Play Therapy
Play Therapy is an attachment-based therapeutic approach suitable for children, young people and their parents/carers, where play and affect are the primary means of communication that embraces both the parent/carer and child, allowing them to explore events and process thoughts and feelings - in a manner and pace of the participants choosing.
Grow Therapy Services therapists and facilitators are trained in the Interplay Approach.
What is Interplay Therapy
We specialise in interplay which is an attachment-based therapy, based on the belief that children and adults have the capacity to overcome adversity if they have the right conditions, which are facilitated by our therapists.
We believe in all our amazing little people and our amazing parents and have designed a unique approach that brings them both together using a Humanistic approach.
Our playful space offers children, teenagers and parents an environment where words are no longer required and play becomes the means of communication.
Our experienced therapist create a safe non judgmental space where they put words to the play experience, verbal and non verbal communication, supporting children, teen’s and parents to understand themselves and also each other.
This unique dynamic helps each individual integrate past experiences which helps them to be able to join each other in a powerful way, strengthening the parent and child connection.
Who is Play Therapy for
For parents and educators seeking a gentle path to support a child’s emotional and social development, The Interplay Therapy model supports anyone who has gone through
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Birth trauma
Separation anxiety
Emotional dysregulation
Hospitalisation
Trauma or abuse
Birth of a sibling
Development delay
Terminal illness
Divorce/separation
Life changes
Disability
Diagnosis
School refusal
Bullying
Out of home care
The Benefits of Play Therapy
Improved understanding of Self
Play Therapy and Interplay therapy help children gain an understanding of their thoughts, feelings, experiences and behaviours. It supports integration and self-understanding, expanding their capacity to deal with challenging situations and practice self acceptance.
Become more socially engaged
Through the therapeutic relationship, the facilitators help the child to feel safe and become more socially engaged. These experiences help build co-regulation then in turn self-regulation, self-understanding and an understanding of others. When parents are involved in the therapy process it also helps deepen the parent and child connection, remembering that this is the most important relationship in a child’s world. It enhances communication, offering an opportunity for parents to begin to heal and grow from any experiences that may have impacted them throughout their lives and gain an understanding of their child and their experiences and need
Building Resilience and Coping strategies
Through play, children learn effctive coping stratgies and problem solving skills equipping them to navigate lifes challenges.
Emotional Expression and Regulation
Play Therapy offers a safe outlet for children to express complex emotions, leading to emotional regulation.
The 4 stages of Play Therapy
Stage 1: Building Rapport and Trust
The therapist establishes a connection with the child, creating a foundation of trust and safety.
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Stage 2: Expression and Exploration
The child engages in free play, allowing them to express emotions, fears, and experiences through play actions.
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Stage 3: Problem-Solving and Coping
Through guided activities, the child learns problem-solving skills and healthy coping mechanisms.
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Stage 4: Termination and Transition
As therapy progresses, the child prepares to conclude sessions while applying newfound skills to real-life situations.
