What is Play Therapy
Children often face challenges during times of change or difficulty, and unlike adults, they may not have the words to express their feelings. This can lead to concerning behaviours such as withdrawal, sadness, or acting out. Parents may notice changes in their child's sleeping, eating, or toileting habits, or struggle with how their child interacts with friends and family. Leaving them worried about their child's development.
Play Therapy is a specialised evidenced based therapeutic approach that helps children navigate these difficulties. Through play, children can express their needs, fears, and wishes in a way that feels natural to them. It allows them to work through emotional and behavioural challenges without the pressure of putting their feelings into words.
At Nurturing Hearts Play Therapy, we believe that true healing happens within the therapeutic relationship between the child and the therapist. In this safe, consistent, and predictable environment, children are free to explore their emotions and express their struggles at their own pace.
In Play Therapy, toys are the child's words, and play is their language. Through therapeutic tools such as clay, sand, art, puppets, music, movement, and creative visualization, children can "play out" their difficulties in a way that feels safe and empowering. This process helps them understand their past experiences, allowing them to move forward with greater emotional awareness and better coping skills.
At Nurturing Hearts, our goal is to support children as they become aware of their feelings and empower them to make positive choices for themselves, fostering emotional growth and resilience for the future.
Who is Play therapy for?
Play therapy is a valuable resource for all children, promoting creativity, improving concentration, and enhancing emotional intelligence. It provides a safe space for children to process their experiences, helping them work through difficulties and traumatic events.
At Nurturing Hearts Play Therapy, we support children for a variety of reasons, including:
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Anxiety, worry, and stress
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Lack of confidence
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Low self-esteem
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Hyperactivity and difficulty focusing
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Issues with anger and control
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Emotional regulation difficulties
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Social challenges
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Bullying or being bullied
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Physical disabilities
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ADHD
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Autism
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Learning differences
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Selective mutism
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Trauma from abuse or neglect
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Bereavement and loss
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Experiences of fostering or adoption
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Attachment and bonding issues
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Illness
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Sadness or depression
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Separation or divorce
No matter the challenge, play therapy can help children build resilience and develop the skills they need to navigate their world with confidence.
