Cheshire Play Therapy Services

09/12/2025

In play therapy, we understand that play is a powerful protector for children who have experienced stress or trauma. Within the safety of the therapeutic relationship, play becomes a language through which children can process and express overwhelming emotions that may be too difficult or confusing to put into words.

As the child re-enacts, symbolises, or gently approaches their experiences through play, their nervous system has opportunities to settle, regulate and regain a sense of calm and control. The consistency, attunement and containment offered by the play therapist create a secure base from which the child can explore at their own pace, restoring feelings of safety and inner strength.

In this way, play therapy offers children a developmentally appropriate pathway to recover, integrate their experiences and move towards emotional well-being.

®

05/12/2025

05/12/2025

20/11/2025

🚨 OUT TODAY! 🚨

Our Trauma Informed Parents Magazine is officially out today!

Our November edition is packed with fresh insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies to support trauma-informed parenting.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional - this issue is for you. 💛

✨ Read it now: https://issuu.com/coect/docs/tips_issue_18_
Don’t forget to share and help us spread the word! 📣

18/11/2025

The child is always more than their diagnosis. In play therapy, we meet them exactly where they are with presence, acceptance and playfulness. So their true self can lead the way.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

14/11/2025

In Play Therapy, children often take brave steps of their own — exploring difficult feelings, facing fears, and learning new ways to express themselves through play. Each small moment of trust, connection or creativity is a powerful act of growth. 🎨🧸

As BAPT Registered Play Therapists ®️, we see every day how providing a safe, consistent space helps children meet their own inner challenges — one play session at a time.

This , we celebrate the courage of children everywhere, and all those who work to help them thrive. 🌈

11/11/2025

People-pleasing in children isn’t about being kind or thoughtful - it’s often a survival strategy learned when saying “no” felt unsafe.

When children constantly prioritise others’ needs over their own, agree to things they don’t want to do, or change their preferences to match whoever they’re with, they’re showing us that they don’t trust that they’re valued for who they really are.

These children have often learned that their worth depends on making others happy, that conflict is dangerous, or that expressing their own needs leads to rejection. So they become experts at reading the room, anticipating what others want, and moulding themselves to fit.

The challenge is that while people-pleasing might look like maturity or kindness on the surface, underneath it’s exhausting and prevents children from developing a strong sense of self.

Our role is to help these children learn that they can say “no,” have different preferences, and even disappoint us sometimes - and still be loved and valued.

If your school is working to create environments where children feel safe to express their authentic needs and boundaries, our Emotionally Healthy Schools platform provides training to help staff support children who might be masking their difficulties:

https://clear-sky.org.uk/emotionally_healthy_schools/

09/11/2025

In Play Therapy, we recognise that remembrance is not only about the past, but about helping children make sense of big feelings — grief, courage, safety, and hope — through play and gentle connection.

Let us model empathy and gratitude, creating safe spaces where children can express what remembrance means to them.

🕊️

05/11/2025

28/10/2025

Every child needs .
Behind every poor choice is a story, a feeling, a need.
When we take time to talk with students instead of talking at them, we help them learn, not just comply. 💛

23/10/2025

For many children, the world can feel unpredictable — adults make decisions, routines change, and experiences happen that can feel overwhelming or confusing.

In Play Therapy, children are offered a safe and consistent space where they are in charge. Within clear therapeutic boundaries, they can make choices, take the lead, and explore their inner world through play — their natural language of communication.

Through symbolic play, children begin to make sense of experiences that once felt beyond their control. They find new ways to express emotions, problem-solve, and rebuild a sense of safety and balance.

🎈 In the playroom, play is not “just play” — it’s healing, empowering, and deeply meaningful.