What is Play Therapy?

Hi, I’m Orlaith Dignam, a qualified Play Therapist here at Crann. 

If there’s anything I know to be true, it’s that parents and carers like you have a lot on your plate.  Engaging, effective and able to lighten some of your load – our play therapy is designed to help children process their emotions through the act of play.

Play Therapy is a mode of therapy that helps children understand painful experiences and upsetting feelings. As play is a child’s natural form of expression, it can allow them to communicate at their own level without having to put it into words. Play allows the child to release needs, fears and wishes. It also helps them to address emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Play Therapy is a suitable intervention for children aged between two and half and sixteen years.

Play Therapy Is Helpful For:

• Children who have a family member with a disability;
• Children who are dealing with issues of loss, such as illness or death of a loved one;
• Children who are dealing with parental conflict, separation or divorce;
• Children who are dealing with self-esteem issues;
• Children who have been traumatised;
• Children who have been adopted or are in foster care;

Play Therapy can help in many different ways.

• It provides your child with emotional support.
• It can help them make sense of life experiences by playing them out at their own pace.
• By allowing your child to make sense and understand their feelings it will in turn help them cope with the future.
• It can help your child to deal with conflict/angry feelings in more appropriate ways.
• Play therapy can help you the carer to understand your child’s world.
• The hope at the end of therapy might include some of the following-a change in the worrying behaviour, improved self-esteem and confidence and stronger relationships with family and friends.

Source: IPTA ipta.ie/for-parents/

What’s involved?

I’ll work with your child over several sessions. At the end of those sessions, you and I will have a progress meeting.