Play Therapy with Karen Hammond

21/11/2025

Had an amazing first day at the BAPT Play Therapy Conference! 🎉
Feeling inspired, refreshed, and grateful for all the learning, connection, and creativity. Excited for what the rest of the conference will bring! 💛✨

21/11/2025

Adapting non-directive play therapy to meet the diverse developmental, sensory and educational needs of every child means staying attuned, flexible, and deeply respectful of each child’s unique way of engaging in play.

While the therapeutic approach remains grounded in child-led principles, the therapist’s sensitivity to developmental stages, neurodiversity, communication styles and learning differences ensures that every child can access the power of play in a way that feels safe and meaningful.

By thoughtfully adjusting our environments, pacing and materials without losing the essence of non-directivity we uphold the core belief that every child has the capacity for growth and healing when met where they are.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

21/11/2025

Together, we will reflect on our role in shaping the future of play therapy and spark our enthusiasm for the journey ahead. As our profession expands across cultures and contexts, each practitioner contributes to a shared vision, one that values connection, creativity and the healing power of play.

By learning from one another and embracing diversity within the field, we strengthen our collective voice and reaffirm our commitment to supporting children through play, wherever they are in the world.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

21/11/2025

In play therapy, difference is recognised, respected, and fully accepted. Every child is met with openness and valued exactly as they are.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

21/11/2025

Attuning to the whole person, not their mask. In play therapy, we honour neurodivergent children for who they truly are. By creating sensory-friendly, accepting spaces and following the child’s lead, we invite authenticity, safety and connection. When children no longer need to mask, play becomes a place of freedom, joy and genuine self-expression.

® Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

21/11/2025

In Play Therapy, the child leads the way. Their diagnosis can offer useful information, but it never dictates the direction of the session.

We follow the child’s pace, their choices and their unique way of expressing themselves, trusting that healing unfolds when they feel truly seen, accepted and in control.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

21/11/2025

Many children communicate through play rather than words and play therapy honours that, giving their play the space, respect and attention it deserves.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

21/11/2025

Deepening congruence means showing up as our full, human selves so that children can bring all parts of themselves too. In play therapy, when we embrace our own identities and vulnerabilities with authenticity, we create spaces where children feel safe to express, explore and be fully seen. This mutual presence fosters trust, connection and growth, honouring the richness of every child’s unique experience.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

21/11/2025

Play therapy is effective because it works with the child’s natural way of communicating, not against it. We meet them where they are and change begins from there.

® International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations

11/06/2025

🎉 It’s and the theme this year is ‘Choose play – every day’!

As adults, it’s often all too easy for us to forget the joy of play!🎨🎈🤩

💡Former footballer David Beckham builds Lego. Rod Stewart loves model trains. What’s your version of play?

Read our blog to find out why it’s time to bring play back into our adult lives 👉 https://loom.ly/T5nQKg8

11/06/2025

17/01/2025

🌧️ Rainy Day Blues? Not Anymore!

🌟 Indoor breaks during wet weather don’t have to mean for students. With thoughtful adjustments, schools can create calm, inclusive environments that help all children thrive—even on the rainiest days.

👉 Discover simple, low-cost ideas for indoor breaks in our latest blog ‘How to Make Rainy Day Breaks Sensory Inclusive’

✨ Let’s make every day a better day for students with differences.

🔗 Read the full blog here: https://loom.ly/Vokr1bY