The Spiral Tree Therapy Services LTD

08/10/2025

In play therapy, masks can help children express what feels hidden or hard to say.

A blank mask gives a safe distance between how a child feels and what they show. It can help them:
• Explore feelings that are too big or confusing
• Show the difference between how they look on the outside and how they feel inside
• Try out different roles or voices
• Make sense of identity, control, or fear
• Tell stories or act out situations safely
And so much more.

Sometimes the front of the mask shows how others see them, while the back shows what they keep inside. Others might decorate one to show change over time, like moving from sadness to confidence.

Mask work is powerful because it lets children “show without saying.” It’s creative, safe, and often leads to new understanding.

Have you ever noticed how much easier it can be to talk when you don’t have to be yourself for a moment?

29/09/2025

One of the most used tools in my playroom is the doll’s house.

It is more than a toy.

Children use it to:
• Act out family life and daily routines
• Show feelings that are hard to put into words
• Try out new solutions to problems
• Gain a sense of control by moving pieces and creating stories
• Create safe bases or even “evil layers” for their stories
• Explore more than one house when that reflects their own life

Every scene has meaning, and every story helps us understand how a child sees their world.

25/09/2025

Thank the_contented_child again

PDA vs ODD: What’s the difference?

On the surface, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can look similar – both involve a young person resisting or refusing demands.

But the why behind the behaviour is very different.
🔹 PDA is rooted in anxiety and the need for control to feel safe.
🔹 ODD is driven more by patterns of anger, irritability, and defiance.

Understanding the difference matters – because how we support a child depends on what’s underneath.

💬 Have you ever wondered whether a child’s resistance is PDA or ODD?

NEWLY AVAILABLE to accompany our series on the topic. Only £3.25 until 7 October 2025.
Misunderstood Defiance: the Vulnerable Child Toolkit for Parents & Educators
Electronic download available at link in comments.

22/09/2025

This toy till might look simple, but in play therapy it has so much meaning. Children use it to practise control, fairness, and relationships in a safe way.

What a toy till can mean in the playroom:
• Control – deciding prices, who buys, and when the till opens.
• Boundaries – learning rules like paying before taking.
• Choice – making small decisions builds confidence.
• Fairness – exploring what’s fair, unfair, and how to repair mistakes.
• Value – thinking about what is “worth a lot” or “worth nothing.”
• Power – trying out being in charge or following rules.
• Trust – practising safe, predictable exchanges.
• Communication – greeting, asking, and negotiating with others.
• Problem solving – giving change, fixing mistakes, or working out new rules.

And so much more

Even everyday toys can help children work through big feelings. That’s the magic of play.

18/09/2025

In my play therapy sessions I often use a timer, and it can be a really helpful tool for children.

• It shows children how long the session will last, so they feel safe and prepared for endings
• It reduces surprises, making transitions smoother
• It gives a gentle warning when time is nearly up
• It helps children understand boundaries in a clear and kind way
• It lets children make choices about how to use their last few minutes, which builds confidence and control

The timer isn’t about rushing. It’s about giving children a predictable structure so they can relax, play, and do the important work of expressing themselves.

11/09/2025

Thanks GAC - The Gloucestershire Assessment Centre

11/09/2025

Anybody want come and help me sort this out sorting out another play therapy kit.



08/09/2025

Thank you The Contented Child, Child Wellbeing Consultancy

04/09/2025

Great news that the funding is being extended, however it may still be at lower level.

The government has confirmed today that funding for the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) will continue beyond March 2026.

The announcement will hopefully provide some relief to kinship carers who have access to the ASGSF which provides therapeutic support for eligible children in kinship care. 💛

However, this does mean that the amount of funding each child can access is likely to still be at the lower level set this year - funding was cut by up to 40% per child in April which means many kinship families will still struggle to access the support they need. There was also no confirmation of funding beyond next financial year (April 2026 to March 2027).

The government did confirm that they were looking to review how the ASGSF is delivered in the future and there will be a chance for kinship carers and adoptive parents to share their views on the ASGSF early next year.

Today, MPs also attended a debate in Parliament on the future of the fund. MP after MP spoke about how the ASGSF is a lifeline for so many children in kinship and adoptive care – and they know that because they’ve heard from so many in their constituencies about this important issue.

Today's announcement is a small step in the right direction and a reflection of our passionate campaigning with partners which has helped push the government to confirm next year's funding - so kinship carers with children who are eligible for the fund have some short-term security.

But what today’s announcement doesn’t give kinship families is long-term opportunities for all kinship families to access funded therapeutic support. And that’s why the campaign will continue to call for emotional and developmental support for all children in kinship care. ✊

08/07/2025

Thank you Beacon House Therapeutic Services and Trauma Team

NEW FREE RESOURCE!

Written by Julie Neale, a psychotherapist and teacher, this resource explains how the impact of early adverse experiences may affect children's ability to learn.

Download free here: http://bit.ly/44CyA9V

11/06/2025

Matt Bishop MP I’m based in Cinderford at the Town council office if you ever want to come and visit your more than welcome.

I would love to talk to you about children’s mental health and show you around the Spiral Tree.

19/05/2025

Supervision time. Just waiting for supervisee to arrive for more creative supervision.