Therapeutic modalities used

Humanistic Play Therapy is a child-centred, non-directive approach where the child can choose how they express and explore their emotional world by using a wide range of carefully selected toys available to them in the play room. The therapist creates an environment of safety, acceptance and understanding, and through this therapeutic relationship supports the child's inner drive towards positive growth. Through the therapist's empathy and unconditional positive regard the child's self-esteem grows and they begin to view themself more favourably and can then begin to experience positive behavioural change.

These are usually one-on-one sessions between the child and therapist and are most suitable for children from 2 years to 13 years of age.

Appointments usually take place at the same time, once a week, for 50 minutes. 

This therapeutic model is child-paced, the average length of intervention is approximately 15-20 sessions.

Parents are regularly updated on their child's progress through Parent Review meetings after approximately every 5 Play Therapy sessions.

EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps children, adolescents and adults process distressing experiences, trauma and difficult memories that may continue to affect their emotional wellbeing, relationships and everyday life. EMDR supports the brain's natural ability to process and integrate experiences that may have become "stuck", reducing the emotional distress associated with them and helping individuals develop more adaptive beliefs about themselves and the world around them.

EMDR involves recalling aspects of a distressing memory or experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping or alternating sounds. EMDR is adapted to suit each individual's developmental stage, needs and capacity, with a strong emphasis on emotional safety, building coping skills and establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship before processing begins.

EMDR can be helpful for people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, grief, attachment difficulties, low self-esteem or other distressing life experiences. It can be used with children, adolescents and adults, with the approach tailored to the individual's age, preferences and therapeutic goals.

The frequency and duration of therapy will depend on the individual's needs, the nature of their experiences and their therapeutic goals.  For some people, EMDR can facilitate meaningful change in a relatively short period of time, potentially requiring fewer sessions than some other therapeutic approaches.

For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers may be involved in parts of the therapeutic process, where appropriate, to support emotional safety, understanding and progress. Parent Review meetings can also provide opportunities to discuss progress, develop strategies and support the child's wellbeing outside of sessions. See below video for further information.

Theraplay is a playful, relationship-based approach that aims to strengthen the attachment relationship between a child and their parent or caregiver, while supporting emotional regulation, self-esteem and social connection. Based on the importance of early attachment and positive relational experiences, Theraplay uses structured, interactive and playful activities to help children experience safety, trust, nurturing and connection within their relationships.

Theraplay activities are guided by the therapist and are designed to be engaging, nurturing and responsive to the child's individual developmental needs. Through playful interactions, such as games, movement, sensory experiences and shared activities, children have opportunities to develop a sense of safety, build confidence, improve emotional regulation and strengthen their capacity to connect with others. The therapist supports parents or caregivers to recognise and respond to their child's emotional and relational needs, helping to foster more positive and secure interactions.

Theraplay can be particularly helpful for children experiencing attachment difficulties, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, difficulties with relationships, low self-esteem or challenges with trust and connection. It can also support families who are experiencing difficulties with communication, co-regulation or connection.

Sessions generally involve the child and their parent or caregiver, with the therapist guiding and supporting the interactions. 

Appointments usually take place weekly and last approximately 50 minutes. The duration of intervention varies depending on the child's needs, the family's goals and the progress made throughout therapy.

AutPlay Therapy is a neurodiversity-affirming, play-based therapeutic approach designed to support neurodivergent children and adolescents, including those with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. It integrates play therapy, behavioural and developmental approaches to support emotional regulation, social connection, relationship skills and self-esteem, while recognising and respecting each individual's unique strengths, interests and ways of experiencing the world.

AutPlay Therapy uses a range of engaging, play-based activities tailored to the child's interests, sensory preferences, developmental needs and individual goals. Through play, creative activities and therapeutic interactions, children are supported to explore their emotions, develop an understanding of their sensory and emotional needs, build self-awareness and strengthen their ability to navigate relationships and everyday challenges. The approach focuses on building on a child's existing strengths, supporting autonomy and developing skills in a way that is meaningful and appropriate for them.

AutPlay Therapy recognises that neurodivergent children may experience the world differently and that behaviours can communicate underlying emotional, sensory or relational needs. Therapy aims to provide a safe, accepting and supportive environment where children can express themselves authentically, develop confidence and explore strategies that support their wellbeing, without needing to mask or change who they are.

AutPlay Therapy can be helpful for children and adolescents experiencing emotional dysregulation, anxiety, sensory challenges, social difficulties, low self-esteem or challenges with relationships and self-understanding. Therapy is individualised to the child's needs, interests, developmental stage and therapeutic goals.

Sessions are usually one-on-one between the child and therapist and take approximately 50 minutes. Parent or caregiver involvement is incorporated where appropriate to support the child's progress and help extend therapeutic strategies into everyday life. The frequency and duration of intervention will depend on the child's individual needs and goals, with regular opportunities for parents or caregivers to reflect on progress and discuss ways to support their child's wellbeing at home.

Learn to Play Therapy is an approach that teaches children pretend play skills. Pretend, or imaginative, play has been linked to the development of language skills, creativity, emotional regulation, problem solving, and cognitive and social skills. 

Learn to Play is suitable for children from 18 months to 10 years of age, who have delayed pretend play skills or do not find enjoyment in play, or have difficulty playing with peers or siblings.

Some children require Learn to Play therapy to increase their play skills prior to engaging in Humanistic Play Therapy. This can be used as a stand-alone approach, or integrated into humanistic play therapy sessions.

Filial therapy is a family based play therapy intervention, based on humanistic play therapy principles, where the therapist teaches therapeutic skills to the parents/caregivers. Following the skills training sessions, the therapist supervises the parents/caregivers in using the skills with their child during special child-centered play times. When the parents feel ready, the therapist supports them in setting up the regular play times at home and facilitates discussion on how the skills can be generalised for use outside of the special play times. Research has shown that Filial therapy helps with a range of social and emotional concerns of children, as well as preventing future problems by increasing parental confidence and skills, and strengthening family relationships and attachment. 

Resource Therapy is a parts-based therapeutic approach that recognises that we all have different parts or aspects of ourselves, each with their own feelings, needs, memories and ways of responding to the world. Sometimes, certain parts may hold distressing experiences, difficult emotions or beliefs that can influence how we think, feel and behave.

Resource Therapy supports individuals to better understand these different parts of themselves, develop a compassionate relationship with them and address the emotional experiences that may be contributing to current difficulties. Rather than viewing these responses as problematic, Resource Therapy seeks to understand the purpose they serve and support individuals to access their strengths and internal resources.

Through a range of therapeutic techniques, the therapist helps individuals connect with specific parts of themselves, explore their experiences and work through unresolved emotions or memories. This can support greater emotional regulation, self-understanding, self-compassion and the development of more helpful ways of responding to life's challenges.

Resource Therapy can be helpful for children, adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem or challenges with understanding and managing their emotions. The approach is adapted to suit each individual's developmental stage, needs and therapeutic goals.

Sessions are usually one-on-one and take approximately 50 minutes. The frequency and duration of therapy will depend on the individual's needs, the experiences being explored and their therapeutic goals. The therapist works at a pace that supports emotional safety and ensures individuals feel supported throughout the process.