My therapeutic approach is grounded in the understanding that play is a vital part of a child’s development. Through play, children can express their innermost thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. I strive to create a space where every child feels heard, valued, and empowered to navigate their emotions.

My theoretical approach to play therapy is integrative, drawing on child-cantered play therapy, filial therapy, and synergetic play therapy to create a holistic and individualised therapeutic experience for each child.

In child-cantered play therapy, I believe in the intrinsic ability of children to express themselves and resolve their own issues when provided with a safe, supportive, and non-directive environment. My role is to create a nurturing space where children feel free to explore and express their thoughts and emotions through play. By using toys and creative materials as their language, children can process experiences and emotions that they might not yet have the words to articulate. I strive to be fully present, offering unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Filial therapy is an integral part of my approach as it empowers parents to become active participants in their child’s therapeutic process. In this model, I train and guide parents to conduct therapeutic play sessions with their children. This not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also equips parents with skills to understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs more effectively. Through this collaborative approach, parents become co-facilitators of change, fostering a supportive home environment that reinforces the progress made in therapy.

Synergetic play therapy emphasizes the dynamic relationship between the therapist, the child, and the nervous system. In my practice, I incorporate principles from this approach to help children achieve regulation and integration. By attuning to the child’s emotional and physiological states, I can co-regulate with them, helping them navigate and make sense of their experiences. This approach also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-regulation on the part of the therapist, ensuring that I am a grounded and congruent presence in the therapy room.

By integrating these approaches, I tailor my therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each child and family. My goal is to create a flexible and responsive therapeutic process that honours the child’s natural healing capacity, strengthens family relationships, and promotes emotional resilience and self-awareness.

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