Frequently Asked Questions

Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. Sometimes children find it difficult to talk about feelings and can use play to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Everyday language, which is the language of thinking, is not the natural language of feeling for children. Their natural language of feeling is that of image and metaphor.

Play Therapy can help any child who:

• Is not realising his full potential, academically or socially 
• Has disturbed sleep or frequent nightmares 
• Is suffering due to a parental divorce or separation 
• Suffers from anxiety or stress 
• Has suffered from a loss 
• Often withdrawn or unhappy 
• Finds it hard to make friends 
• Argues and fights with peers or siblings Is bullied or bullies others 
• Displays behaviour that is inappropriate 
• Does not play  

I see children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old.

A child is given Play Therapy time which will take place every week at the same time and place. Every session will have no interruptionsand everything said or done will be kept confidential or private unless the child is harmed or hurt.

Although the sessions are private you can support the child by:

• Being sensitive to their needs after they returned from a session.
• Not asking questions about what they have done in the sessions.
• Be understanding of the difficulties that they are facing.
• By implementing changes at home to support the therapeutic process

Filial Play Coaching is a therapeutic approach that involves parents or caregivers actively participating in structured play sessions with their children. It is a non-directive and child-cantered form of Coaching where parents serve as the primary agents of change. The term "filial" means "related to or befitting a son or daughter," highlighting the focus on the parent-child relationship.

Filial Play Coaching is a model used to provide parents/carers with basic knowledge and nurturing skills to use at home in a special play time with their child. This is done to help improve the bond and relationship between the parent/ carer and the child resulting in an improvement in difficulties of the child.

Filial Play Coaching can benefit a wide range of families and children, including those facing the following challenges:

o Behavioural issues: It can help with behaviour problems, such as aggression, defiance, and acting out.

o Emotional difficulties: It is effective in addressing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

o Parent-child relationship issues: Filial Play Coaching can improve parent-child bonding, communication, and attachment.

o Adjustment problems: It can assist children in adapting to major life changes like divorce, relocation, or the arrival of a new sibling.

o Trauma and stress: Filial Play Coaching can be helpful for children who have experienced trauma or high levels of stress.

Parents with children between the ages of 2 to 14 years may benefit from Filial Play Coaching.

o It would involve about 12-15 weeks of work with the Filial Play Coach. The Coach and parent collaboratively determine when the Coaching can be concluded, based on the progress made and goals achieved.

o Attending skill sessions once a week (4-8 sessions)

o Attending Play observation sessions with your child and feedback sessions (5-6 sessions)

o Playing with your child in Special Play time for 10 minutes a day (during the week)

o The Coach provides support, skills and resources, and feedback to help parents develop their play skills and enhance their understanding of their child's needs.

Parents can gain several benefits from participating in Filial Play Coaching:

o Improved understanding: It helps parents better understand their child's emotions and behaviour, fostering empathy and connection.

o Enhanced parenting skills: Parents learn effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution techniques through play.

o Strengthened attachment:The Coaching strengthens the parent-child relationship, leading to more secure attachments.

o Reduced parenting stress:It provides a safe space for parents to share their concerns and receive guidance, reducing parental stress.

No, Filial Play Coaching is not a substitute for Child Play Therapy. It complements individual therapy by enhancing the parent-child relationship and providing additional support. In some cases, a child may benefit from both Play Therapy and Filial Play Coaching simultaneously, depending on their specific needs.