What is Play & Creative Arts Therapy?

Children often do not have the words to describe their thoughts, feelings and preconceptions of their world. Play and Creative Arts Therapy uses play and creative arts (a child’s natural form of developmental learning and communication) to facilitate the expression of any difficult feelings they may be experiencing. Play and Creative Arts Therapy is an effective form of intervention that helps children modify their behaviours, clarify their self-concept, enhance self-esteem and build healthy relationships.

In Play and Creative Arts Therapy, children enter into a dynamic relationship with the therapist that enables them to express, explore and make sense of their world and experiences.

Play and Creative Arts Therapy helps children find healthier ways of communicating, develop fulfilling relationships, decrease anxiety and aggression, increase resilience, and facilitate emotional literacy. Because Play and Creative Arts Therapy is often fun and non-confrontational, it is an ideal form of therapy for children.

Children We Work With

Many children have difficulties in their lives such as family break up, bullying, life upheaval, loss and bereavement, fostering and adoption, living as refugees, physical and mental illness, a diagnosed disorder, medical intervention, disability, exposure to substance misuse, or the trauma of witnessing and experiencing abuse and/or neglect.

Such life experiences cause unhappiness, stress and confusion. A child’s capacity to think and learn is also affected. They may withdraw, act out with challenging behaviour, find it difficult to concentrate, have lots of worries, or become very controlling.

Assessment

Through an assessment of the child’s difficulties and presenting needs, background information is taken in discussion with parents/carers, the child, and significant others. Once Play and Creative Arts Therapy is deemed appropriate and informed consent provided, therapy can begin. Confidentiality is key in therapy, both for the children and significant others, and this is discussed with all involved parties.

Therapists work closely with parents/carers and others, holding regular consultations where they offer understanding, support and advice specific to your child’s needs. This can come in many forms; from a space for parents/carers to offload their concerns, to practical advice on bedtime routines, or strategies to use in the classroom. Consultations also provide the opportunity to discuss progress, setbacks, and give feedback from both sides.

The length of intervention suggested will be determined by the child and family’s level of need and discussed with parents/carers.