Children often express feelings in play that they cannot say in words."
As a parent, you want
the best for your child, and when they face emotional or behavioural challenges, it
can be difficult to know how to help. As a play therapist, I understand how
worrying it can be when your child seems distressed, withdrawn, or struggling in
ways that are hard to understand. My role is to support both you and your child
through this process in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Why Play Therapy?
Children often experience challenges that can impact their happiness, confidence, and ability
to engage in school or social situations. While many difficulties can be worked through at
home, there are times when additional support is needed. That’s where play therapy comes in.
Unlike adults, children don’t always have the words to express what they’re feeling, but they do communicate through play. In our sessions, I use a combination of creative activities— such as art, sand play, puppets, and role-play—to help your child express their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels natural and safe for them.
Unlike adults, children don’t always have the words to express what they’re feeling, but they do communicate through play. In our sessions, I use a combination of creative activities— such as art, sand play, puppets, and role-play—to help your child express their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels natural and safe for them.
What Happens In A Play Therapy Session?
Each week, your child will come to a session where they will have access to a carefully
chosen set of play and creative materials. This includes art supplies, musical instruments,
dress-up costumes, dolls, figurines, sand, water, and other resources that allow them to
explore and communicate through play.
During the session, I follow your child’s lead. They can choose how they want to engage, and I will gently support them, helping them work through emotions or experiences at their own pace. There is no pressure to talk if they are not ready—play itself is their language, and I am trained to understand and respond to what they express.
Over time, your child will build a trusting relationship with me, gaining a sense of safety and consistency that allows them to explore their feelings more freely. If they create artwork or projects during sessions, I will keep them safe until the therapy process is complete, at which point they can decide if they would like to take them home.
During the session, I follow your child’s lead. They can choose how they want to engage, and I will gently support them, helping them work through emotions or experiences at their own pace. There is no pressure to talk if they are not ready—play itself is their language, and I am trained to understand and respond to what they express.
Over time, your child will build a trusting relationship with me, gaining a sense of safety and consistency that allows them to explore their feelings more freely. If they create artwork or projects during sessions, I will keep them safe until the therapy process is complete, at which point they can decide if they would like to take them home.
What To Expect From The Process
Before we begin, I will meet with you to discuss your child’s needs, any challenges they are
facing, and what you hope therapy will achieve. With your consent, your child will attend
regular weekly sessions at the same time and place, ensuring a predictable and stable
environment.
After around seven sessions, I will check in with you to discuss any progress or changes you’ve noticed at home or school. This is a collaborative process, and your involvement is incredibly important. Children benefit when parents and therapists work together to support them, so I will always be available to answer your questions and provide guidance where needed.
After around seven sessions, I will check in with you to discuss any progress or changes you’ve noticed at home or school. This is a collaborative process, and your involvement is incredibly important. Children benefit when parents and therapists work together to support them, so I will always be available to answer your questions and provide guidance where needed.
Your Role As A Parent
Your support is key to your child’s progress in therapy. Keeping an open line of
communication with me, sharing any changes you observe, and reinforcing positive
developments at home all contribute to their healing process. While the therapy sessions are a
space for your child to explore their emotions freely, the work we do together—both in and
outside of sessions—helps create a strong foundation for their emotional well-being.
If you have any questions about how play therapy works or how it can help your child, I am here to talk and guide you through the process. Together, we can help your child navigate their emotions and build resilience for the future.
If you have any questions about how play therapy works or how it can help your child, I am here to talk and guide you through the process. Together, we can help your child navigate their emotions and build resilience for the future.
© 2024 Ateka Azam, Certified Play Therapist | Edinburgh UK | All rights reserved
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