What is Play Therapy

Defining Play Therapy:

  Play therapy is there to help children, such as those who have horrid, sad and hurt feelings from life experiences or those who present with issues relating to underlying conditions. Children often have confused feelings and deep emotions in relation to life experiences that have been upsetting or traumatic.  The experiences and emotions raised can cause confusion and anxiety that manifest in different presenting issues and behaviours. As adults, we have the ability to express such anxieties, confusion and feelings through the use of words. Children, on the other hand, can struggle to fully convey such emotions, thoughts and feelings in the same way. So they use play, their natural channel of communication, to express themselves in a comfortable way, in their own time and at their own developmental level.

  Often children referred to Play Therapy do not have the words to describe their thoughts, feelings and perceptions of their internal and external worlds. Play, creativity and emotions are right side brain functions, whilst language and logic are functions of the left side brain. Thus the use of non-directive play therapy helps integrate the two by giving language to the child’s play and increasing their emotional literacy and awareness. Which in turn encourages children to become more empathic, resilient and self-expressive within and outside of the play space, enabling them to find healthier ways to communicate as they build more fulfilling relationships. Consequently, defining Play Therapy as an effective intervention that helps children modify their behaviours, clarify their self-concept and build healthy connections.

Charles Schaefer’s Therapeutic Powers of Play demonstrates the influence of play on bringing about change.

 
In Play Therapy, children enter into a dynamic relationship with the therapist that enables them to express, explore and make sense of their difficult and painful feelings/experiences. Play Therapy is usually a weekly session, which takes place at the same time and in the same place. The consistency and frequency are an important part of the play therapy process as it develops the trusting relationship that allows the safe environment in which a child can show self-expression and have an opportunity to play out their emotions and problems securely.

BAPT registered Play Therapists are trained at a postgraduate level for two years in a full-time program which integrates theoretical learning, clinical skills and in-depth personal development to prepare graduates for clinical practice, predominantly with children, as a professional play therapist within the public and private sectors.

What is a Play Therapist?

Play Therapists are trained in the use of play, which is a child’s natural form of expression. They use play as a means of communicating with children about feelings, thoughts and behaviours. They also receive extensive training in subjects such as child development, attachment and neuroscience at a postgraduate level over 2 years.

What can I expect from a BAPT registered Play Therapist?​

Within ‘Play Therapy’, there are different qualifications and terminology (e.g. ‘Play Specialist’ or ‘Therapeutic Play Worker’) so trying to work out which is the best therapist for your child can be very confusing.

BAPT MA Play Therapists have practice underpinned with psychological and psychoanalytical theory adding depth and understanding to their child-centred work with children. If you wish to know more about BAPT Play Therapists then please contact Flourish & Play

When you work with a BAPT Registered Play Therapist, you have the reassurance that:

• Prior to training as a Play Therapist, they must have had previous relevant experience working in a professional capacity with children and families.
• They studied Play Therapy at a postgraduate level for a minimum of 2 years full-time study
• They have regular supervision with a qualified BAPT approved supervisor.
• They will have undergone their own personal therapy, during training, to develop their self-awareness and insight.
• They have current DBS checks.
• They have Professional Indemnity Insurance.
• They follow an ethical code of Practice

For further information regarding BAPT visit www.bapt.info