Children’s Play Therapy in Hackney E8

Space To Be You Therapy Rooms in Hackney E8 have many children’s play therapists to choose from.

We are conveniently located close to several tube and train stations in the heart of Hackney.

The therapist-client fit is important to us and we’re here to help you find the right practitioner for play therapy.

If you’d like to be matched with a therapist, please click the button below and fill out your details.

Alternatively, you can search our directory which includes many specialised play therapists

What is Children’s Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of therapy that speaks a child’s natural language: play.

It provides a safe and supportive setting for children to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play.

Play therapy recognises that a child’s natural way of communicating, exploring, and understanding the world around them is through play.

Guided by a skilled children’s play therapist in Hackney, children engage in various play activities like storytelling, art, role-playing, sand tray play, and imaginative play during therapy sessions.

This unique therapeutic approach helps children process difficult emotions, recover from trauma, build problem-solving skills, strengthen social connections, and boost their self-esteem.

We’ll explore the key elements of play therapy, its importance for children’s emotional health, and its availability in Hackney, with a focus on the benefits it offers to local children and families.

Why is play therapy important for a child’s emotional well-being?

Play therapy is essential for a child’s emotional health, as it provides a natural and appropriate means for expression, exploration, and healing.

Many children find it challenging to express their thoughts and emotions verbally. Play therapy allows them to communicate and process their experiences through their first language: play.

Through play, children can safely explore and make sense of their emotions, worries, and struggles. They may re-enact and repeat experiences, gaining a sense of mastery and control over them.

Play therapy also provides a safe, non-judgemental space where children can build a therapeutic relationship with the play therapist, fostering trust, empathy, and emotional connection.

Additionally, play therapy supports emotional regulation, the development of social skills, and problem-solving abilities. It enables children to build self-esteem, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.

In addressing emotional challenges early on, play therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing a child’s emotional well-being and supporting their overall development, providing a nurturing space for growth.

What different types of play therapy are there?

There are various methods to play therapy, each with its own distinct focus and procedures.

Kid-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) – This well-known approach allows the child to lead the play session while the play therapist provides a safe, accepting environment. In CCPT, the therapeutic relationship is central, and the child is free to express themselves through play.

Gestalt Play Therapy – This method combines elements of Gestalt therapy with play, encouraging self-awareness and personal growth by helping the child become mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours during play.

Cognitive-Behavioural Play Therapy (CBPT) – CBPT weaves cognitive and behavioural principles into play, helping children to identify and challenge negative thoughts and to foster positive behaviours through play-based activities.

Filial Play Therapy – This approach involves training parents to actively participate in their child’s play therapy sessions, enhancing the parent-child relationship and supporting the child’s emotional development.

These are just a few examples of the different play therapy methods available, each tailored to meet the specific needs of children and families within therapeutic settings.

How to prepare your child for their first play therapy session with a therapist?

Preparing your child for their first play therapy session with a psychotherapist or counsellor can help ease any worries they may have and make the experience feel more comfortable and positive.

Start by explaining in simple terms what play therapy is and what they might expect. You could say, “You’ll get to play with toys, draw, or play games with someone who understands how to help children feel better.”

Keeping the explanation straightforward helps them see the session as a safe and enjoyable experience, rather than something intimidating.

It’s also helpful to answer any questions your child may have without giving too much detail, which could overwhelm them. If they ask who the play therapist is, you might say, “They’re a friendly person who knows a lot about helping kids feel happy and calm.”

Emphasise that this person is there to listen, understand, and help them feel better.

Encouraging them to bring along a favourite toy or comfort item can also be reassuring, as it provides a familiar piece of home in a new environment.

On the day of the session, make sure to give your child plenty of time to get ready so they don’t feel rushed. Reassure them that you’ll be nearby and that they can talk to the play therapist about anything they want.

After the session, give your child space to process their experience without pressing them to share details, as they may need time to feel comfortable opening up.

Preparing in this way helps set the stage for a positive experience, fostering trust in the therapist and easing their transition into the therapeutic process.

Why you can trust our Hackney play therapists

You can rely on our Hackney-based play therapists because of their strong qualifications, extensive experience, and dedication to supporting children’s emotional well-being.

Our therapists hold postgraduate degrees in fields like psychology, counselling and psychotherapy along with professional training in specific play therapy techniques.

They have considerable experience working with children from diverse backgrounds, ages, and with a range of issues.

Our Hackney play therapists are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and culturally sensitive environment where children can express themselves freely through play.

They follow ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality, ensuring the privacy and trust of both children and their families.

Additionally, our therapists engage in continuous professional development to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in play therapy.

With their compassion, expertise, and commitment to children’s well-being, you can trust our Hackney therapists to provide the highest standard of play therapy for your child’s emotional growth and healing.

What are the most common setbacks in play therapy?

As with any therapeutic approach, certain setbacks may arise during play therapy.

A common challenge is a child’s initial reluctance to fully engage in therapeutic play.

This might stem from a lack of trust in the therapist, discomfort in expressing emotions, or difficulty adjusting to the therapy environment.

Another challenge may be in establishing a therapeutic bond, especially if the child has experienced trauma or has trust issues.

Sometimes, children may display regressive behaviour or heightened emotions during play therapy, which can temporarily disrupt progress.

External factors, like irregular attendance, limited caregiver support, or interruptions in therapy, can also affect the consistency and effectiveness of play therapy.

However, skilled therapists are well-prepared to navigate these challenges by adapting their approach, building rapport, applying suitable interventions, and working collaboratively with both the child and their carers to address and overcome these obstacles.

Why is Hackney a good place for play therapy?

Hackney is an excellent setting for play therapy, thanks to its rich and inclusive culture, abundance of resources, and availability of experienced play therapists.

Known for its multicultural community, Hackney is a welcoming and understanding place for families from various backgrounds.

This cultural diversity allows Hackney play therapists to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy services, respecting each child’s and family’s unique needs and experiences.

Hackney also offers a wide range of resources and support services for children and families, including play therapy centres, community organisations, and schools with a strong focus on children’s well-being.

With skilled play therapists readily available in Hackney, families can access professionals trained in play therapy techniques who have a deep understanding of child development.