What is Play Therapy?
CoRe Kids Therapy offers Animal Assisted Play Therapy and Child Centred Play Therapy, along with our other therapies.
During times of stress, grief or anger, play therapy allows children to work through emotions and challenges under the care of a qualified therapist.
Play is the way that children learn, develop and understand the world around them. In Play Therapy, your child’s natural tendency towards play is used to help them process complicated emotions they may not otherwise be able to express. Play Therapy empowers them to freely express, explore and resolve feelings and experiences that may be troubling, confusing or frightening.
Who can it help?
Play Therapy provides a highly effective psychological treatment for children aged 2 to 12 years.
It is suitable for children who have been experiencing social, emotional, developmental or behavioural difficulties, including meltdowns, early trauma experiences, high stress environments, anxiety, separation anxiety, depression, grief, hyper-activity, inattention and oppositional behaviours.
Play therapy uses the natural language of children, which is play, to assist them in working through difficulties and to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions. In saying this, Play Therapy is not the same as playing. Play Therapy uses the child’s natural tendency to “play out” their reactions to life situations.
How does Play Therapy help?
By creating a safe, free and protected space, your child is given the opportunity to work through deeper emotional fears, anxieties and experiences that may be driving other behavioural concerns.
Play Therapy supports children to:
- Make better choices
- Learn about their world
- Gain self-control
- Express their thoughts and feelings
- Reduce anxiety
- Build self-esteem and confidence
- Develop empathetic skills
- Strengthen connections and trust in relationships
Why we offer Animal Assisted Play Therapy
Animal-Assisted Play Therapy (AAPT) is a therapeutic treatment based upon building a bond with an animal through interaction and play. AAPT is suitable for all ages and can be particularly effective supporting adolescents develop strategies to address their concerns or mental health issues including:
- Anxiety and fears
- Depression
- Anger management
- Low self-esteem
- Positive thinking and communication
- Family conflict and sibling rivalry
- Friendships, relationships and bullying
- Emotion regulation
Interaction with animals can provide a sense of peace, purpose, companionship, and love. Developing a bond with an animal also promotes self-worth, self-esteem, and trust.
Currently we have three very cute therapy dogs, called Cookie, Coco and Pebbles that work with Donna.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment contact us.