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When people hear the term play therapy, they often picture young children using toys to express their feelings. But play therapy can also be incredibly effective for teenagers. Adolescence is a complex time filled with emotional, social, and developmental changes, and many teens struggle to put their thoughts and feelings into words. Play therapy provides a creative, less intimidating way for teens to explore their experiences and build healthier coping skills. Why Teens Bene

International Play Therapy Week also recognises the dedicated clinicians who undergo specialised training to enter a child’s world with empathy, patience, and skill. Their work often happens quietly on the floor of a playroom—but its impact echoes through a child’s lifetime.

If your child is struggling but “can’t explain why,” play therapy may be the doorway to understanding. Children don’t always need more words. Sometimes, they just need someone who understands their play. 🌈 Final Thoughts Play is not a break from learning. Play is how children learn, process, and heal. This International Play Therapy Week, let’s honour the power of play and the professionals who use it to change children’s lives—one toy, one story, one session at a time.

Because healing in children does not look like talking. It looks like: Repetition Symbolism Imagination Movement Storytelling without words Play is the child’s natural language. Toys are their words. The therapist is trained to understand the grammar. What the Therapist Is Actually Doing While the child plays, the therapist is: Tracking themes and patterns Noticing emotional shifts Reflecting feelings in developmentally safe ways Creating a relationship where the child feels

A play therapy room is intentionally designed as a child’s world—inviting, safe, and full of carefully selected toys that allow emotional expression. You might see: A child burying figures in sand after a scary event A child acting out family conflict with dolls A child drawing monsters to represent anxiety A child building structures to regain a sense of control To an observer, it may look like “just play.” To a trained therapist, it’s rich communication. A play therapy room

One year ago, eg Play Therapy opened its doors with a simple but powerful belief: Children don’t always have the words — but they always have play. Today, as we celebrate our first birthday, we pause to reflect on the incredible journey that has unfolded over the past 12 months. A year filled with courage, connection, healing, laughter, tears, growth, and countless small, brave moments inside the playroom. Because in Play Therapy, the magic is often quiet. It happens in the w

❤️ Why Play Therapy Matters More Than Ever Today’s children face increasing stressors—academic pressure, social media exposure, family transitions, and global uncertainty. Many internalise these experiences without the words to ask for help. Play therapy supports children struggling with: Anxiety and worries Behavioral challenges Trauma and abuse Grief and loss Divorce or family changes ADHD and emotional regulation Social skill development Research consistently shows that wh

Every year, during the first full week of February, therapists, educators, and families around the world celebrate International Play Therapy Week—a time dedicated to raising awareness about the life-changing impact of play in children’s mental health. Spearheaded by the British Association of Play Therapists, this week shines a light on a powerful truth: Play is a child’s natural language, and toys are their words. For children who don’t yet have the vocabulary to explain tr

As of 28th February, I’ll be stepping into a new role that I’m incredibly excited about — running the Saturday afternoon therapeutic forest school sessions with Alaria CIC. Forest school has a special kind of magic. It offers space to slow down, connect with nature, and learn through experience, curiosity, and creativity. Being part of a therapeutic setting makes this even more meaningful, as the woodland becomes a place for reflection, resilience, and gentle growth. I’m well

Happy New year from eg Play Therapy

Just before finishing up for Christmas, I had the absolute pleasure of running a fun and meaningful arts and crafts session with one of the children I support and her younger sister, who has a disability. The older sister often finds it difficult to know how to interact and play with her sibling, so I decided to bring along my trusty arts and crafts bag and create an activity they could enjoy together. With paint at the ready and plenty of enthusiasm, we set to work creating

Hope you have the best Christmas and a sparkly new year. Thanks for all your support.. Eilidh

"Play is a child's natural medium for self-expression." — Virginia Axline

"Toys are children's words and play is their language" Garry L. Landreth

Singing really is its own kind of medicine — it lifts your mood, steadies your breathing, and lets emotions move instead of getting stuck. And Christmas songs? Even better. They tap straight into nostalgia, joy, and that cozy sense of togetherness. So crank up the carols, sing loud (and off-key if necessary 😄), and let the music do its healing work. Sometimes the best therapy really does come with bells, harmonies, and a bit of sparkle. 🎄🎤

Bubble breathing - another simple tip to help children breathe and relax

Take some time out and take a walk in nature.

Reindeer teacakes

The lead up to Christmas can be stressful. Dancing and movement is a great easy to release the stress

Make an easy Christmas tree picture