Play Therapy I am a qualified counsellor, BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and PTUK (Play Therapy UK) registered, able to offer therapeutic play for children with emotional problems. One in five children suffer a psychological disorder and one in ten have mental health problems and the purpose of play therapy in schools is to help children benefit from teaching by alleviating their mental and emotional health problems. In a recent short pilot trial run by PTUK and Kent County Council, 126 children were identified using Goodman's Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire as suitable for therapeutic play and these were offered 6 sessions each. Difficulties such as emotional problems, conduct problems, attention / hyperactivity difficulties, peer relationship, pro social behavioural problems were identified. After a course of play therapy the benefits to teaching staff are that the child participates in group work, communicates with others, listens and is better able to concentrate on their work.  This helps to reduce exclusions and helps the child to improve their attendance rates. Play therapy is a method of helping children with behaviour and emotional problems to help themselves.  Play is the child’s natural medium of self expression - it’s essential for development and play therapy gives child the opportunity to ‘play out ‘ their feelings and problems with a therapeutic objective. oOo I can facilitate groups of children, young people or adults to either look at specific problems, such as bullying, poor behaviour or trauma.

The main therapeutic tools for the play therapist are: Creative Visualisation – helps understanding and thinking Storytelling – helps moral and spiritual development Drama – helps social relationships Puppets and Masks – helps caring for self Art – helps creativity and aesthetic experiences Music – helps communication Dance and Movement – helps with physical problems Sandplay and sandworlds – helps with emotional problems Problems covering such as Bereavement / Loss Separated/Divorced Parents Under Performing:  Academic  Social  Cultural  Physical Behavioural Problems Communication Problems Autistic Spectrum   with symptoms such as Trauma Abuse Nightmares Delayed Development Unauthorised Absences Social Exclusion Bullied/Bullies

Play is essential for children to develop physically, emotionally & socially. It fosters imagination and creativity Encourages confidence and concentration. Helps them make friends and learn about their ever expanding world. Allows them to learn from mistakes safely Play can be used to establish a relationship