One in six children are likely to have a diagnosable mental health condition according to NHS.
This means in a class of 30 children it is likely at least 5 children are struggling with their mental health. In the children we work with as BAPT Registered Play Therapists this is usually as a result of a one-off trauma or more complex, cumulative trauma.
Through the play, the child is given a safe space to explore their lived experiences. The therapist is there to ensure the child does not become overwhelmed by painful and difficult to understand experiences. With the therapist 'containing' and regulating their emotions, the child has the ability to explore experiences through their play whilst having their feelings and emotions reflected and acknowledged. Thus enabling them to co-regulate with the adult, which is the first step to learning self-regulation.
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