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Play Therapy Qualifications | What Parents & Schools Should Check
Understanding Play Therapy Qualifications: What Should Parents and Schools Look For? If you are looking for a Play Therapist for your child or considering commissioning Play Therapy within a school, qualifications can quickly become confusing. You may see terms such as: Play Therapist Registered Play Therapist Certified Play Therapist Therapeutic Play Practitioner Therapeutic Play Skills Counsellor Creative Therapist Child Therapist They can sound similar, but they do not nec

The Spiral Tree
Sep 225 min read
My Child Won’t Talk About Their Feelings
The evidence is solid. BAPT describes play as children’s primary form of communication and its parent guidance explains that children can work at their own pace without having to verbally explain their experiences. The 2015 meta-analysis examined 52 controlled studies and reported an effect size of 0.47. PTUK’s newer evidence summary reports routine outcome data from more than 61,000 clients.

The Spiral Tree
Sep 15 min read
Sand Tray Therapy
Introduction: Sand is more than just a playful substance; it serves as a powerful tool for expression and emotional processing in...

The Spiral Tree
Oct 6, 20252 min read
Non-Directive Play Therapy
Introduction: In the complex journey of childhood development, there are moments when the most effective form of support is to step back and allow the child to take the lead. This approach recognises the innate capabilities of children, giving them the space to express themselves freely and navigate their own experiences. By stepping back, caregivers and therapists can foster an environment where children feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and creativity without t

The Spiral Tree
Sep 29, 20252 min read
Understanding Your Child’s Play Themes
I Introduction: Children often revisit themes in play as a way to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a safe...

The Spiral Tree
Sep 22, 20253 min read
The Role of the Play Therapist
Introduction: Play therapists serve as essential guides in the therapeutic journey of children, rather than taking on the role of...

The Spiral Tree
Sep 15, 20252 min read
How Play Therapy Supports Social Skills
Introduction: Play is the primary way children learn social skills—empathy, cooperation, and communication. Through various forms of...

The Spiral Tree
Sep 8, 20252 min read
Play Therapy for Children Experiencing Trauma
Introduction: Trauma leaves children feeling unsafe, anxious, or powerless. Talking about traumatic events is often impossible, but play...

The Spiral Tree
Sep 1, 20251 min read


Understanding Emotional Processing in Children Through Play
Play is more than just fun; it is a crucial part of childhood that helps children understand and manage their emotions. Since young...

The Spiral Tree
Aug 25, 20253 min read
What is Play Therapy and How Can It Help Your Child
Introduction: Play is how children make sense of the world. Unlike adults, they often struggle to put their feelings into words, but...

The Spiral Tree
Aug 18, 20252 min read


Meeting Matt Bishop MP: Supporting Children’s Mental Health in the Forest of Dean
Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting Matt Bishop, Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean , at The Spiral Tree in Cinderford....

The Spiral Tree
Aug 17, 20252 min read
Virgina Axline Principles
Virginia Axline was a pioneer in the field of play therapy, and her principles continue to shape non-directive play therapy approaches...

The Spiral Tree
Sep 16, 20242 min read
The Role of a Male Play Therapist: Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being
As a male play therapist, I often get asked what sets me apart in this field and how play therapy can help children. In today’s blog, I...

The Spiral Tree
Sep 9, 20243 min read
The Little Dragon
'The Little Dragon Who Couldn't Control His Fire' A story written for a special little boy who loves dragons and Batman, who has been...

The Spiral Tree
Jan 25, 20211 min read


Feel ARTY?
Here are some really good art activities to do together. My son and I often draw squiggly lines for each other on paper then the other...

The Spiral Tree
Jun 8, 20201 min read


Making a Time Together Box
Attached is how to make a Time Together Box. Download them here These boxes are brilliant when you want a bit of structure to your play...

The Spiral Tree
Jun 8, 20201 min read


Fill your bucket/cup
During the lockdown your emotional bucket/cup may have been emptied with stress and having to deal with the upside down world we...

The Spiral Tree
May 19, 20201 min read


Fill your life with positive affirmation.
At the moment the world feel a very scary place and people's nervous and anxious energy, Here is a little positive activities to move to...

The Spiral Tree
May 15, 20201 min read


Re - Connection Tips
Here are some simple but effective tips to aid connection with your child if you need anymore help or would like some on some other...

The Spiral Tree
May 13, 20201 min read
Supervision
Some exciting news !!! From June 19 I will be offering supervision sessions. I will be attending the PTUK Supervisors training. if you...

The Spiral Tree
Apr 30, 20191 min read
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