Dr Tracey Murray| HCPC reg Art Psychotherapist
It can be difficult for children to find the words they need to say how they really feel. At times, a simple question like "How was your day?" isn't enough, as the response often masks thoughts and feelings that they may struggle to articulate. The more you ask, the more they may withdraw, often responding with a "good" when you sense that something isn't quite right. That's where play can be helpful for children as an instinctive way to express and explore feelings. Play and creativity are a child's natural language, it is their way to communicate and a fundamental part of their child development.
Evidence of play and creativity dates back to prehistoric times, seen in primitive cave drawings and early games like dice and board games. Ancient Greek philosopher Plato recognised the importance of role-play in childhood, suggesting how this could influence career choices later in life. Fast forward around 2370 years, in Northern Ireland, play is still a fundamental part of the education curriculum in preschool and foundation stage in primary school. Engaging in play helps children develop an understanding of the world around them, connecting to real life experiences through imagination, interaction and role play. So, there is a reason why your child comes home from school and says they were dressed up as a nurse or doctor. Play definitely has its place and its importance!
The 1940s marked a significant turning point in recognising the importance of play for child development and its therapeutic benefits. Influenced by child psychoanalysts and the person-centred theory, play therapy was pioneered by an American psychologist who introduced the term 'non-directive play therapy.' Today, play therapy is widely used across primary schools, hospitals, community organisations, charities, and the private sector in the UK and Northern Ireland. Many Play Therapists are accredited by the British Association of Counsellors, the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), and Play Therapy UK (PTUK). There are various therapeutic modalities that incorporate creative methods and are widely accessible for working with children. Similar to play therapy, dramatherapy employs drama, role-play, and storytelling, enabling children to express different parts of their lives while fostering social skills and confidence. Additionally, art therapy, uses art materials such as paint, crayons, clay, and collage to help children articulate and explore their inner experiences, aiding them in regulating and externalising challenging emotions. Art Psychotherapists and Dramatherapists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under protected professional titles. This means that they practice by strict ethical and professional competency frameworks.
Children might attend play or creative therapy for various reasons. While the list below is not exhaustive, it highlights some of the most common reasons for parents/carers seeking therapy for their child:
- Experiencing anxiety or worry
- Facing family challenges or parental separation
- Navigating transitions or significant changes, such as moving schools or home
- Having frequent "big feelings" or emotional outbursts
- Exhibiting changes in behaviour or mood
- Dealing with bereavement or illness
- Experiencing adverse childhood events or trauma
- Struggling with friendships or social interaction
There are numerous proven benefits of play and creative therapies. Firstly, it can help a child establish and maintain a positive relationship through playful and open communication in the therapy relationship. This can create emotional safety by exploration in a safe environment with a trusted adult which can help a child work through challenges, difficulties and worries. The interactive and tactile nature of play and creative therapy can aid sensory grounding, helping to calm and regulate the nervous system. Empowering the child is fundamental, as it allows them to take the lead in their choices. By deciding what they create, how they play, and how they interact, they can effectively express their needs.
If you want to find out more about the services we offer for children or to explore if Play Therapy, Drama Therapy or Art Therapy might help your child's current needs, contact us to talk with the Clinical Lead.