Play Therapy
We know from our own experiences and the work of Child Development Theorists, that Children transition in life through stages. These Developmental stages happen through interactions and experiences in our Environment, from Family and Society. We grow, adapt, learn and think- this is reflected in our behaviours.
In life, we can be exposed to Trauma and difficult situations which can affect the brain, changing its connections and creating difficulties in everyday life.
However, the brain has something called Neuroplasticity, and this means those connections in the brain that have been changed due to Trauma or difficulties, can be re-wired to create new healthier connections that allow deeper understanding, support and regulation in oneself, through things like Therapeutic support.
This is where Play Therapy as a Therapeutic support can have an important role!
Play is a child’s natural medium for self-expression” - Virginia Axline
Play Therapy enables "the unspoken to be heard, & the unbearable to be shared" -Dandelion Play Therapy
Play Therapy is a type of Counselling/Therapy for Children and Young People that uses Play, Behaviour and other Creative Processes, to tap into the Conscious and Sub Conscious to help with whatever difficulties and hurt they may be experiencing and feeling.
It's completely Child Led, so it's the Play in however it's form, be that with the toys, known as 'mediums' or not, that allows for exploration, expression, communication and release.
Play is one of the first things a Child ever does in their life and is their first form of expression! In connecting Play and Therapy, Children and Young people are given their own safe space to be completely themselves and speak their own language.
The NI Youth Wellbeing Survey showed that One in eight Children and Young people in Northern Ireland have experienced emotional difficulties, one in ten had conduct problems and one in seven problems with hyperactivity.
Further to this, 12.6% of children and young people in Northern Ireland experience common mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and this is around 25% higher than in other areas of the UK.
How can Play Therapy help with this?
There are a number of reasons Play Therapy may be of benefit to a Child/Young Person and support them with areas such as:
- Bereavement/Grief
- Anxiety
- Anxiety based School Avoidance
- Anger or Aggression
- Depression
- Abuse (Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Domestic)
- Divorce or Family separation
- Lack of Self-Esteem
- Toileting or Sleep issues
- Autism, ADHD
- Bullying or Friendship difficulties
- Attachment difficulties
- Social and Communication difficulties
and more
The Play Therapy Process
Individual Play Therapy sessions
Non-directive, Individual 40 minute Play Therapy sessions are available for Children and Young People aged 4-15 years in the RuLu Play Therapy space in Conway Mill, Belfast.
If you choose for a Child/Young Person to attend sessions, they are in control of sessions, while I hold the space for them to communicate, express and release in a safe way.
It is recommended that a Child/Young Person attends at least 12 Play Therapy sessions initially. Each session is an investment of £40, with the first session free. This can be paid weekly, or other arrangements can be discussed.
A Parent/Carer Session is booked as a time and space to discuss current circumstances and whether Play Therapy can be the best support for the Child/Young Person right now.
If you feel you would like to initially briefly discuss current circumstances and find out more info about RuLu services, a free 20 minute consultation can also be booked.
Contact us, or book a session now in our Appointments section.