WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY
Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy that utilises play to help children express, process, and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. It is used to help children aged 3-10 years old who may be experiencing various challenges, such as:
- Emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety, anger, or sadness)
- Behavioural issues, this could look like aggression, defiance, meltdowns, lots of big feelings.
- Social struggles such as difficulty making friends or interacting with peers.
- Trauma or stress which can include for example abuse, neglect, or other significant life changes such as parents separating, moving house, loss of loved ones
In play therapy, a trained therapist (me) provides a safe and supportive environment for the child to engage in play, using various materials like toys, art supplies, or imaginative play. The therapist observes and participates in the play to build a trusting relationship with the child to understand the child's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. I help the child develop coping skills and strategies and encourage communication and problem-solving, as well as support the child to build self esteem and confidence. Play therapy is beneficial in helping children to develop emotional regulation and resilience, enhance social skills and relationships, also to process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Garry Landreth
"Toys are used like words by children and play is their language...there are many experiences in childhood in which children feel they have little or no control. Play is children's way of working out balance and control in their lives"
Play therapy sessions are 30-45 minutes long and take place weekly for around 20 weeks.
I have a special play room set up in Oxford where the children will come for their play therapy sessions. Children usually look forward to their special time in the playroom.
Part of the process is also meeting with parents, to share information to support you at home. Parent review sessions will happen approximately every 5 weeks.
The first step is to meet and get more information around what is happening for your family and I will discuss the play therapy process in depth with you. Please reach out if you would like to start the process
Fees
Are a sliding scale from $40-$100 per session
Kia ora, I am Taryn.
I am a qualified Child Centered Play Therapist and have a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children and their families in various roles for over 18 years. I have supported many children and families through Play Therapy, I love seeing the difference that this can make in their lives. I am passionate about helping and supporting children and their families to grow, heal and thrive.
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I have 3 children of my own and live in North Canterbury. I love being in nature, reading and spending time connecting with my family and friends.
FEEDBACK
What My Clients Are Saying
"Play Therapy has helped Sam to have a much more positive outlook on life. He has gained emotional regulation skills and social skills. I have seen a big change in him at home in his ability to play with his sister and in his ability to accept boundaries as well as his problem solving skills. His teacher has seem a big change in him at school also, he is more social and gets along with his peers much better. He can now communicate with us and his peers when things are difficult. We are so pleased with the difference seeing Taryn has made for our family"
Sandy Mum to 7 year old
"We came to see Taryn due to the huge meltdowns that our 4 year old was having. Throughout this process we saw a huge change in their ability to communicate thier emotions and to calm down. We also got some great parenting adive that has really helped. This has made our family so much calmer and happier."