What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is giving a child or young person the opportunity to express their feelings or emotions in a non directive and safe environ-ment. Play therapy is based on the theory that playing is a child's natural way of learning, communicating and making sense of the world.

Who can refer?
Children from 4 –16 can be referred for play therapy.
Play Therapy includes a variety of re-sources in which children may like to use to help them communicate, such as: art, music, therapeutic stories, puppets, dance and movement and clay. Sand therapy is also used, which is an effective way in which chil-dren use miniature life symbols to communi-cate and process any difficulties they may have. It is found that children find talking ther-apy or counselling difficult, therefore play ther-apy is found to have better results.

Play therapy can help...

Play therapy can help children or young people who have been subject to a traumatic event such as:
 Family breakdown
 Bereavement/Loss
 Abuse
 Being bullied
 Social exclusion
 Trauma
Play therapy can help children who
express the following difficulties:
 Behavioral difficulties
 Nightmares
 Bullying/being bullied
 Delayed development
 Withdrawn behavior
 Eating disorders
 Emotional problems
 Communication difficulties
 Anger and aggression
 Making friends
 School attendance

How long?
Some children will respond to a short term intervention (for example up to 12 sessions). However, when problems have persisted for a long time or are complicated a longer-term intervention may be required. In these circumstances some Play Therapists have worked with children for two years or more. Sessions are usually for half an hour or more once a week and consistency on a regular day and at the same time and place is very important for developing a trusting relationship. After a period of 12 sessions or more, the therapist will produce a report which summarises the progress of the child, and make recommendations if needed.

Play Therapy principals
Any information about the child or family will usually be kept confidential. A Play Therapist may share information with other colleagues and professionals for the benefit of the child with a parent/carers permission. A Play Therapist must share information with other professionals if they are concerned that a child is being harmed, hurting others or themselves.

Parents, Teachers, Social workers, GP’s and other professionals can refer children. Parental consent must be given before a child is referred. Once the referral is made, the therapist will contact the parent/carer to arrange a free consultation with the child and parent to assess whether therapy is appropriate. Referral forms which the therapist will provide are to be com-pleted by parent/ carer and any profes-sionals involved, before therapy begins.

Forest Bus and Play Therapy
Forest Bus employs two members of staff who can provide therapeutic play to children and young people who would benefit.
Katy Peacock and Jacquie Mc Dowell are currently undertaking a Diploma and Certificate in Play Therapy recognised by PTUK (Play Therapy UK). The Forest Bus has a variety of resources in which the therapists can use on a mobile basis to work with children and families living in rural and urban isolation across the New Forest and Hampshire.
Because the Forest Bus is a non profit making organisation, reasonable rates will be charged to cover costs and expenses.