Services

 Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a specialised evidence-based psychotherapy approach, proven through rigorous research and clinical studies over the past 70 years, to be effective when working with children aged 3-12 to address emotional and behavioural challenges they may be experiencing. 

These challenges may result from school-related issues, adjustment issues, developmental delays, emotional regulation, divorce or family changes, grief and loss, anxiety, behavioural challenges, attachment issues, ADHD, ASD, medical conditions/hospitalisations, and trauma.

Unlike conventional talk therapy, which relies heavily on verbal communication, play therapy is rooted in the understanding that play is the natural language of children. Play allows children to explore their inner worlds, process emotions, and make sense of their experiences.

A diverse range of thoughtfully chosen toys and materials are selected to encourage the exploration and expression of a broad spectrum of emotions. The selection of play materials includes real-life items that facilitate playing out realistic events, toys that allow children to safely express intense emotions, and a range of creative and emotional release materials that empower children to freely express themselves in unstructured ways.

Children are provided with the autonomy to guide and orchestrate their play sessions, based on what they are innately drawn to. In this therapeutic approach, the therapist assumes a passive stance (with the inclusion of reasonable limits) while actively fostering a secure and expressive space. 

The primary aim is to empower children to cultivate attributes of themselves, including responsibility, acceptance, awareness, trust, regulation, and direction. These developmental gains can ultimately lead to the emergence of more constructive and self-enhancing behaviours in children.

Filial Therapy, also referred to as Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), is a therapy model primarily centred on parents or caregivers. It draws its roots from the child-centred approach and is grounded in the belief that parents and caregivers are the most effective agents for bringing about positive change in their children.

The process involves equipping parents/caregivers with therapeutic play skills through training and then guiding them through supervised play sessions. While structured over 3 phases, this therapy approach can be flexible in delivery, including both face to face and virtual support. The length of delivery varies between clients depending on the extent of their needs.

Filial Therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing problematic behaviours in children, alleviating stress in parents and caregivers, and enhancing empathetic responses from parents. While initially designed for children aged 2-12, this family therapy model can be adjusted to address the specific needs of infants and adolescents. 

Theraplay is a transformative, play-based approach designed to strengthen the bond between caregivers and children by fostering trust, connection, and emotional regulation. Through joyful, interactive activities, Theraplay focuses on four key dimensions of healthy attachment: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge.

 In structured sessions, a trained Theraplay practitioner works with a child and their parents/ caregivers and facilitates playful, attuned interactions that can be  replicated at home. These sessions might include activities that include gentle nurturing touch, or cooperative games that encourage resilience and confidence. Caregivers receive real-time coaching to adapt their responses to their child’s cues, building a foundation of trust and emotional safety. 

This approach is highly effective for children who have experienced attachment ruptures, behavioural challenges, or relational trauma, helping them feel valued and supported. This approach also helps to increase parents confidence in responding to their children's underlying needs.  By incorporating Theraplay principles into everyday routines, families experience stronger relationships, improved emotional regulation, and greater joy in their interactions, fostering resilience and lasting connection.

Theraplay is delivered on a weekly basis in 30 minute sessions either in your home or in the playroom. The length of delivery varies between clients depending on their individual needs. 

Learn to Play Therapy (LPT) is a therapeutic approach designed to enhance a child's capacity for engaging in pretend or imaginative play. Developed by Karen Stagnitti, a renowned occupational therapist and researcher, this approach is primarily geared towards children up to the age of 10. While more directive in nature, a child-centred approach is still applied, whereby the therapist sees the child can develop their own play ability, and helps to facilitate key pretend play skills in a supportive and developmentally appropriate manner.

Learn to Play Therapy can support children with developmental delays, those who are neurodivergent and any child who struggles to enter and engage in pretend play. The central focus of Learn to Play Therapy is to promote a child's enjoyment of and proficiency in pretend play, recognising its significance in a child's social competence and learning process.

Karen Stagnitti believes being able to spontaneously initiate pretend play is a fundamental skill linked to social understanding. This means that when a child is a competent player, they will feel more socially connected, have an increased sense of themselves and an understanding of narrative.

For more information visit:  https://www.learntoplayevents.com/for-parents/ 

An initial consultation with Sarah via a phone call or email will help you to decide if Light Up Play Therapy is suitable for your child.

The process will then involve:

1. Making an appointment for an initial parent/ caregiver intake meeting. Following confirmation of this appointment you will receive and email with a link to an online Intake form to be completed prior to your meeting.

 2. Your initial intake meeting will occur without children present. During this meeting Sarah will give an overview of play therapy and the process, discuss information provided via your online form and learn more about your child within the context of your family. Standardised questionnaire's may be provided for your child's teacher and parent/caregivers to complete. This meeting is also about establishing goals for your child and family and working out future appointments.

3. Your child's first play therapy appointment will include a pre- treatment assessment. This is an informal play-based process and assessment tools are determined based on your child's interests, needs and abilities. The aim of this initial session is to familiarise your child with their therapist and the play room  and to ensure they feel safe, secure and supported so that they can attend play therapy sessions independently moving forward.

3. Play Therapy sessions continue on a weekly basis.

4. Parent consultations (review of child's progress). These occur every 6-8 weeks. These will typically take 45-60 minutes and be billed accordingly. Goals will be revised at this stage and  psychoeducation via supportive resources and recommendations will be provided also.

6. Termination of therapy (following observation of therapeutic change/ goals established with parents/caregivers). It is recommended children are given time to prepare for their final session and this is generally discussed with the child 5 weeks prior to their final play therapy session with a therapeutic ending planned to meet each child's individual needs.