West Coast Play Therapy

West Coast Play Therapy offers individual Play Therapy to children aged 2-12 years.

Play is the primary way children learn about their world, understand how things work, express themselves and develop new physical, mental and social skills. Child Centered Play Therapy is an effective form of counselling designed to help children aged 2-12 years deal with their feelings, stress and anxiety. Children often find it difficult to talk about their feelings and experience. Therapy happens through play, children are able to tell their story using toys. Play Therapy allows them to make sense of their emotions, and their world, resulting in positive changes in their behaviour.

Play therapy is a child led therapy. This therapy is based on the belief that children have the inner wisdom to take us to where they need to be at that point in time. Being a child led therapy, children have control and aren't pushed any further than necessary. This approach minimizes the risk of re-traumatising the child. Play Therapy doesn't label; children are able to be who they are and feel how they want without judgement. Play Therapy focuses on the child rather than the problem.

Play Therapy is more than simply playing. A trained and empathetic therapist creates an environment that is safe, trusting, non-judgemental and non-directive. In this environment children feel empathy, acceptance, understanding and safety. The essential element of Play Therapy is the relationship between the child and therapist. The trusting relationship formed between the child and therapist allows the child the freedom to express their inner struggles, explore relationships, make sense of experiences, shape their perception of self and develop effective coping strategies.

Child Centered Play Therapy:

- Provides a safe, trusting and predictable environment for emotional expression

- Teaches children how to express their thoughts and feelings in constructive ways

- Fosters decision making and acceptance of responsibility

- Facilitates the development of problem-solving, coping skills and resilience

- Helps children to explore and practice social skills

- Encourages confidence and concentration

- Fosters imagination and creativity

- Supports emotional healing and growth

- Facilitates resolution of pain and self-healing