|
How
does child centred play therapy work? |
|
Child
centred play therapy is based on Carl Rogers theory of
person centred counselling. This has been adapted to use play
instead of, or as well as, talking.
Rogers theory is based around the belief that people have
the ability to find their own solutions, given the right environment
to do so.
Rogers believed that through a relationship with a therapist
who is non-judgemental and accepting, people can change the
way they view themselves and this will lead to changes in how
they interact with others. |
|
|
What
is the difference between direct work and child centred play
therapy? |
|
In
direct work a wide range of techniques and tools are used to
aid the child to explore and express their thoughts and feelings.
The play therapist directs the play towards the presenting issues
and difficulties.
Child centred play therapy does not use any specific tools and
the play is not directed. The play therapist reflects on the
childs play and the childs feelings. |
|
|
How
does playing help? |
|
Play
is an essential part of human development. Childrens play
is their natural medium of communication. In infancy children
play with their own and their carers bodies and they use
their bodies to explore the world. Their play is a sensory experience.
This changes to playing with objects and using the objects to
symbolise their experiences. Later children are able to adopt
roles in which to explore themes.
Children are often unable to verbalise their thoughts and feelings,
but can express these through their play. |
|
|
How
is success measured? |
|
Children,
carers and other people involved with the child having play
therapy, define the areas of difficulty and goals are set. These
can then be reviewed at regular intervals. |
|
|
Are
there children for whom play therapy is not suitable? |
|
Children
under the age of three years, those who are currently undergoing
a lot of changes, those who are not safe from the threat of
harm and those who do not have a supporting adult, may not be
helped by play therapy. |
|
|
What
difficulties can play therapy address? |
|
Helping
children make sense of previous life experiences.
Helping children who have a developmental delay, speech and
language, behavioural or perceptual difficulties.
Helping children to resolve their feelings about previous abusive
experiences.
Helping children to resolve attachment difficulties.
Helping children to prepare for medical treatment.
Bereavement and loss issues.
Helping to cope with chronic or life shortening illness.
Ascertaining the wishes and feelings of children. |
|
|
How
do I refer to the Play Therapy Service? |
|
Contact
is initially made by telephone. If after an initial discussion
play therapy seems to be appropriate, a meeting is convened
between the play therapist and referrer to discuss the referral
in greater detail.
Detailed information will be needed by the play therapist prior
to meeting the child and family. In the case of a child subject
to on-going care proceedings, it may be necessary for leave
to be sought to disclose court papers and for a letter of instruction
to be issued.
The play therapist meets the child and family and an assessment
is undertaken. This assessment involves two sessions, with the
child and with the carers, separately. Following this assessment,
if play therapy is appropriate and everyone is agreeable, practical
arrangements are made and sessions begin.
Play therapy is regulated by the British Association
of Play Therapists. (BAPT) This body accredits training and
membership is dependent on a recognised play therapy qualification.
All BAPT registered play therapists have undergone at least
two years training and abide by the BAPT code of ethics.
Sally Miles is a qualified play therapist with over 20 years
experience of working with children in a variety of settings,
including working for various Local Authorities, Voluntary
and Private organisations and the Courts.
|
|
|
To
return to Play Therapy click here |