
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing".
George Bernard Shaw
Play/Creative Therapy is suitable for everyone from age 4 – 100!
Play and creativity is incredibly important for a child's development; helping to shape key social, creative, language, emotional, cognitive and physical processes. As a result, play and creative arts therapy can help in a variety of ways, although exactly how will depend greatly on the individual needs. The approach is considered particularly important for those who may struggle to express themselves verbally, although generally it can help children and young people of all abilities, cultures and genders.
Some of the common types of problems play therapists deal with include children or young people:-
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who find it difficult to concentrate or learn
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who have been bullied or use bullying behaviours
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with social or behavioural difficulties
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who argue frequently with peers or siblings
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suffering with anxiety, stress or phobia
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with low self-esteem
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who suffer with nightmares or disturbed sleep- who are withdrawn or continually unhappy- who display inappropriate behaviour
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who have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
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who are dealing with parental separation, divorce or conflict
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who have witnessed domestic violence
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who are in hospital
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who have experienced sexual, emotional or physical abuse
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in care
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adoption and fostering (check with adoption services if in process of adoption)
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dealing with stressful life experiences such as loss, illness or death of a loved one
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who are on the autism spectrum - I use a combination of behavioural and developmental methodology that is both therapist-led and parent-led.