Play and Art Therapy
Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy uses play, children’s natural way of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words. Children can use art, clay, movement, sand play therapy and imagination in the therapy room. Play Therapy helps children on their healing journeys, taking the past and moving forward to heal themselves.
Play therapy may be non-directive (where the child decides what to do in a session, within safe boundaries), directive (where the therapist leads the way) or a mixture of the two. Play therapy works with children who cannot, or do not want to talk about their problems.
How is a Play Therapist accredited and trained?
To become a PTIrl Certified Play Therapist a minimum of 200 hours of supervised clinical work is required whilst in training. A total of 450 hours are required to become a PTIrl Accredited Play Therapist.
What kind of issues can Play Therapy support a child/young person with?
Some of the issues that Play Therapy can help a child with are Autism (ASD), ADHD, ADD, communication skills, low self-esteem, separation/divorce, social and behavioural issues, anxiety, trauma.
Art Therapy
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a therapeutic intervention that supports children to express big feelings and emotions, in a safe, non-judgemental space.
How is an Art Therapist accredited and trained?
Art Therapy is accredited by IACAT (Irish Association of Creative Art Therapists). All practicing art therapists are required to be trained to master’s degree (Level 9) and a professional registered member of IACAT.
What kind of issues can Art Therapy support a child/young person with?
Children often find it difficult to put into words, how they are feeling; Art therapy can help them gain a clearer understanding of their emotional well-being by processing thoughts, and feelings through the medium of art. It also helps them to self-regulate and recognise self-awareness as well as build their confidence and strengthen self-esteem.