what is play therapy?

When adults struggle with emotional or mental health challenges, they turn to a counsellor or therapist for support. For children, the play therapist is their counsellor. They express themselves most naturally through play, because their ability to explain thoughts and feelings and make sense of experiences in a grown-up way is not yet fully developed. 

Play Therapy offers a safe, supportive space where children can use play to explore their experiences and make sense of what is happening in their world, at their own pace. 

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is one of the most established non-directive models, rooted in person-centred principles. In this approach, the child leads the play and chooses the themes that are important to them. Children may use play to process worries, frustration, anger or sadness, and to explore relationships, practise new skills or try out different roles. Over time they gain emotional clarity and confidence, and parents begin to notice positive shifts in behaviour and communication.

Alongside Play Therapy for children, this practice offers creative, play-based support for teenagers and parents.  For teenagers, playful and creative aproaches create a safe way to explore thoughts and feelings when talking alone doesn’t feel enough. For parents and caregivers, Filial Therapy focuses on strengthening the parent–child relationship through simple, structured play sessions at home..