PLAY THERAPY
with Tara
PLAY THERAPY
with Tara
Child-centered Play therapy
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I specialise in Child-Centered play therapy. Child centered Play Therapy is a completely non-directive practice, in which the child takes the lead of their therapy in all aspects. I deliver these therapy sessions in a special room designed with objects, decor and toys that serve a specific purpose. This includes artistic materials, games and toys. I use five types of toys to help children with self-expression:
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family/nurturing toys
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scary toys
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aggressive toys
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expressive toys
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pretend/fantasy toys.
The different toys allow the child to embody and act out specific emotions, and to explore events in their life through pretend and role play. Because children do not have the same cognitive faculties as adults, it is hard for them to use words as their therapeutic tool, and this is the genius of play therapy - the room and everything in it becomes a way for the child to communicate and access their hidden wounds.
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The total result is a very powerful and effective process that ensures children are not pressured to achieve external outcomes, but are given the time, space and trust to work at their own pace. By being enabled to direct their own process, children experience a significant shift in their locus of control, and the ensuing positive outcomes are deeply embedded, and long lasting.
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In play therapy, the child experiences:
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loving attention
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complete acceptance
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awareness of own feelings
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deep encouragement
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the returning of autonomy
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expansion of self
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And it's fun!
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I am truly passionate about this gentle yet highly effective process, and the gift it provides for children to discover who they are.
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If you would like a short example of how play therapy works,
listen to this from the Play therapy parenting website.