acorn2oak Play Therapy

16/09/2026

14/09/2026

So true Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, this is why we cannot simply take things at face value

11/09/2026

Why a Play Therapist won't take the use of symbols at their face value:

There is a reason the toys in the play room are referred to as symbols. This is because of what these manipulatives could represent. Due to the fact that play is the natural medium of communication and processing for a child, the symbol that they will be drawn to won't always be what it appears. For instance, a child being bullied at school may play out scenarios using predators (such as a lion) and prey animals. The therapist will know that this could be representative of the child wanting to claim back some sense of power and control - after all, the lion is recognised as a symbol of strength in many cultures. The therapist's knowledge of the child's background, as well as the various symbolic references, will inform the interpretation of this play. However, what is most important in play sessions like this is not necessarily what the child is acting out, but rather how the child is coming across during the session. It is far more important for the therapist to be in tune with the child's energy and emotions, rather than focusing solely on the outcome of the scenario being played out. A child filling a doll's house with furniture and figurines will mirror their reality - what they experience in their world. This is to be expected, but the therapist also knows that just because a child puts a lion in the garden, it doesn't *have to* mean that the child is seeking protection. It could also mean that the child went on a game drive recently and thought that a lion would make a really cool pet. Where the therapist needs to be guided, is by how the child is presenting in the session. Understanding symbols and their use is an important and helpful part of therapy. Many symbols have a duality or multifaceted meaning; snakes for instance can be representative of something fearful and yet they can also represent rebirth and overcoming obstacles. And just as easily, a snake could be representative of none of these, it might be used to represent a rope because a child is building an elaborate structure and needs something bendy to use as a connector. Symbols are a fascinating study. Whatever they may be representing for a child, it is not the therapist's business to know; the therapist does not enquire as to the use or meaning of a symbol. Rather, the therapist remains focused on the child and holding the space that allows the child the freedom to explore.

04/09/2026

Why the play room has a variety of resources:

Play Therapy is not just about one medium. It is imperative that there is a range of resources and tools available that will help a child heal and work through their process. A child will naturally be drawn to whichever medium they need to bring about this healing. All the resources available have been carefully and mindfully selected in order to facilitate this. For instance, drama and role play allow a child to explore the social relationships in their life, while the art supplies give a child the opportunity to express themselves and their experiences in a creative and tactile way. Due to the nature of how Play Therapy works, the child leads the session and chooses the resources that speak to them, which is why it is important that there is a range of these for the child to choose from. This is also the reason that the "toys" used in the sandtray and doll's house are referred to as symbols when in relation to therapy. This is because of what these could be representing for the child. A lion, for example, whilst roaring around the play room, could be representative of a protective figure in the child's life or it could be an external way for the child to process some of their own anger. Presenting a range of symbols and resources allows the child greater choice and greater empowerment. Likewise, the therapist cannot take these symbols at their face value and the next post will look at why.

28/08/2026

Is Play Therapy structured differently for neurodiverse children?

Not at all. Due to the child-led and non-directive approach, it doesn't matter if a child is neurotypical or neurodiverse, they lead the session. How a child engages with the resources in the play room is up to them. Each child makes meaning for themselves; no matter their diagnosis, cognitive ability or life circumstances. It is the therapist's role to ensure that the child feels seen and empowered. Where a diagnosis exists, it plays a role in helping to understand the child holistically. Each child is an individual and their thoughts and needs are unique. This is no different in children with neurodiversity. Understanding a child's diagnosis can give insight into where they flourish and where they struggle, but it won't change the way the therapist engages with them in the session. My practice is guided by Virginia Axline's 8 principles:
The therapist must develop a warm, friendly relationship with the child
The therapist unconditionally accepts the child as is
The therapist establishes a feeling of permissiveness
The therapist only reflects back so the child gains insight
The therapist respects the child’s ability to solve problems for herself
The therapist does not direct - the child leads, the therapist follows
The therapist does not hurry the therapy
The therapist establishes only the needed limitations to anchor therapy to reality
These principles are applied no matter the age, ability, gender or life circumstances of the child. The child and their wellbeing is at the forefront of each and every session. This is why Play Therapy is so beneficial and also, why it works. Synergetic Play Therapy Institute PTISA - Play Therapy International South Africa PTUK - The UK Society for Play and Creative Arts Therapies

21/08/2026

Reframing Neurodivergence 💫 thanks for sharing Synergetic Play Therapy Institute !

17/08/2026

What is confidentiality and why is it important:
Confidentiality is all about trust. Trust between the client and the therapist, as well as trust between the parent and the therapist. Just as you would not expect your partner or your boss to get feedback from your own therapy sessions, so it is with children in Play Therapy. Trust needs to be established between the therapist and the client, and part of that process is ensuring that the child understands that the therapist won't share anything from the Play Room. This is very different to asking a child to keep a secret because in this case, the child is given ownership to be able to choose whether or not to discuss what they do in Play Therapy. It is made clear in the first few sessions (in a developmentally appropriate way) that the therapist won't tell their parents or teachers what they do in the Play Room, but if they would like to tell mommy/daddy/their friends then they are welcome to. The child is being empowered to share if he/she chooses to. When giving feedback to parents and teachers the therapist is able to divulge certain themes that arise and anything else that will help support the child further. As a parent this can sometimes to be tricky to come to terms with, after all parents are given reports for everything from academics to OT. This is where the trust between the parent and the therapist is so important. Working within this ethical framework means that at all times, the wellbeing of the child is put first. Forming this trust and watching a child become more resilient and working through their process is a magical thing. PTISA - Play Therapy International South Africa PTUK - The UK Society for Play and Creative Arts Therapies Synergetic Play Therapy Institute

03/08/2026

Having an agenda and predisposed ideas of Play Therapy:
Often, parents and teachers will tell me what to expect of a child in the play room. I will be told that "this will definitely come up/they will probably want to tell you about..." But more often than not, these themes don't arise because what the adults perceive the child is working through, and what the child is actually working through, are not the same. Imagine, as an adult going to therapy and your boss/partner telling the therapist beforehand what might come up for you. How often have we been in situations where our frustration is being transferred because we aren't getting to the crux of the matter. We are not angry because our partner didn't take the rubbish out (of course, sometimes that is all it is), but rather that situation becomes the outlet for the pent up frustration about other issues. Children (because they are human) are the same. Play Therapy is about understanding why certain behaviours are occurring. We must be cautious about putting our own agendas onto our children as this can diminish their feelings and experiences of their world. While it is important for the therapist to understand the context of the child's world, and the reason for referral, it is also essential that we remain open-minded and in-tune to what is happening in the play room. It is this that will allow the child to work through what they need to in a way that makes sense to them. Play Therapy Institute PTISA - Play Therapy International South Africa

23/07/2026

So true x☺️