How we can help

It can be difficult 

  • to find a therapist who can help you support your child through difficult times
  • to know what kind of support would be most effective
  • to negotiate local systems to get the support you would like 

 

This site is a resource for parents, carers and professionals looking for qualified Play Therapists working in Scotland who can take on private referrals.

Children come to Play Therapists because

  • they are not enjoying their  relationships and everyday experiences as much as they could  
  • they might have difficulties with friendships or family relationships because they are angry & aggressive or anxious & withdrawn 
  • they might struggle to enjoy social, school & leisure activities because they have developmental challenges and are potentially out of sync with their peers
  • they might have experienced trauma that has impacted their development and emotional wellbeing or have neurodiverse characteristics that, for the moment, make the world tricky to manage

Play Therapists are specifically trained to work with children and young adolescents 

Some Play Therapists work with people older than this who may also choose this approach and benefit greatly.

Play Therapists work to build a trusting relationship with your child so that they feel safe and secure.

They use play as a communication tool, empowering children to express themselves and make sense of the world in the way that is natural and instinctive for them.

Through play children:

  • process trauma

  • experience and learn about relationships & everyday experiences in a playful way

  • develop understanding of themselves & their abilities

  • move forward in their general development

  • increase self-esteem & confidence

  • learn to regulate their emotions

Play Therapists can work in a variety of ways

Play Therapists are highly trained professionals.  Before being accepted on a training course they will usually have worked in a related profession such as teaching, social work, educational psychology, occupational therapy or speech & language therapy.  They will have a minimum of 5 years working with children in a professional capacity before training as a Play Therapist.  After practising as a Play Therapist for some time, many train in additional approaches beyond their initial qualification to be able to deliver the following.

 

Outdoor Play Therapy

Animal Assisted Play Therapy

Filial Therapy

Theraplay

Autplay Therapy

Play Therapists work in partnership with parents & carers

recognising that children are not isolated human beings but part of family and community systems