Supporting Emotional Health and Wellbeing
http://www.playtherapy.org.uk/
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation” - Plato
Although the benefits of play therapy for children are well established, it is still uncommon for a primary school to have a play therapist attached to the school. At Black Firs we are proud to be able to offer this service to our children should the need arise.
Play therapy offers the child a relationship that gives them someone separate to talk to and be with regularly; who can give them time, privacy and listening; who is focused on the child and works to understand how they see things and how they feel about what is happening for them.
Children work with a mixture of media and toys which include, but is not limited to:
• Sand tray and miniatures
• Arts and crafts
• Puppets • Stories and role play • Musical instruments
• Creative visualisation / relaxation
Sometimes a specific activity may be introduced to help the child if it is felt to be appropriate. What ever they are doing, the relationship between the play therapist and child is the most important aspect - as trust develops, the child can feel safe in their sessions and will be able to express themselves more freely.
The play therapy in School is managed by Rachael Gotham. She holds a certificate in play and creative arts therapies and is currently studying towards a Masters. She is an accredited member of the PTUK and works within their ethical framework for good practice. Her approach is child centred.
Our School's current therapist is Rachel Strutt who visits School on Friday mornings.
Referrals can be made through your child’s class teacher or the schools SENCO, Daphne Wright.
Further information can also be accessed at http://www.cheshireplaytherapy.co.uk/