South Shropshire Play Therapy
Nurturing Children's Potential
"We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing"
Charles Schafer
What is Play Therapy?
"Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet" Viginia Axline
Play therapy is an effective therapy that helps children to modify their behaviours, clarify their self-concept and build healthy relationships.
Play therapy can offer children a safe place to explore, express and contain feelings that may be troubling them. It can enable them to shift their perspective of abuse or difficulty so that they are less likely to internalise blame. The resulting empowerment and increased self-esteem can be the springboard to help children cope with difficulties in the real world.
Play therapy is appropriate for children of all ages but is most often used for children aged between three and twelve. Conventional talking therapies may be inappropriate for children and young people who struggle to put their feelings into words. Children's natural form of communication is through their play. In play therapy children use the power of play to learn, communicate and explore their world in a safe, non-threatening environment.
Play therapy can be a short or long-term intervention according to each child's needs.
What is a BAPT play therapist?
A BAPT Play Therapist is a professional who has completed an intensive training that has been accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists. This includes:
Completion of a Masters Degree Play therapy Course
Personal Therapy
On going clinical supervision of their Play Therapy practice
Commitment to the BAPT Ethical Basis for Good Practice
Current and clear DBS check
Play therapists draw on an extensive repertoire of methods and theories, from child-led non-directive techniques to more focused interventions.
Hello and welcome to South Shropshire Play Therapy
My name is Jan Perkins and I work as a British Association Play Therapist based in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire. I work with children and young people to help them explore their feelings, to express themselves and to make sense of their life experiences. I passionately believe that ALL children from different cultures, genders and varying abilities can be nurtured through play therapy to help them achieve their true potential.
Previously a teacher, I retrained as a BAPT therapist (British Association of Play Therapists) to learn better how to nurture children's emotional and social well-being. I am trained in methods and theories surrounding play and child development, attachment theory and neuroscience research. I receive on-going clinical supervision of my play therapy practice and continue to keep up to date with play therapy literature and research through CPD. There is so much more to learn!
What happens in play therapy?
At the referral stage the play therapist will engage with others concerned about the welfare of the child and establish a contract for the work. Good communication between all parties is essential for play therapy to work well.
Play therapy sessions usually occur once a week for about an hour, at the same time and in the same place. Children can choose from a range of carefully chosen toys to play with, communicating how they are feeling. The therapist will over time build a strong therapeutic relationship, helping children to sort out feelings and worries.
The play therapist does not tell others the details of the child's play but will regularly meet to discuss themes of play, sharing thoughts and strategies of how best to help children outside the playroom.
Who can benefit from play therapy?
Play therapy is an effective intervention for children with a variety of presenting difficulties including:
Children and young people suffering with low self-esteem and lack of confidence.
Children and young people displaying atypical child and play development.
Children in the care system, fostered and adopted.
Children or young people who have suffered abuse and neglect.
Those who have experienced loss, bereavement, family breakdown or separation from culture of origin.
Children who are ill, disabled or who cope with carers or siblings with disabilities.
Those who have witnessed violence or the abuse of substances.
Services offered by South Shropshire Play Therapy
Short or long-term play therapy offered during school term times.
A child-centred and integrative approach to suit the individual child.
Use of a fully stocked playroom based in Cleobury Mortimer, South Shropshire
Progress and final reports offering strategies and recommendations.
Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
Staff training
Please contact SSPT for further information on any of the above.
Contact Me
If you would like to know more about play therapy and the services that South Shropshire Play Therapy can offer, please do get in touch either through phone or email. I will be very happy to answer any questions you may have and will get back to you as soon as I am able. I look forward to talking to you soon.
07932 758842
Helpful Information and Resources
Below are some resources that I have found helpful as a practicing play therapist and may well be of interest to other professionals, parents and children. Watch out for updates!
Book Review: Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals. 3rd Edition.
Author: Angie Voss
An excellent easy to read book recommended to me on a sensory integration course. It lists sensory signals a child may display and ideas how to adapt and modify through increasing or decreasing sensory input. I have shared this book with both parents and teachers within my work.
Book Review: The Darkest Dark.
Author: Chris Hadfield
Written by one of the world's most accomplished astronauts, and beautifully illustrated by Terry and Eric Fan. This book addresses children's fear of the dark. Chris says: 'Being in the dark can feel scary...but it's also an amazing place. The dark is for dreams-and morning is for making them come true.' Both a fictional and non-fictional book inspiring children's hope while supporting their possible fears of the dark.
Book Review:
Lucy's Little book of Relaxation. 20 lovely meditations for children of all ages.
Author: Nikki Powell
20 short children's meditations for all ages. I have used these with individuals as well as in groups to help children tune into their breathing so they feel calmer and more connected with their environment. I have recommended this book to parents who have also used it with their children at home. A little gem!
Book Review:
Therapeutic Parenting. Strategies and Solutions.
Author: Sarah Nash
An easy, no-nonsense book to access. Step by step strategies and solutions, especially effective for children with attachment difficulties, or those who have experienced trauma. A supportive, nurturing book which can bring comfort to the many demands of therapeutic parenting.
Book Review:
Conversations that Matter. Talking with children and teenagers in ways that matter.
Author: Margot Sunderland
A super book packed with tools, techniques and ideas for what to do, how to be and what to say to children and young people who are struggling with their feelings. Designed for both parents and child professionals, this book can empower everyone who lives and works with children and young people in the art of how to listen and talk with children.
Book Review:
Listening to My Body.
Author: Gabi Garcia
A children's book that can be shared or adapted to use with all ages. This is a guide to better understanding the connection between our body sensations and our feelings. Adults and children can have fun practicing suggested activities together.