CBT is more suited to children over 7 years old and usually involves an agreed way forward, with a pre-set number of sessions. As a therapist, I will help your child learn to replace negative and unwanted thought patterns with more productive positive ones. Through role-play and other methods, your child can actively practice alternative ways of handling stressful life situations.

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CBT for kids has practical everyday applications. I can help your child understand the negativity of their existing thought patterns and by discovering new ways of looking at things, I can help a child learn how to respond differently and improve rather than worsen stressful situations.

 

 

Children can learn to control:

• self-defeating thoughts

• impulsivity

• defiance

• tantrums

 

Replace negative thoughts with:

• improved self-image

• new coping mechanisms

• problem-solving skills

• more self-control

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Play Therapy

 

Nowadays, there is an abundance of neuroscience research that confirms the importance of play for infants in developing their brains and minds. It has also been shown that exposure to metaphor and symbols, as used in play, has a beneficial effect upon the development of the brain.

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Within schools, play is now widely recognised as being beneficial in the emotional and academic development of children, as this allows for individuality and creativity without adults putting a ceiling on learning. It also has a therapeutic value as children can:

 

• develop coping strategies and problem solve

• understand empathy and respect for others

• express their feelings

• understand their emotions/feelings

• develop social skills

• improve their fine and gross motor skills

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Play therapy can be used to help children with -

 

• anxiety, grief, depression

• anger management

• behaviour problems in schools

• family issues, such as separation, divorce etc

• change

• traumatic events

• eating/toilet issues

• ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• ASD - autism spectrum disorder

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Sessions usually last 30/40 minutes, once a week, on a one-to-one basis. Play therapy can be directive or non-directive, depending on the needs of the child. The therapist takes the lead in the directive approach, by specifying the toys or games used in each session.  The therapist will guide the play with a specific goal in mind. The non-directive approach allows the child to play in their own way, with their own toys, while the therapist observes and participates if appropriate.

 

 

Techniques used include:

 

• role play

• puppets /animals 

• storytelling

• dolls/ action figures

• arts and crafts

• water and sand play

• blocks and construction toys

• dance and creative movement

• musical play

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