21/01/2026
These are some of the questions and statements we often hear from parents and carers. You may be reading this thinking you could say these too. Let us help you by offering some answers here.
How could play & creative arts therapy help my child?
Play therapy can support children and young people to gain a sense of self. Who am I? What do I like? How do I feel? Why do I feel like that? Can all be explored in the playroom. Through this, self-esteem can start to grow. Regulation of the sensory system can also start to improve through movement games and breathing exercises. Social skills can be developed by playing child-led games together including board games and role play. As well as a child exploring autonomy and gaining the confidence to take or relinquish control safely through play. Play therapy can also offer children a safe space to explore early trauma. Using both their conscience or subconscious thoughts, they can 'play out' events taking steps to make sense of events and feelings. It gives them a safe environment to revisit missed nurture stages and supports relationships and communication, allowing a child to build trusting and safe relationships.
Isn't she too old for play therapy?
Generally, play & creative arts therapists work with children and young people from 4-13 years old. Play rooms contain a huge range of equipment to allow children and young people to choose a method that works for them to process their thoughts and feelings. This could include writing music and lyrics, collage, sketching pencils, watercolour pencils & watercolour paints, painting, clay, crafts and messy play. The sand tray and miniatures give the children the opportunity to use story telling in the sand. Here they can explore themes including conflict and loss. Additional to this, therapeutic stories, including metaphor, appeal to all ages. It can also be vital for some children and young people to revisit early childhood experiences through play which they may have missed.
He won't talk about his feelings.
Play therapy allows a child to process and work through their thoughts and feelings through their most important method of communication- through play. A child or young person's progress in the playroom does not depend on their ability to talk through their challenges. Exploring them through metaphor allows them to process using both their conscience and subconscious thoughts. This evidence-based method is proven to be an effective therapeutic approach.
We are struggling as a family and we don't know what to do.
Living with a child or young person who is struggling with their emotions and feelings can affect the whole family. Emotions can heighten for everyone and not knowing where to turn is a common narrative in parent meetings. Play therapy can give a child or young person a safe space to process and release big feelings. Co-regulation can support the regulation of their sensory system and allow them to feel connected to their emotions. Parent and carer meetings are also a vital opportunity for the therapist to offer advice and support for parents and carers in the home. Working together can support change for the whole family.
