Lucy Altameemi
07999 975402
Play Therapy services in the wider Warrington area
Play and Creative Arts Therapy
Play and Creative Arts Therapy is child-led and aims to help children to reach their potential and improve mental well-being. It is suitable for many children with a range of difficulties or who have had complex life experiences.
Children are unlikely to use words to explain their emotions to the adults around them, and instead may show their feelings using their behaviour - this can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety or withdrawing from others. Play therapy offers them an opportunity to 'play out' their challenging feelings and experiences in a safe space, with a qualified therapist.
I work directly with children using play and the creative arts to help them explore their feelings and experiences without the need for words in a non-judgmental therapeutic environment. This can help children to understand themselves better, and try out new strategies in the playroom before using them outside the sessions.
How does Play Therapy work?
Children use play as a method of communication. As they play, particularly using metaphor, they develop new neural pathways in the brain. In a Play Therapy setting, the relationship with the therapist helps them to express themselves and make sense of their experiences. Children can learn new ways of understanding, and to process difficult emotions, moving towards healing and making internal change.
Play Therapy sessions aim to help a child to develop healthy and resilient relationships, and to work though traumatic experiences which may be impacting their ability to manage their emotions or to learn at school.
See this link for more detail about how Play Therapy works:
What happens in a Play Therapy session?
Sessions last for 40 minutes, and take place on a regular basis every week.
Children are offered a wide variety of items to use.
The play therapy 'toolkit' includes:
sand tray and miniatures
puppets
musical instruments
clay/dough
art materials
games
movement and dance props
role play items
Who can benefit from Play Therapy?
Play and Creative Arts Therapy can help children affected by a variety of challenging situations, including:
family change or breakdown
anxiety, stress
attendance issues or at risk of exclusion
traumatic life experiences
disability or additional needs, including ADHD, autism
attachment issues
adoption/fostering
bullying
sensory needs
speech/communication issues
withdrawal or unhappiness
friendship difficulties
bereavement
low self esteem
Ignite Play and Creative Arts Therapy serves the wider Warrington area.
