How can play therapy help my child?
When children are struggling with big feelings, worries, changes, or experiences they don’t yet have words for, play therapy can help.
Play therapy is a gentle, child-centred form of counselling that uses play, creativity, and imagination as a child’s natural way of communicating. Just as adults talk about their thoughts and feelings, children often “talk” through play.
Why Play?
Children don’t always have the language or emotional awareness to explain what’s going on inside. Play allows them to express themselves in a way that feels safe, familiar, and developmentally appropriate.
Through play, children can:
Explore feelings they may not yet understand
Work through difficult experiences or worries
Build emotional regulation and confidence
Develop problem-solving and coping skills
Play therapy is not about “fixing” or directing a child. Instead, it offers a safe, supportive space where they can be themselves and be accepted just as they are.
What Happens in a Play Therapy Session?
Each session is led by your child. They choose how they want to use the time, while I provide a safe, consistent, and containing environment.
Your child may:
Play quietly or energetically
Create stories or imaginary worlds
Repeat the same activity over several sessions
Change activities frequently
Talk a lot, or hardly at all
All of this is normal. There is no right or wrong way to do play therapy.
Over time, children often begin to use play to express feelings, try out new ways of coping, and make sense of things that may feel confusing or overwhelming.
My Therapy Space: A Calm, Creative Caravan
Sessions take place in my converted therapy caravan — a cosy, welcoming space designed especially for children. Many children find this separate, contained space feels special and safe, away from everyday distractions.
Inside the caravan you’ll find a wide range of therapeutic play materials, including:
Sand Tray
The sand tray allows children to create worlds, scenes, or stories using miniatures. This can be especially helpful for expressing experiences that are hard to put into words.
Dolls House and Figures
Using dolls, animals, and figures, children can act out relationships, routines, or imagined situations in a way that feels manageable and symbolic.
Puppets and Soft Toys
Puppets and toys often help children express feelings indirectly. Sometimes a puppet can say things that feel too hard to say out loud.
Art and Creative Materials
Painting, drawing, and craft activities give children another way to express emotions, experiment, and relax. There is no expectation to “make something nice”, it’s about the process, not the outcome.
Games and Play Activities
Games can support turn-taking, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and connection, all while having fun.
All materials are carefully chosen to support emotional expression, creativity, and a sense of safety.
What About Parents?
I know that trusting someone with your child is a big step.
While play therapy sessions are confidential to protect your child’s therapeutic space, I offer regular parent check-ins to:
Share general themes (without breaking confidentiality)
Talk about progress and emotional development
Offer support and guidance for home or school
You are an important part of your child’s journey, and I aim to work collaboratively with you throughout the process.
If you’re still unsure whether play therapy is right for your child, please reach out for a free 20 minute consultation to find out more.