What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a unique and powerful way to support children, especially those with disabilities or autism. Unlike regular playtime, this approach involves a trained therapist using play to help children explore their feelings and overcome challenges. It provides a safe space where kids can express themselves without feeling overwhelmed. Through carefully selected games and activities, play therapists guide children in developing healthy ways to cope with emotions, improve social skills, and navigate difficult situations.

In the therapy room, children learn to communicate, express their feelings, adjust behaviours, and solve problems. They also discover new ways to build positive relationships with others. Even the most challenging issues can be addressed through play therapy, leading to lasting changes that benefit children throughout their lives.

Play therapy taps into children’s natural creativity and their ability to express themselves without words. It’s a form of counselling that’s perfectly suited for young children, as it aligns with the way they naturally interact with the world. During play therapy sessions, children can act out their experiences, both real and imagined, in a way that helps them better understand and manage their emotions. This approach gives them the chance to express themselves, learn to regulate their emotions, practice new skills, and gain confidence in handling different situations.

This method is especially beneficial for children facing emotional difficulties. Through play, they can explore their feelings in a way that feels comfortable and natural. A trained play therapist guides this process, building a strong, trusting relationship with the child and helping them express their emotions safely.

Play therapy recognises the importance of play in a child’s overall development—not just for fun, but for emotional and social growth as well. In the specially designed play environment, children are free to express themselves using toys, games, and imaginative play. This process is built on the child’s own strengths and inner resources, supported by the therapeutic relationship, to encourage growth, development, and healing.

Our Approach – Child-Centred Play Therapy

At the heart of our practice here at Ability Assist, is child-centred or non-directive play therapy, a method first developed by Virginia Axline in the mid-20th century. Inspired by Carl Rogers’ person-centred approach, Axline’s principles continue to shape modern play therapy. This approach helps children explore their concerns through a trusted relationship and creative play.

The core of child-centred play therapy lies in creating a warm, caring, and accepting relationship with the child. This environment allows children to express any emotion (though not any behaviour) and gain insights into their own experiences. It respects children’s ability to solve problems and make decisions for themselves. The therapist does not direct the child’s play or behaviour, nor do they rush the process. Limits are only set when absolutely necessary.

This approach values and trusts each child’s unique ability to work through their challenges when given the right support. It’s a powerful tool that helps children navigate their emotional world and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Child-centred play therapy offers unique benefits for children aged 3-10. It allows them to choose how and when to share their feelings, making it a respectful and effective approach tailored to their individual needs.

This evidence-based counselling method has been used successfully for over 60 years, with extensive research supporting its effectiveness. Large-scale studies, known as meta-analyses, have shown that play therapy can have significant positive effects. For example, a review of over 100 studies found that play therapy is effective for addressing a wide range of issues. Importantly, the research shows that allowing children to lead the play is more effective than when therapists take a more directive role. Additionally, when parents are involved in the process, the outcomes are even better.

For those interested in exploring the research further, the book Child-Centered Play Therapy Research: The Evidence Base for Effective Practice by Jennifer N. Baggerly, Dee C. Ray, and Sue C. Bratton provides an in-depth look at the effectiveness of this approach.

Play therapy is a gentle yet powerful way to help children work through their feelings and build important life skills. It offers a safe, supportive environment where young ones can learn to navigate their emotional world and grow into their full potential.

Supporting Children and Young People with Complex Care Needs

Ability Assist’s evidence-based Child-Centred Play Therapy provides a trauma-informed, safe environment for children to express their thoughts and feelings through play. This approach helps children learn adaptive behaviours such as:

• Communicating with others
• Expressing feelings
• Modifying behaviour
• Developing problem-solving skills
• Building relationships

Our Play Therapy service includes:

• Individual Child-Centred Play Therapy sessions (up to 1 hour)
• Support for caregivers and staff through personalised sessions and capacity-building training
• Recommendations for the use of toys in residential settings
• Animal companionship options
• Collaborative work with care teams and other therapists
• Regular assessments and detailed progress reports to track the child’s development and therapy outcomes

To learn more about our Play Therapy services, please reach out to our team by leaving your details here.