Children naturally use play as a way to express feelings, explore experiences and make sense of the world, often before they are able to put complex emotions into words. Play therapy builds on this developmentally appropriate form of communication, offering a safe, child-led environment where children can explore feelings and experiences they may not yet be able to express verbally.

Carefully selected toys and creative materials, including sand, water, paint, clay, miniature figures, role-play materials and musical instruments, give children different ways to communicate and explore through play. E.g. creating a world in the sand may help a child represent experiences, relationships or situations that they cannot explain in words. Within a trusting therapeutic relationship, children can develop emotional awareness, build self-esteem, strengthen social skills and integrate experiences at their own pace so they can respond to challenges in everyday life.

Therapeutic play techniques are used in many professional settings. The distinction is that play therapy is a specialist therapeutic intervention delivered by an appropriately trained and registered practitioner, while therapeutic play refers to using play intentionally to support wellbeing and development.

Play Therapy may support children with:

• emotional & behavioural challenges

• anxiety & depression

• bereavement & family changes

• communication & social challenges

• selective mutism

• attachment related challenges

• play skills development

At Pebble Play we take a neuro-affirming approach; we welcome neurodivergent and neurotypical children as well as those with developmental differences.