Frequently Asked Questions
What is play therapy?
Play therapy for a child is what talk therapy is for an adult. It is a safe space to explore big feelings, experiences or worries.
Children make sense of their world and their experiences through play. Through play and with the support of the play therapist we can help with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Who is it for?
Play therapy can be of benefit to any child between 4-12 years old.
There is an abundance of evidence that shows how effective play therapy is for children with varying needs. To name but a few, play therapy is effective in supporting children with bereavement and loss, behavioural difficulties, bullying, relationship difficulties and neurodivergent children with diagnosis of Autism, Attention Deficit Hyeractivity Disorder, and Sensory Processing Disorder.
How does it work?
Play therapy at Play and Bloom is child-centered. We believe in the child’s innate ability to heal from within. We use a non-directive approach, which means we follow the child’s lead in the playroom. We do not dictate what the child should talk about or what they should do to feel better. Therapy cannot be rushed and must be at the child’s own pace.
The role of the therapist is to to create a safe environment, one where the child can feel comfortable to be themselves. The therapist will use a variety of strategies to support the child on their journey to self-discovery and in finding a way to Bloom again.
What to expect:
To refer a child for play therapy at Play and Bloom, please contact us to complete the relevant referral forms.
Next, we will arrange a parent/guardian consultation where together we will explore the needs of your child. The consultation will last approximately one hour, both parents are encouraged to attend. Both parents must consent before therapy can commence.
All decisions are in consultation with the therapist, parents/guardians and the child. The child must also consent and be willing to engage in the process.
All children must attend for a minimum of 12 Play Therapy sessions, which will take place at the same time and day every week. Play Therapy sessions are one to one, with just the child and therapist present and will last for 40minutes.
A parent review will take place after session 8 and all will agree the next steps. The therapist may make recommendations to support your child at home and school etc. Some children may require more than 12 play therapy sessions.
A safe space to play it out and bloom again
