“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

[Fred Rogers]

Play Therapy is based on providing a neutral and enjoyable environment from which children can explore and begin to understand their feelings and emotions without the need to talk or explain directly about their issues or experiences.

In the Foundations’ playroom children have open access to an engaging and vibrant range of play and art materials which they can select from and play with in their own way, at their own pace. Play therapy is mainly child-led, with the therapist responding to the child, either by joining in, observing or giving them the space they need without interruption, interpretation or judgement.

More usually at the start, the play therapist focuses on developing the relationship between themselves and the child. It can take several sessions for the child to trust in both the therapist and the process of play therapy. We take our time to establish this connection as it is absolutely crucial that the child feels totally supported, safe and understood. This allows the child to be able to access important or difficult feelings that are affecting their everyday life – sometimes feelings they aren’t conscious of or able to define.

Children learn that each and every play therapy session is “their time” to be interested in themselves and learn to believe that they are worthy of the full attention and focus of another person.

‍

Over time play therapy can help children to:

• cope with what they are going through
• explore their own behaviours and responses
• build and develop relationships outside of the therapy space
• believe in themselves.

‍

It can be a truly beneficial therapy for many different challenges or experiences including:

• bereavement
• trauma
• anxiety
• relationship issues
• change
• alterations in behaviour
• emotional responses to different situations or people
• issues around neurodiversity.

I have been practising as a play therapist since 2018 and prior to that was a primary school teacher for over twenty years. As a play therapist I relish the time that I have to be totally focused and engaged with a child in the playroom. It is an absolute privilege to be let into their world for a short time. I am in awe of the power of play: to allow children to recognise what they need to do in order to feel better about themselves.

To find out more about play therapy at Foundations do call 01732 616984 or email us and we’ll be delighted to help.‍

‍

By Michelle Suddes, Foundations’ Play Therapist

Michelle is a mum to teenagers and has spent more than 20 years as a primary school teacher. She is now a certified play therapist and works with Foundations and directly within some primary schools. This therapy is suitable for children aged 4 – 12 but can also be beneficial for older children and young people.