SPARKY NOODLE IS A SPACE FOR CHILD CENTERED
PLAY THERAPY.
The most commonly accessed form of therapy is through talk, it is then understandable why we are so often asked: So, what exactly happens in a Play Therapy Session? Does a child just play with a therapist or does the therapist just watch? Can anyone talk in the session? How does it actually work?
What is Child Centered
Play Therapy?
No, really, what is it?
Play Therapy is a form of psychotherapy or counselling that uses play as a means of communication and expression for children. The term 'Child Centered' means that every aspect of the therapy revolves around the child, it is for the child and it is led by the child
This reflects the belief that children have the internal drive to achieve wellness and that they will naturally express themselves through play when provided with a supportive environment.
In Child Centered Play Therapy, the therapist minimises interpretation and fosters a deep, empathetic connection by trusting that the child's play will naturally reflect their thoughts and emotions.
We have explained more in the sections below.
What is in the
Play Therapy Room?
The specific contents of a Play Therapy Room can vary depending on the therapist's approach and the needs of the child. However, toys and materials are never ‘collected’ and are always carefully chosen so that a child can use them to show us themes and experiences from real life, a range of emotions and feelings, and test and set limits.
The ‘Child Centered’ aspect means that there are no set activities- the therapist simply follows and interacts with the child’s choice of toys or activity.
Some commonly found elements are:
Elements representing real life:Family of dolls, animal, transport, action figures, food, figures of archetypes, money, kitchen/ medical/police/beauty set etc.
Elements representing aggression: Foam/ plastic guns, swords, knives, soldiers, puppets suggesting aggression like wild animals, etc.
Elements for creative expression and emotional release: clay, sand, musical instruments, pom-poms, ribbons, scarves, etc
