Helping young people to express themselves in their own way
For who ?
A family member or member of staff at school or college may have noticed a child or teenager is sad, disruptive, rebellious, unable to cope or inattentive.
They may be concerned about the child’s development and ability to thrive in the school environment. There may be issues with conduct, emotional intelligence, hyperactivity, relationships, or difficulties engaging in learning.
Every child is unique, but sometimes they experience problems with feelings or behaviours that cause disruption to their lives and the lives of those around them.
Play Therapy helps children in a variety of ways. PTUK state that “between 77% and 84% of the children who are in Play Therapy change in a positive way”. They receive emotional support and can learn to understand more about their own feelings and thoughts. Sometimes they may re-enact or play out traumatic or difficult life experiences in order to make sense of their past and cope better with their future.
Children may also learn to manage relationships and conflicts in more appropriate ways. The outcomes may be general e.g. a reduction in anxiety and raised self-esteem, or more specific such as a change in behaviour or improved relations with family and friends.