Alternative Dimensions - Play Therapy

09/08/2025

The repair of early trauma: a bottom up approach

Told to us through the voices of children, this unique animation teaches us that by putting together the seven-piece jigsaw puzzle of 'Developmental Trauma',...

08/08/2025

The power of working with stories, narratives and how this can aid the individual to explore aspects of themselves, gain an understanding of their own background, their own identity, having pride for this, and who they are, self-love.

I can’t remember a time when stories weren’t a part of my life. Mum says I was born with a book in my hand. I know mums always say things like this but maybe it is true. From a young age I read and…

18/07/2025

18/07/2025

Play Therapy normally takes place in a private, child-friendly and confidential setting where the Play Therapist sees the child on a one-to-one basis.

Consistency is key in the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship. There will be practical agreements made to support this. The Play Therapist will meet the child on the same day, at the same time and in the same place each week with the same play materials.

During play, the child has an opportunity to express deeper thoughts, ideas and wishes which allows the Play Therapist to gain valuable insights into how they experience their world. Therefore, through the Play Therapy relationship, the child is able to make sense of their life experiences and to express difficult feelings through their play.

Generally, the specific details of the therapy sessions will remain confidential between the Play Therapist and the child. Parents/carers and professionals will not be given weekly feedback and it is important that the child is not pressured into talking about what they have been doing in the sessions. This promotes the child’s feelings of trust with the therapist and the safety of the therapy space.

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11/01/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbeS5iezIDA

How do children heal from trauma? Play therapy and trauma expert, Paris Goodyear-Brown, takes us on a journey through the stories of children from hard place...

20/12/2024

Everyone knows I use balloons often within the play therapy space for their regulatory properties!

Balloons in play therapy can provide an element of catharsis for children when they need to release aggression or big, overwhelming feelings.

Bursting balloons in play can allow children who may be timid or fearful to release suppressed aggressive energy.

Children can choose how to pop the balloons, either by stamping or jumping, for example, to allow them the control over when the bang will happen.

Balloons can also be used to provide appropriate challenge for children when playing balloon tennis. This is a competitive game where the therapist and the child can work together or against one another to keep the balloon from falling to the floor. This game allows children to develop resilience about situations not happening how they expect.

By Charles E.Schaefer & Donna Cangelosi - Essential play therapy techniques