Play-based Therapy

Play therapy is client-centred and non-directive. Children don’t have developmental capacity to talk about experiences, so natural language is play and play therapy facilitates this in a safe room with the therapist.

The focus of this type of therapy is the relationship between child and therapist.

Play helps process experiences, learn boundaries and release emotions which in turn, develops emotional regulation and increases receptive and expressive skills vital for social relationships.

The focus of this type of therapy is the relationship between child and therapist.

Play helps process experiences, learn boundaries and release emotions which in turn, develops emotional regulation and increases receptive and expressive skills vital for social relationships.

Play Therapy is "Based Upon the Fact That Play is the Child's Natural Medium of Self-expression. It is an Opportunity Which is given to the Child to "Play Out" Their Feelings and Problems Just as, in Certain Types of Adult Therapy, an Individual "Talks It Out".

The focus of this type of therapy is the relationship between child and therapist.

Play helps process experiences, learn boundaries and release emotions which in turn, develops emotional regulation and increases receptive and expressive skills vital for social relationships.

What Goals does Play Therapy Address?

Indirectly addresses emotional regulation, social skills, self-care skills, protective behaviours (safety) Processing experiences such as trauma, inter-generational trauma, grief and loss Increasing self-esteem, resilience Research paper to be referenced.

How Long does My Child Need to Be in Play Therapy?

Case by case basis
On average, 20-25 sessions but again, dependent.

Using LEGO®-based therapy is helping children with autism

Minecraft and Mental Health | Screen Therapy

Do I Need to Be in the Room as a Parent/carer?

Child can choose this as play therapy is a child directed modality but if need assessed in intake that parent would benefit then yes
Frequent 1 on 1 sessions between therapist and parent are recommend

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What is a Trauma Psychologist?

A trauma psychologist is a mental health professional who is qualified to provide trauma therapy. Trauma psychologist qualifications can include an academic degree in psychology and training or experience in providing EMDR trauma therapy. The most important quality of a trauma psychologist is that they know how to work with individuals and groups who have experienced or are experiencing trauma. Trauma psychologists help people process and heal from trauma, enabling these individuals and groups to lead more mentally-healthy and enjoyable lives.
What Qualifies as Psychological Trauma?

The long-term negative effects on functional capacity and well-being as a result of a traumatic experience are what qualify as psychological trauma. As the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and Administration (SAMHSA) defined it in their Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach 2014 manual, “Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically and emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”
How do I know if I Need Trauma Therapy?

Signs that you need trauma therapy include the following: Intense, uncontrollable emotions, memory, consciousness, and self-perception (Yadav, McNamara & Gunturu, 2024, Trauma-Informed Therapy) Impaired physical, emotional, mental, psychological, or interpersonal functioning Persistent feelings of fear and mistrust towards other people (Kimberg & Wheeler, 2019, Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care) Overwhelming sense of not being safe or secure Sleep disturbances such as nightmares and insomnia Trauma shows up differently in each person. If you have a distressing symptom that isn’t mentioned in the list above or think trauma therapy would be helpful to your well-being, you can still seek trauma therapy or the assistance of a trauma psychologist.
What is a Trauma-Informed Psychologist?

A trauma-informed psychologist is a psychologist who follows a trauma-informed approach in their delivery of mental health services such as therapy. First proposed by Maxine Harris and Roger D. Fallot, the trauma-informed approach was further expanded on by SAMHSA. Trauma-informed psychologists realise the effects of trauma and events in the person’s life on their mental health condition and respond to this realisation by applying the 6 principles of a trauma-informed approach (SAMHSA, 2014): Safety - Trauma-informed psychologists ensure that the people they help feel physically and psychologically safe in their physical settings and interactions. Trustworthiness and Transparency - Trauma-informed psychologists build and maintain trust with the people they help. Peer Support - Trauma-informed psychologists offer ways for the people they help to establish healthy relationships with their peers. Collaboration and Mutuality - Trauma-informed psychologists and the people they help are partners in the latter’s well-being, collaborating towards the best outcome. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice - Trauma-informed psychologists empower others to develop their strengths and sense of self, share their opinions, advocate for themselves, and make shared choices regarding their mental health. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues - Trauma-informed psychologists address historical trauma, recognise cultural factors, and provide gender-responsive services.
What is the Difference Between Trauma Therapy and Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma therapy is focused on treating the trauma that an individual or group has experienced or are currently experiencing. Trauma-informed therapy is therapy provided in a trauma-informed manner. For example, if a person seeking therapy (but not explicitly seeking trauma therapy) goes to a psychologist who provides therapy in a trauma-informed manner, then that person is receiving trauma-informed therapy. However, this doesn’t mean those seeking trauma therapy won’t also receive trauma-informed therapy. Whether or not the therapy is trauma-informed depends on the manner in which it is provided.