Supporting your child through the difficult times.

Welcome to TherapeuticPlayWA.com

Birds fly, fish swim and children play........(G Landreth)

Non-directive play therapy is based on Rogerian client centred therapy with adults (Rogers 1976), adapted to child therapy and using play rather than verbal exchange as the principal means of communication. It differs from other play interventions and therapies primarily in its non-directive stance, that is the choice of issues and activity in the playroom is determined by the child rather than the adult, within certain basic limits set by the therapist.

A relationship is developed between the child and the therapist in which the child (with the therapists help) develops the freedom to choose the feelings he or she wishes to explore and the means through which to do this. Play provides healing for hurt and sadness breaks down the tension and releases pent-up urges, towards self expression. The activity of play is one of the most important ways in which children learn that their feelings can be safely expressed without reprisal or rejection from others (Cass 1973).

Play Therapy can help with a whole range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Play Therapy can be effective as an intervention for children with a variety of presenting issuessuch as
• Children or young people who have been abused, neglected or traumatised.
• Children or young people who have experienced loss through bereavement or family break-downs or separation from culture or origin.
• Children who are ill, disabled or who cope with carers or siblings with illnesses or disabilities.
• Those who have witnessed or been subjected to violence or substance abuse.
• Children who have emotional or behavioural difficulties (eg. Depression and/or aggression) arising from their experiences.