Play therapy

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is where children get the chance to express themselves and how they feel through the act of play. That includes playing with toys, physical play or arts and crafts, but the aim is to create a comfortable space for them to be open . 

We know that it can be hard for children to talk about what has happened to them and how they are feeling. Often, they don’t yet have the words or understanding to explain what or why they feel or behave the way they do.

Play therapy provides a fantastic way for them to express those things in their own way and in a setting they know and trust. 

You can learn more about play therapy and how it works on the Play Therapy UK website: 

• Play therapy explained for adults

• Play therapy explained for children

How to ask for play therapy

You may find play therapy listed as one of the recommendations in your support plan when the special guardianship order was granted. Or at a later date, a professional may suggest play therapy to you if they think it will help the child you care for. 

You can ask about and book a play therapy session at any time by calling our advice line and speaking to one of our friendly team. They will share more about what’s involved and answer any questions you might have.