DANDELION PLAY THERAPY
Helping children to play,
grow and thrive
Play is a vital part of a child’s life, especially in the early years. Play enables a child to grow and thrive, mapping out essential pathways in the brain to promote a healthy happy life. I believe it is every child’s right to play.
Dandelion Play Therapy aims to help children and families reach their full potential through play. We offer a range of services – face to face and online – depending on the individual needs of each child and client.
I tried to teach my child with books. He gave me only puzzled looks.
I used clear words to discipline, but never seemed to win.
Despairingly, I turned aside. “How shall I reach this child?” I cried.
Into my hand he put the key: “Come” he said, “play with me.”
~ Author unknown, adapted by Aletha Solter ~
WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?
Play therapy is a form of child psychotherapy. It is a developmentally appropriate form of child counselling where children can play out and act out their inner most thoughts, feelings and emotions. Play therapy utilises the powers of play to heal, change and support growth in an individual.
Play therapy can be implemented with children who have experienced life adversities, such as trauma and abuse. It can also help children with social emotional concerns, language or cognitive delays and children with a diagnosed disability, for example children who are on the Autism Spectrum or children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Play therapy can be used to help parents and caregivers form healthy attachments and build relationships within their family.
There are different modalities of play therapy to suit the different needs of clients and families. Child-centred play therapy is commonly used as a therapeutic intervention, and involves the play therapist working with the child one on one during therapy sessions. Directive play therapy can be used one on one with a child to build on play skills, promote language and cognitive skills. Filial play therapy is used with family structures to promote play skills and attachment connections.
Enter into children’s play and you will find a place where their minds, hearts and souls meet.
~ Virginia Axline ~