10, Storeys Meadow, West Meon. Petersfield. Hampshire. GU32 1AP
UNDERSTANDING PLAY THERAPY
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that supports children to express and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play. Children often communicate more naturally through play than through words, particularly when emotions or experiences are difficult to articulate.
Play Therapy UK (PTUK), recognises play as a child’s natural language, and toys and creative materials as their words. Play therapy provides a safe, consistent, and supportive therapeutic space where children can explore their inner world at their own pace.
How Play Therapy Works
Play therapy is child-led and non-directive, meaning the play therapist follows the child’s lead rather than directing or instructing them. Within a carefully prepared therapeutic environment, children are supported to choose how they engage with the play materials available, allowing them to express themselves in their own time and in their own way.
A range of play therapy resources and creative media are accessible within sessions, which may include:
- Sand play
- Creative arts and drawing
- Role play and symbolic play
- Small world play and storytelling
Children are typically offered a course of 1 hour, 12 weekly sessions. Across these 12 weeks, the sessions form a therapeutic journey in which trust, safety, and emotional understanding can gradually develop. As part of this process, children are supported to create a personal journey box or folder, where they can keep artwork, creations, or meaningful items from their sessions. The journey box or folder belongs to the child and reflects their individual therapeutic experience. At the end of the 12 sessions, this is taken with them as a reflective reminder of their work, growth, and progress.
Through the therapeutic relationship and the play process itself, children are supported to make sense of their experiences, develop emotional understanding, and build resilience in a way that feels safe, supportive, and meaningful to them.
Understanding and Assessment
In line with PTUK and APAC principles, understanding a child’s emotional needs is an ongoing and reflective process. As part of this process, a recognised screening tool such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is used at the beginning of therapy and reviewed during the therapeutic journey. The SDQ helps to provide a broad picture of a child’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships, and strengths.
The SDQ is not used to diagnose or label a child and is never considered in isolation. It is used alongside clinical observation, the therapeutic relationship, and the child’s play to support reflective practice and understanding. Any use of assessment tools is discussed in advance with parents or carers, and informed consent is always obtained.
The Role of the Play Therapist
A qualified play therapist is trained to observe, understand, and respond to the emotional meaning within a child’s play. Rather than focusing on behaviour change or teaching skills, play therapy supports emotional expression, regulation, and integration.
In line with PTUK and APAC principles, the play therapist:
- Provides emotional safety and consistency
- Attunes to the child’s pace and needs
- Maintains clear professional and ethical boundaries
- Supports the child without judgement or pressure
The therapeutic relationship is central to the play therapy process and offers a secure base from which the child can explore, express, and grow.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Play therapy may support children who are experiencing a wide range of emotional, social, or developmental challenges, including:
- Anxiety or emotional distress
- Changes or transitions
- Difficulties expressing feelings
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Experiences that feel overwhelming or confusing
Each child’s therapeutic journey is unique, and play therapy respects individual differences, strengths, and needs.
A Child-Centred and Ethical Approach
Play therapy practice is grounded in:
- Child-centred and non-directive principles
- Ethical practice and safeguarding
- Respect for the child’s autonomy and voice
- Professional supervision and ongoing development
Play Therapy UK (PTUK), emphasises the importance of ethical practice, confidentiality, and prioritising the child’s emotional wellbeing at all times.
