New Day
Play Therapy
Welcome to
NEW DAY PLAY THERAPY
A therapeutic service providing support to children, young people and their families.
A bit about me...
RACHEL KING
I have been working with children who display challenging behaviour for almost 10 years and I am passionate about providing them with therapeutic support that comes from a place of understanding and empathy. I strongly believe that every behaviour is a communication for an internal feeling and many young people find it difficult to express or explain those feelings with words.
Before training to be a Play Therapist I worked in a residential children’s home with children who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. Since obtaining my Masters Degree in Play Therapy, I have completed training to be a Sand Story Therapist and I hold an Advanced Certificate in Therapeutic Life Story Work. I also hold Level 3 Diplomas in Residential Childcare and Speech and Language Therapy for 5-11s. I am a registered member of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) as well as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
What is Play Therapy?
There are some situations and feelings, especially those that are difficult or frightening, that can be hard to explain with words. Play Therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy which utilises play, a child’s natural language, to communicate their feelings and experiences. Although typically used for children aged between 4 – 11 years, it can be adapted for older ages and each intervention is tailored to meet the needs of that child.
Play therapy is a non-directive intervention and is child led. In their session, the child is free to explore the wide range of toys available and use them to explore their inner world. The therapist’s sensitive support facilitates the child to use their inner resources to bring about growth and change. These changes enable the child to begin to learn how to cope better with their problems, relationships and difficult feelings.
The playroom is a safe and confidential space in which the child can express and work through a variety of experiences, both past and present, in the presence of a specially trained therapist. The therapist provides a permissive environment and remains accepting, empathic, non-judgmental and of course playful!
"Play Therapy helps children understand muddled feelings and upsetting events that they haven’t had the chance to sort out properly. Rather than having to explain what is troubling them, as adult therapy usually expects, children use play to communicate at their own level and at their own pace, without feeling interrogated or threatened".
(BAPT, 2019)
Who can it help?
Play Therapy can help children and young people who may have experienced the following:
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change in family dynamic
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anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
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domestic violence
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aggression
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behavioural problems
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bereavement
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developmental trauma (including physical/emotional/sexual abuse)
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illness (of self or family members)
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bullying
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foster or adoption
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BAPT therapists receive extensive training in areas such as child development, attachment and the impacts of early trauma. During their training they are taught how to use play as a means to understand and communicate with children about their thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
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The play therapist will begin the process by carefully listening to your worries and concerns about your child. They will gather information about the family history and any stresses that may have occurred so that they can help your child make sense of it. They may also seek information from schools or other professionals involved with the family.
BAPT registered therapist
Play Therapy Services
1:1 play therapy sessions
A day and time is agreed for weekly sessions with a qualified therapist. Sessions last 50 minutes.
Regular review meetings
It is important that parents and carers are supported throughout the course of therapy. Following a referral, an initial meeting is arranged with the parents/primary caregiver to gain further information and discuss the length of intervention and answer any questions. Regular reviews are then held roughly every 6 weeks.
A range of creative resources
All toys will be provided. The young person will be able to choose from a number of activities to help them communicate and express themselves, including:
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art materials
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toys
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sand
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sensory toys
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role play
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narrative and stories
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puppets/small world figures
What people say ...
I feel the Play therapy sessions *child* (8 yrs) has had with Rachel have been hugely beneficial for her, she is much more calm and is learning to deal with her feelings of loss. Her whole demeanour has changed. I would like to thank you for helping *child* move on with her life.
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Supervising Social Worker, 2021.
*Child* has really enjoyed play therapy and looks forward to it every week. We have found him calmer at home and is starting to express his feelings better using words before meltdowns, which is obviously a game changer for us 😊
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Parent, July 2022.
Rachel has enabled my granddaughter to explore who she is and how she sees herself. The emotional growth has been unprecedented and her school life has now turned around 100%.
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I highly recommend you as a play therapist to any other parent/carer thinking about getting support or their child.
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Grandparent, December 2022.
Play Therapy has definitely helped *child* explore his feelings and ask questions about his birth family.
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Adoptive Parent, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will my child need?
A. Every child is different and therefore there is no set number of sessions. Therapeutic interventions can range from a few months to a few years, depending on what the child needs. Usually a child will begin with 12 sessions and then we can review and continue for longer as required . One of the core principles of play therapy is for the child not to be rushed and each intervention is individualised to each child.
Can I join in with my child's sessions?
A. As a parent/carer you will be invited to an initial session in which your child meets their therapist, but after that the child sees the therapist alone. This privacy can enable the child to share and explore things they may not feel able to at home or school.
Will I know what happens in my child's sessions?
A. Play therapy is most effective when the child has a confidential space in which to explore their feelings. As such, I will not share the details of your child's play with you but when we meet for reviews I can share the general themes and progress of their sessions.
Where will the sessions take place?
A. This will be agreed during the assessment stage. It might be that I travel to your child's school to see them during the school day, or you may be required to bring them to another location such as a meeting room within agency or local authority offices.
Does my child need a diagnosis?
A. The child does not need a prior diagnosis or to have been referred from a professional. If you feel your child could benefit from play therapy then use the contact details below to get in touch.