In the Play Room

Each child decides what happens in the play room. They direct their own play, and the therapist supports them as they play. This is called "non-directed" play. Children are offered a range of toys and items to play with.  What they chose to play with enables them to "play" out their story, difficulties, thoughts, feelings and emotions. Expressing these things through play, helps them to resolve difficulties they are facing.   

We meet each child where they are at.  This gives each child a sense of power and control over their circumstances, which may be missing in their own lives.  This also helps the child feel safe with the therapist, trust the therapist, feel understood and accepted. 

The particular approach taken for each child, depends on the reason they need assistance.  At the start, the priority is for the play therapist to get to know each child. This is important as we want each child to feel comfortable with their play therapist and develop a bond with them. Each child must feel safe in the play room, that they can trust their therapist and be accepted.