Introducing Play Therapy

Play is a child’s first language. It’s how they explore their world, express emotions, and process what’s happening inside and around them. In therapy, play becomes a pathway for healing.

Play Therapy allows children to express what they can’t yet put into words. With the support of a trained therapist, play becomes a safe way to navigate big emotions.

Synergetic Play Therapy® is a research-informed approach that integrates nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity. It’s relational, brain-body based, and deeply attuned to each child’s inner world.

In my sessions, I use tools that resonate with children’s natural way of communicating. Sessions are developmentally appropriate, grounded in safety and connection, and tailored to the child’s unique needs.

Play Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space where children can express themselves through play. Rooted in the principles of Virginia Axline, my approach focuses on building trust, accepting the child as they are, and allowing them to lead the process at their own pace.

Through this supportive environment, children explore emotions, work through challenges, and gain insight into their inner world. With gentle reflection, respectful boundaries, and consistent emotional attunement, Play Therapy helps children build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

Maya’s Play Therapy Experience

During Maya’s (pseudonym) seventh visit to the Play Therapy room, she selected a toy nest and three toy eggs. Placing the nest in the sand tray, she nestled two eggs within it and buried the third in the sand.

I gently mirrored Maya’s play, saying, “I see you’re exploring a nest and eggs in the sand tray today. You began with three eggs, but now only two are visible. I’m curious about what separates the buried egg from the two together.”

Maya was undergoing therapy to process her feelings following her mother’s departure from her father and herself. By reflecting Maya’s play, I aimed to convey to her that her feelings were heard and accepted without judgment. This process of reflection also allowed me to offer Maya insight into her own play, bringing her subconscious emotions into her conscious awareness.

With my support, Maya began to consciously process her experiences and work towards inner resolution. The integration of open expression and reflection in Play Therapy provides children like Maya with an emotionally safe and non-intrusive space to navigate their feelings and grow.

Play Therapy is beneficial for children between the ages of 3 and 17 years. While each child’s situation is unique, here are some common issues where Play Therapy can provide support:

• Grief, coping with divorce/adoption

• Academic underperformance

• Behavioural and communication difficulties

• Processing feelings of anger, aggression, or depression

• Coping with stress, fear, anxiety, or nightmares

• Social withdrawal, isolation, or uninformed absences

• Processing experiences of abuse, trauma, or bullying

My Play Therapy toolkit is diverse, holistic, and intentionally chosen.
It includes music, art, drama, puppets and masks, therapeutic storytelling, sand trays and toys, creative visualisation, movement, and regulation techniques.

Each of these tools plays a unique role in the therapeutic process, supporting different areas of a child’s emotional, cognitive, relational, and sensory development. This variety allows me to tailor sessions to each child’s needs—offering a personalised, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate healing experience.

I prioritize clarity and understanding from the outset of our journey together. Here’s how our process unfolds:

• Free 15-Minute Video Call: Our journey kicks off with a complimentary 15-minute video call. This provides an opportunity for you to share your concerns and ask any questions you may have.

• Initial Consultation: Following the video call, we engage in an in-depth initial consultation lasting approximately 75 minutes. During this session, we delve into your child’s history and collaboratively set goals for their therapy journey.

• Ongoing Sessions: I typically recommend a minimum of 12 sessions, scheduled once a week, to maintain consistency and momentum in the therapeutic process.

• Continuous Support: I understand the importance of maintaining regular communication. Therefore, I’m available to to share and receive updates along the way, ensuring we’re on the same page throughout the journey.

• Collaboration with Parents: Collaboration with parents is integral to my approach. I provide insight, feedback, resources, and tools to empower parents in supporting their child’s process.