"Play is a child's natural medium for self-expression" — Virginia Axline.
At some point most children face challenges or difficulties which they will need to work through in order to feel happy, confident and thrive at school. Sometimes support is needed to make sense of difficult feelings or events such as:
Family relationship difficulties, Siblings with additional needs, Bereavement Divorce Low self-esteem/lack of confidence Friendship difficulties Worry/anxiety Anger Difficult/traumatic experiences
Integrative Holistic Play therapy allows children to use play and creativity to express feelings, process experiences, and solve problems in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Therapy is led by the child, and a warm, accepting and understanding therapeutic relationship is offered. A wide range of toys and creative media allow a child to express and work through difficulites symbolically, supporting inner growth and healing. Children can develop improved emotional regulation, self-esteem, and coping skills whilst also allowing them to learn better at school.
Therapy is rarely a quick fix. It takes time for a child to develop trust in the therapeutic relationship and understand that the therapeutic space is one in which they can fully express their inner world and be fully accepted as they are. Only then can change occur.