About our Sessions
Sessions are usually 40 – 45 minutes long or less, depending child’s individual needs.
Therapists share themes of sessions and support the adults around the child to think about responses and resources that can help children at home or in education settings.
Therapists will arrange to talk to parent/carers regularly to keep them up to date with how the child is getting on however we will not share what the child says in sessions to ensure a confidential space for the child.
Play Therapy Base Therapists ensure children and their families are aware of PTB Child Protection Policy and in the event of a child sharing they had been hurt or they or an other is in danger. PTB staff would be required to share this information and source support from other professionals e.g Social Workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will children do in a session?
Children choose what they do in the playroom. There are lots of things to play with including:
- Sand
- Clay
- Action Figures
- Cars
- Doll’s House
- Construction
- Playmobil
- Arts and Crafts
- Paint
- Building Toys
- Puppets
Some children choose to make things or explore mess! Some create stories in the sand tray. They might hide in the tent or dress up. The therapist will join in if invited by the child.
Where can children access Play Therapy sessions?
Children can attend sessions at our 3 playrooms at Play Therapy Base in Eskbank, Midlothian or in community settings e.g. nursery or school.
Who can be supported by Play Therapy Base?
Children aged 3 to 14 years who may have experienced
- emotional distress
- anxiety
- difficulty accessing day to day activities
- childhood loss and separation
- trauma or a traumatic event
- gaps in their early play experiences
- other difficulties
Why do children work with Play Therapy Base?
Sometimes children have big feelings which feel overwhelming. Children often show us how they feel by hiding away, throwing things, hitting out, or crying and screaming. Some experience nightmares or appear withdrawn and quiet.
Play Therapy Base therapists know about big feelings and can help children use play to begin to make sense of how they feel.
Children use play to explore their own story and this can help make their big feelings easier to manage.