Cheshire Play Therapy Services

18/08/2026

👋 Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person with SEND? 💚

☀️Finding the school holidays a bit challenging? You’re not alone!

Come and join our friendly, parents-only Facebook group to connect with other parent carers who “get it”, share experiences and find useful information and support.

We’re the Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum (CEPCF) a voluntary group supporting families of children and young people aged 0–25 with additional needs.

We also run FREE events and training, share information and signpost to helpful services.
Registered members can also get a FREE MAX Card, giving families access to free and discounted days out!

🧑‍💻 To join our Facebook group please head to Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum

🔗 Prior to booking on to any of our events please ensure that you have registered as a member of the forum via our website www.cepcf.org

12/08/2026

Play helps the development of sturdy brain architecture, strengthening executive function and equipping children to overcome trauma. These ideas for playful activities for babies to teens from the Centre on the Developing Child are a valuable resource for anyone looking for attachment play ideas- https://developingchild.harvard.edu/.../brainbuilding.../...

09/08/2026

It’s only play…” 💚

One of the most important parts of play therapy isn’t the toys… it’s the confidentiality.

When you see a child leaving the playroom carrying a dinosaur, covered in sand or talking about sword fighting, it can be easy to think they’ve “just been playing”.

But play is a child’s language.

Just as adults process their thoughts and emotions by talking in therapy, children process theirs through play. What looks simple on the outside can represent some incredibly important emotional work on the inside.

That’s why uninterrupted sessions matter so much.

Walking into the room, asking questions during the session, or expecting a child to explain what happened immediately afterwards can interrupt that process. Many children leave therapy still processing deep emotions and need time and space before returning to the rest of their day.

This can be particularly challenging in school settings, where therapy takes place alongside the busy rhythm of the school day. Helping everyone understand the importance of protecting that therapeutic space allows children the best opportunity to heal.

Behind every play therapy door is a child doing some very brave work.

Sometimes it may look like “just playing” but it rarely is.

21/07/2026

Every parent wants their child to feel safe, understood and able to thrive. But parenting doesn't come with a manual and can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when children struggle with big emotions, challenging behaviour or difficult life experiences.

Our SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD COLLECTION in the TISCUK LEARNING HUB combines the latest understanding from attachment, neuroscience and child development with practical, relationship-based strategies that you can use every day.

You'll discover how play, communication, emotional connection and therapeutic approaches such as PACE can strengthen your relationship with your child, helping them feel more secure, better understood and more able to manage life's challenges.

Whether you're parenting a toddler, school-aged child or teenager, these webinars will give you the knowledge and confidence to respond with greater understanding and build stronger, more connected family relationships.

Perfect for parents, carers and professionals supporting families.

Find out more: https://www.trauma-informed.uk/supporting-your-child

21/07/2026

17/07/2026

An insight into the role of play therapy and the difference it can make for children and families When people hear the term play therapy, they often imagine a child spending time playing games, drawing pictures or using toys. Whilst play is certainly central to the process, play therapy is

14/07/2026

"Connection before correction" means that we must regulate a child’s nervous system and protect the relationship before we attempt to address or change their behaviour.

As play therapists, we often share with parents/carers that a child cannot learn a lesson or accept a boundary if they are trapped in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. When a child misbehaves or has a meltdown, their brain perceives a threat; correcting them in that moment feels like an attack, which increases their defensiveness. By connecting first, you lower their defenses so they can actually hear you.

Here is how you can explain and apply this foundational concept.

Why It Matters: The neuroscience

Safety opens the brain: Children learn and process logic in the prefrontal cortex, but this area shuts down when they are overwhelmed.

Co-regulation is required: Children cannot calm themselves down alone; they need to "borrow" your calm nervous system first.

Reassurance stops the behaviour: Often, disruptive behavior is a clumsy cry for connection; once they feel seen, the behavior naturally de-escalates.

The Two-Step Process

Connect: Meet them at their emotional level. Step into their world by validating their feelings, getting down on their eye level, or offering a calm, physical presence.

Correct: Once their body relaxes and their heart rate slows, you can gently but firmly state the boundary or fix the mistake

03/07/2026

26/06/2026

Many children have difficulty recognizing what their body is telling them. 🧠

Body awareness, also called interoception, is an important skill for self-regulation, emotional understanding, and overall well-being. When kids learn to notice their body’s signals, they are better able to manage emotions and respond to challenges.

🕵️‍♀️ The Be a Body Detective Interoception Worksheet is a simple and effective tool that helps children pause, notice internal signals, and decide what action to take next.

Use this FREE activity to help students build awareness of what is happening inside their bodies and practice healthy self-regulation strategies.

17/06/2026