Play Therapy in Schools
Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing within the school environment.
I provide Play Therapy within schools across Gloucestershire, offering children a consistent, confidential and accepting therapeutic space where they can express themselves through play and creativity.
I work closely with schools, parents and other professionals while keeping the child and the therapeutic relationship at the centre of the work.
Supporting children in your school
Children can experience difficulties for many different reasons. Sometimes these are clearly visible through behaviour, while other children may become quiet, withdrawn or find it difficult to communicate how they are feeling.
Play Therapy gives children a different way to express and process their experiences without relying on them being able to explain everything through words.
Schools may consider a referral when a child is experiencing:
• Emotional dysregulation
• Anxiety or worries
• Low self-esteem or confidence
• Difficulties with friendships or relationships
• Bereavement or loss
• Family separation or significant changes
• Trauma or difficult experiences
• Anger or challenging behaviour
• Difficulties engaging with school
• Social or emotional difficulties
How Play Therapy works in school
Play Therapy sessions are child-centred and non-directive.
Rather than expecting the child to talk about what is troubling them, I provide carefully selected play and creative resources that allow the child to communicate in a way that feels natural to them.
The child decides how to use the playroom and resources within clear therapeutic boundaries.
My role is to provide consistency, acceptance and a safe therapeutic relationship while allowing the child to work at their own pace.
The referral process
1. Initial conversation
We discuss the child, the school's concerns and what support has already been put in place.
2. Referral and assessment
Relevant information is gathered from the school and parent or carer to help build a wider picture of the child's needs.
3. Parent or carer involvement
Parents and carers are an important part of the process. Consent and appropriate background information are obtained before therapy begins.
4. Weekly Play Therapy
The child attends a regular session at the same time each week wherever possible.
Sessions usually last around 40 minutes.
5. Reviews
Progress is reviewed with the adults supporting the child while maintaining appropriate therapeutic confidentiality.
6. Ending
When the time is right, endings are planned carefully so that the child has time to understand and process the ending of the therapeutic relationship.
Working together
Good communication between the therapist, school and family helps create consistency around the child.
I can work alongside:
• SENCOs
• Designated Safeguarding Leads
• Teachers
• Pastoral teams
• Family support workers
• Parents and carers
• Other professionals involved with the child
Information about individual Play Therapy sessions remains confidential unless there is a safeguarding concern.
Reviews focus on the child's overall progress, presentation and therapeutic needs rather than providing a detailed account of what the child has played or expressed during individual sessions.
What does the school need to provide?
Schools need to provide a private and consistent space where sessions can take place without unnecessary interruptions.
Ideally, the room should be available at the same time each week.
I will discuss practical arrangements with you before therapy begins, including the room, referrals, safeguarding procedures, communication and session times.
Experience you can trust
25+ years working with children and families
15+ years practising Play Therapy
Accredited Play Therapist
Senior Certified Clinical Supervisor
Extensive experience providing Play Therapy within schools across Gloucestershire
Interested in Play Therapy for your school?
Whether you are considering support for one child or looking at providing Play Therapy within your school, please get in touch.
We can have an initial conversation about your school's needs, the children you would like to support and how Play Therapy could work within your setting.
Contact Ian]
01594 888230