This is where play therapy comes in—a well-recognised therapeutic approach designed specifically for children.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a unique and powerful therapeutic approach that draws on children's natural tendency to play to bring about emotional growth and change. It is a form of child therapy in which play is the child’s primary medium of communication. Play therapy is a dynamic process between child and play therapist, which supports children in exploring difficult life experiences and making sense of their thoughts and feelings in a safe, accepting, and non-threatening environment. It encompasses a child-centred approach, meaning the therapy is led by the child, and their difficulties are worked through at their own pace. Through the therapeutic relationship, the child’s inner resources are enabled to bring about healing.

How Does Play Therapy Work?

In play therapy, a trained therapist creates a safe, supportive, and permissive environment where children can freely express themselves through play. Toys, art materials, dolls, sand trays, and games are often used to facilitate this process. The child’s play is seen as a reflection of their inner world, allowing the therapist to observe patterns, emotions, and conflicts that the child may not be able to verbalise. By engaging in play, children can explore emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, and confusion in a non-verbal and symbolic way, which often leads to greater emotional understanding and healing.

According to research, play therapy is particularly effective because it works in harmony with the developmental stages of children. Traditional talking therapies may not be suitable for younger children, as they may lack the cognitive ability or language skills to express complex emotions. Play therapy, therefore, meets children where they are developmentally, allowing them to communicate and process emotions in a way that feels natural to them.

Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate intervention for children aged between 4 and 11 years. It has been proven effective in addressing a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and psychological difficulties, including:

• Bereavement and loss

• Family breakdown, such as parental separation or divorce

• Anxiety and depression

• Low self-esteem and confidence issues

• Emotional and behavioural regulation difficulties

• Illness and chronic medical conditions

• Trauma from abuse or neglect

• Attachment-related issues, particularly in adoptive or foster care settings

  
  

Research conducted by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) highlights that play therapy can significantly reduce behavioural problems in children while promoting emotional resilience and psychological well-being also show that children who engage in play therapy demonstrate improvements in social skills, emotional regulation, and academic performance.

A trained play therapist plays a crucial role in facilitating the therapeutic process. While children are encouraged to take the lead in play therapy sessions, the therapist’s presence and support are vital. They observe the child’s play, offering guidance and insight when necessary. The therapist might introduce themes or objects into the play that resonate with the child’s struggles. However, the child remains the central figure in the therapeutic process, allowing them to work through their emotions and experiences at their own pace.

The therapist also ensures that the environment remains non-judgmental and safe, helping the child feel understood and accepted. This supportive relationship enables the child to build trust, develop coping mechanisms, and foster resilience, allowing them to manage their emotions more effectively in daily life.

The Importance of a Child-centred Approach

A central aspect of play therapy is its child-centred approach. This means that the therapy is tailored to the child’s individual needs and abilities. The child leads the sessions, dictating the pace and content of the play. This approach allows the child to explore their feelings and experiences in a way that feels comfortable and natural for them. The therapist’s role is not to direct the session but to support the child in expressing and working through their emotions.

This method empowers children by giving them a sense of control over their healing process. It respects their autonomy and acknowledges that children are often more attuned to their emotional needs than they may seem. By working at their own pace, children can gradually build confidence, develop emotional literacy, and strengthen their ability to cope with difficult situations.

Play therapy is a well-established and valuable therapeutic approach that allows children to express themselves and work through emotional challenges in a way that feels natural to them. By using play as the medium of communication, children can engage with their inner thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment. This dynamic and child-centred process can lead to lasting emotional growth and healing.

At Surrey Therapy Practice, we offer play therapy tailored to the unique needs of each child, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey. If you think your child could benefit from play therapy, get in touch with our experienced team to learn more about how we can help.