Children come each week for a session and each week the same simple play therapy tool kit will be available to them, art, sand, clay, puppets and musical instruments. The child is able to choose what to do each session with materials in the room. There are only a few rules in the room and everything the child does is confidential. The play therapist will watch, listen and reflect back to the child and will play with them to explore their experiences, emotions and meanings within the play.

Play therapy is tailored to each child’s needs. However, we work with children for a minimum of 15 sessions to enable them to build a relationship with the therapist, have time to do some deeper work and time to bring the sessions to an end well. 

Sometimes the sessions will end sooner due to unforeseen circumstances and other times the therapist may recommend that the child continue to receive the support for longer.

A session lasts for a total of 45 mins, slightly less for a younger child. 

Many play therapists have a background in another profession and so may hold a number of qualifications. In order to qualify as a Certified Play therapist they must undertake training to diploma level (Level 7). All Play therapists are required to be registered by a professional body such as PTUK, BAPT or the BACP. 

All Living Well Play Therapists can be found on the PTUK register and have completed certain professional requirements in order to remain on this register. These include having an up-to-date DBS check, safeguarding training, and meeting CPD requirements.

Play therapists often undertake additional training to work with parents/carers. Please see each individual play therapist's bio for more information on their individual qualifications.

We work with children and young people, providing one to one play therapy using a variety of activities, the child/young person leads the direction of the process.

We work with groups, recommended numbers of children/young people 4-6. Sessions run for 6-8 weeks; sessions being based a common reason for referral. For example, this could be anxiety, struggling to make friends, bereavement. Sessions are planned by the therapist. Group work benefits are that the child/young person realises they are not alone with their experience. The therapist role is to ensure members feel safe, secure and able to develop trusting relationships with other group members.…

Play therapists use a number of different ways to measure the effectiveness of the therapeutic work. Before the sessions the parent/carer, teacher and child will be asked to complete Goodmans Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire to assess the challenges the child may face. These are then completed at the end of the sessions to compare and evaluate the impact. Parents and teachers are also asked for possible outcomes which are then assessed at the end of the sessions. Children are also asked for their views at the beginning and the end of the sessions as anecdotal evidence.

Children will be collected from their classroom by the play therapist or brought by the parent/carer or teacher to the room. The child will attend the sessions by themselves. If a child is particularly nervous or unsure about the sessions then it is possible for an adult to come into the beginning of their first session to see the space and reassure the child. However every effort is made by the therapist to create a warm, safe and secure environment so that children are able to confidently attend their weekly sessions.

If you are interested in working with your child to build, strengthen and support your relationship with them then please see our information on PCAP and Filial Play Sessions.

It is important to maintain confidentiality for a trusting relationship with the child in play therapy sessions, so I cannot share the specific details of what happens during each session.
However, I can provide general updates about your child’s overall progress, social and emotional development, and activities that the child gets involved in.
These updates are typically shared periodically, and we are always happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have in a way that maintains your child’s privacy.

…School staff are often the first to spot when children/young people are having mental health difficulties, they provide a unique perspective. Play therapy in schools is effective because it is a familiar, safe environment, providing reliability and consistency.

Play therapy in school:

· helps build healthier relationships between child/young person and their peers, teaching staff.

· Reduces obstacles to learning.

· Enhances communication and emotional literacy.

· Through collaboration improves adaptation in the learning environments.

· Supports and advises teaching staff.

Living Well Family Services offers one to one therapy, group therapy, parent workshops, Filial therapy and Parent Child Attachment Training. We offer staff support and training.

Contact us for current rates and packages. We offer minimum of half day package for one to one work.

Play therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where your child can express thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play.

It can help children develop coping skills, improve emotional regulation, build social skills, and work through challenges such as anxiety, grief, behavioural difficulties, or stress.
While the focus is on your child’s needs, progress is often seen in increased confidence, better problem-solving, and healthier ways of expressing emotions.

In play therapy, children with specific SEND needs are supported through an individualised approach. This means we adapt activities, communication methods, and the pace of sessions to match your child’s strengths and needs.
The goal is to create a safe, inclusive environment where your child can engage meaningfully and make progress at their own pace.