Play therapy is an invaluable way for children to express themselves, explore their emotions, and make sense of their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
For neurodivergent children, play therapy can be particularly effective in providing a means of communication when words alone may not fully capture their inner world.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy uses play to help children process their emotions, navigate difficult experiences, and understand their feelings. It’s a space where children can engage in imaginative activities that reflect their inner world, fostering emotional expression and self-discovery. In my practice, I offer a nurturing environment where children can engage with play in a way that feels natural and affirming for them, respecting their unique ways of experiencing the world.
How I Support Neurodivergent Children
I approach each child’s therapeutic process with a neuroaffirming perspective, understanding that neurodivergent children may have different ways of processing emotions, social interactions, and sensory experiences.
My aim is to create a space where children feel validated, supported, and understood, helping them to make sense of their experiences in a way that honours their identity.
Key areas I support through play therapy include:
- Emotional expression: Helping children identify, express, and explore their emotions in ways that feel comfortable and authentic to them.
- Authentic social connections: Supporting children in building meaningful, genuine relationships with others, honouring their unique social communication style.
- Sense of self: Fostering a strong sense of identity by supporting children in exploring who they are and how they relate to the world around them.
- Validating experiences: Providing a space for children to make sense of their emotions, experiences, and challenges, ensuring they feel heard and respected.
The Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy offers many benefits, including:
- Safe emotional expression: Play creates a natural space for children to express their emotions and thoughts without the pressure of spoken language.
- Increased self-awareness: Through play, children can explore and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.
- Improved emotional understanding: Play therapy helps children gain clarity around their emotions, making sense of complex feelings in a supportive environment.
- Strengthened self-esteem: By validating their experiences and emotions, children can develop a stronger, more positive sense of self.
- Enhanced connection: Play therapy nurtures authentic, meaningful connections, whether with peers, caregivers, or themselves.
What to Expect in Play Therapy
Every play therapy session is tailored to meet the individual child’s needs, offering a variety of materials—such as toys, art supplies, and games—that encourage self-expression. My role is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where children can engage in play at their own pace, while I observe and reflect on their emotional and developmental process.
Through this approach, I can better understand their internal world, support their emotional expression, and help them navigate their experiences in a way that fosters self-awareness and understanding.
Is Play Therapy Right for Your Child?
Play therapy can be particularly helpful for children who are navigating:
- Emotional challenges or overwhelm
- Difficulty understanding or expressing their emotions
- Navigating sensory sensitivities or challenges
- Experiencing trauma or difficult life events
- Developing a strong sense of self, identity, and self-advocacy
If you’re unsure whether play therapy is right for your child, I offer consultations to discuss how this approach can be adapted to suit their needs and support their emotional wellbeing. Contact me to learn more.
