cGrowing Hearts and Minds Through Playc

Child-Centred: The child is the centre of the therapeutic process. The therapist follows the child’s lead, allowing them to choose how they play and what they want to explore during the session.

At Seeds of Grace, we use an integrated, adaptable, personalised, and holistic therapeutic approach aimed at helping children grow and heal. We focus on their personal growth and self-discovery through the power of play.

Play Therapy is...

A Safe and Supportive Environment: The therapy room is a safe, non-judgmental space where children are free to express themselves without fear of criticism or punishment. This sense of safety helps children open up, explore, and process their feelings and thoughts.

Expression Through Play: Play is a natural way for children to express their emotions, experiences, and thoughts. In child-centred play therapy, toys, and play activities are used as tools to help children communicate what they might not be able to put into words.

Focused on the Whole Child: Instead of focusing solely on specific problems or behaviours, play therapy looks at the child as a whole person. It aims to understand their emotions, experiences, and the underlying reasons for their behaviour.

Built Around the Therapeutic Relationship: A strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and the child is crucial. The therapist shows genuine empathy, respect, and acceptance, helping the child feel valued and understood.

Empowerment and Self-Discovery: The goal is to empower children to understand themselves better and find their own solutions. By making choices in their play, children learn decision-making and gain a sense of control and responsibility.

Honours Parental Involvement: While the therapy sessions focus on the child, parents are also an important part of the process. Therapists work with parents to help them understand their child's needs and how to support their growth at home.

When children are having difficulties it often shows up in their behaviour. You may be concerned about your child’s development, eating or sleeping patterns and how they are getting along with family, friends or at school. When things are hard, some children may react by becoming very anxious, sad and may withdraw into themselves. Other children may externalise their behaviour and have outbursts of anger and aggression.

Play therapy is an effective therapy for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Referrals to Seeds of Grace can include any of the following challenges (this is not an exhaustive list):

Can Play Therapy help my child?

• Sleeping and eating difficulties

• Low self esteem and self confidence

• Grief and loss

• Depression/Sadness

• Chronic illness/hospitalisation/surgery

• Physical symptoms without any medical cause

• Bonding and attachment

• Selective mutism

• Sensory disorders

• Academic Motivation

• Near death experience

• Trauma

• Divorce and family breakdown

• Social difficulties

• Self-control and Impulsivity

• Focus and attentional problems

• Separation anxiety

• Anger, oppositional and acting out behaviours

• Bullying

• Physical and sexual abuse

• ADHD / ADD

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Parent and child relationship challenges, including adoption issues