WRITTEN REPORT IN GUIDE 205

Prepared by: Mary Joy D. Teruel MAEd-Guidance 1st sem AY 2017-18

What is counselling?
Counselling falls under the umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ and allows people to discuss their problems and
any difficult feelings they encounter in a safe, confidential environment. The term can mean different things to
different people, but in general it is a process people seek when they want to change something in their lives or
simply explore their thoughts and feelings in more depth.

Counselling formats
Face-to-face - This is when you make an appointment with a counsellor to see them in person, usually at their
practice. Face-to-face sessions are one of the more popular therapy formats because they provide an opportunity
for you to react to any emotions that arise there and then. 
Individual or group - You may choose to see a counsellor by yourself, or if you prefer you could join a
counselling group with people experiencing similar issues. Going to a group counselling session can be helpful
if you want to discuss your issues with people who are going through similar problems and you may even gain
yourself a support network. Alternatively, you may wish to see a counsellor alone to preserve your privacy and
concentrate on your own feelings.  
Telephone counselling - For some, telephone counselling offers a helpful alternative to face-to-face counselling.
This involves talking to your counsellor over the phone instead of in person. This form of counselling can be
particularly useful for those too busy to attend face-to-face sessions, and can be carried out in the comfort of
your own home. This format also tends to be more flexible and can potentially reduce waiting list times.
Online counselling - Some people prefer not to physically speak to a counsellor at all, utilizing technology and
emailing their counsellor instead. This form of counselling allows you to take the time to think through what
you wish to discuss, and many find the act of physically writing their issues down cathartic. Online counselling
also offers you the chance to protect your anonymity.

What can counseling help with?

Counselling can be useful for anyone who wants to explore the way they're thinking or feeling further, as well
as anyone experiencing a problem or issue they are keen to resolve. People may choose to speak to a counselor
because they feel they cannot speak to their other half/friends/family about such personal issues, or they may
simply wish to speak to a professional with an objective viewpoint.
Common subjects that can be addressed within counselling include the following:
Addictions
Wherever there is a physical addiction to a substance or activity - there is likely to be a psychological addiction
too. Counseling aims to relieve the psychological addiction by exploring the root cause while helping to
develop new ways of thinking.
Bereavement
Losing a loved one is a difficult event in anyone's life. The loss can bring up a wide range of emotions including
guilt and anger. Some people benefit from speaking openly to a counsellor about their feelings to help ease the
process and resolve any remaining issues they may have.
Bullying
Being the victim of any form of abuse, whether it's verbal or physical can lead to issues that may affect you all
of your life. Counselling can offer victims the chance to seek help from authorities (if appropriate) as well as
addressing the psychological repercussions in a safe environment.
Illness
Suffering from a long-term illness such as cancer or dementia can turn anyone's world upside down.
Counselling can help sufferers come to terms with their illness while offering emotional support and coping
mechanisms.
Mental health issues
Suffering from a mental health issue such as schizophrenia or depression can feel incredibly isolating.
Counselling looks to discuss the feelings that arise in conjunction with these kinds of mental health issues as
well as overcome any personal challenges or frustrations. 
Relationships
Covering all types of relationships, counselling can be used to discuss issues within families, friendships and
couples. Problems could involve anything from a poor relationship with a parent through to an abusive
relationship.
Trauma
Whether you've been involved in an accident or you have been the victim of abuse, the psychological impact of
trauma can last years after the event itself. In a counselling session trauma victims are encouraged to explore
their feelings regarding the incident and look into how these could be resolved or changed.
Other
Feelings of stress, anxiety and low self-esteem are becoming all too common in today's society. Counselling can
offer practical advice for overcoming these kinds of issues as well as allowing you the space to vent your
frustrations and feelings.

How can counselling help?

The way counseling can help will depend on the person receiving the treatment. For many, the fact that
counselling offers a safe and confidential environment to speak in is all it takes. In life, what we say to others
can sometimes have a knock-on effect, altering relationships and the way people see each other. Counselling
eliminates this problem and offers you the space and freedom to explore your own thoughts with an unbiased
party.
While counsellors may not give you concrete advice or a checklist of things to do to feel better, what they will
do is help you uncover your own insight and understanding of your problems providing you with the tools
which will help you to resolve them on your own.
Counselling is a journey, and it takes time and consistency to work effectively. Because of this, many people
opt for regular counselling sessions to make the most of the process.
Counselling can help you understand yourself better and the way you think, which will ultimately help you
develop a clearer understanding of your problems. The more armed with information you are, the easier it
gradually becomes to navigate your way through any difficulties you are facing so that eventually you can come
out the other side feeling more positive. Counselling can also help you understand other people's point of view
better, which can shed light onto the way you interpret words or actions.

What to expect from counselling

In your first session it is likely that your counsellor will ask you some questions in order to gain an
understanding of what's worrying you and the way your thought processes work. All of the information
obtained here will be used to help you in future sessions.
Some questions your counsellor may ask include:
Why are you seeking counselling? - You will most likely be asked what it is that has brought you here. This is
your opportunity to discuss exactly why you are there and what you hope to gain from counselling.
What is your current situation and personal history? - It is important to let your counsellor know your current
situation, this includes any day-to-day issues you are facing and even your work and home life. Discussing your
personal history will give your counsellor a chance to understand more about you as a person and why these
issues may have occurred.
What symptoms are you experiencing? - Whether these are physical or psychological, it is important to discuss
any symptoms with your counsellor.
It is advised that you be honest and open when answering these questions in order to get the most out of your
counselling sessions.
During your counselling experience you should aim to build a trusting relationship with your counsellor so that
you feel safe and confident discussing your worries. If for any reason you do not feel comfortable talking about
your problems with your counsellor it is perfectly acceptable to look for another counsellor.
The counselling process
Counselling often requires you to discuss upsetting emotions and painful memories. Bringing up these thoughts
can feel difficult to start with and, initially, you may feel worse. This process is necessary to move forward and
in time, you should start to feel better.
To get the most from your counselling sessions you should aim to make them consistent. Some sessions will
feel more helpful than others, but it is important to realize that everything your counselor is doing is designed to
help you in the long run, even if it doesn't feel like it in the beginning.
It is also worth remembering that counselling is not a quick fix and that your counsellor will not be able to tell
you what to do. The counselling process requires a strong relationship between you and your counsellor and a
degree of effort on your part - together these two elements create a successful method to help you resolve your
issues.
Reference: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/what-is-counselling.html

Types of therapy

Cognitive and behavioural therapies

Behavioural therapies are based on the way you think (cognitive) and/or the way you behave. These therapies
recognise that it is possible to change, or recondition, our thoughts or behaviour to overcome specific problems.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Living with a mental health problem can sometimes make it hard to know where to turn for support. If you are
not comfortable talking to your friends and family, you may turn to a professional. Cognitive behavioural
therapy is a talking therapy. It looks to help you manage problems by enabling you to recognise how your
thoughts can affect your feelings and behaviour. CBT combines a cognitive approach (examining your
thoughts) with a behavioural approach (the things you do). It aims to break overwhelming problems down into
smaller parts, making them easier to manage.
Cognitive behavioural therapy has become one of the most popular forms of talk therapy. It is recommended by
the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for common mental health issues, such as
depression and anxiety. During the treatment, your therapist will work with you and help you focus on the "here
and now". They will help you recognise how past events may have shaped your thinking and behaviours.

What is cognitive behavioural therapy?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) combines two different approaches for a practical and solution-focused
therapy. The therapy is very active by nature, so you may be expected to take a proactive role within your
treatment. This may include completing tasks at home.
The idea behind CBT is that our thoughts and behaviours have an effect on each other. That by changing the
way we think or behave in a situation, we can change the way we feel about life. The therapy examines learnt
behaviours, habits and negative thought patterns with the view of adapting and turning them into a positive.
Unlike some other therapies, CBT is rooted in the present and looks to the future. While past events and
experiences are considered during the sessions, the focus is more on current concerns. During a CBT session,
your therapist will help you understand any negative thought patterns you have. You will learn how they affect
you and most importantly, what can be done to change them.
Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at how both cognitive and behavioural processes affect one another and
aims to help you get out of negative cycles. The emphasis on behavioural or cognitive approaches will depend
on the issue you are facing. For example, if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, the focus may be on
the cognitive approach. If you have a condition that causes unhelpful behaviour (such as obsessive compulsive
disorder), the focus is likely to be the behavioural approach.
This type of therapy is particularly helpful for those with specific issues. This is because it is very practical
(rather than insight-based) and looks at solving the problem. Some of the people that may benefit from
cognitive behavioural therapy include:
Those who suffer from depression and/or anxiety.
People who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Those who have an eating disorder.
Those who have an addiction.
People who are experiencing sleeping problems, such as insomnia.
People who have a fear or phobia.
Those who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder.
Those who want to change their behaviour.
In some cases, CBT is used for those with long-standing health problems, such as chronic pain or irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS). While the therapy cannot cure such physical ailments, it can help people cope
emotionally with the symptoms and lower stress levels.
CBT is also a popular treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia and psychosis. The aim is to identify any
connections between your thoughts and feelings and how they affect the symptoms you are experiencing.
We know how daunting it can be to reach out and seek help. If you are looking for support, you can contact a
counsellor and begin your journey. 

CBT sessions: What to expect

Cognitive behavioural therapy can be provided on a one-to-one basis, or as part of group therapy. Whichever
format you choose, the relationship you have with your therapist should be a collaborative one. This means that
you will take an active involvement in the therapy and have a voice when it comes to future progression. The
issues you discuss with your therapist will be in confidence and without judgement to help you gain a new
perspective.
The course of CBT can be anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on your individual circumstance.
Usually you will attend one session a week, with each session lasting between 50 minutes to an hour. At the
start of your therapy, you will meet your therapist and discuss why you are seeking treatment. Here you will
have the opportunity to talk with the therapist. You will be able to outline what you hope to gain from CBT and
set goals for the future.
Together with your therapist you will work on the content and structure of your sessions. Your therapist may
also set you certain tasks to do after the sessions, at home. As your therapy progresses, you will take a more
prominent role in the sessions. You will start to decide on the content and structure of the session, without the
help of your therapist. The idea is that once your treatment is over, you should feel confident and comfortable
enough to continue the work on your own.

How does CBT work?

Cognitive behavioural therapy looks to help you make sense of what can feel like an overwhelming problem by
breaking it down into more manageable parts. These smaller parts are your thoughts, feelings, actions and even
physical sensations. These elements are interconnected and can often trap you in a negative spiral. For example,
if your marriage or relationship has come to an end, you may think you have failed and that you are not capable
of being in a functional relationship. These thoughts can result in you feeling lonely and lacking energy. When
you feel like this, you are unlikely to want to socialise or go out and meet new people. This negative spiral can
then trap you into feeling isolated and unhappy.
Rather than accepting the negative thought patterns, CBT aims to show you other ways of reacting so you can
break out of negative cycles. Instead of thinking that you are a failure when a relationship ends, you can choose
to learn from your mistakes and move on, feeling optimistic about the future. This new way of thinking may
result in you feeling more energised and confident, helping you meet new people and one day, start a new
relationship.
While this is a simplified example, it does illustrate how easy it is to get trapped in negative cycles and how
changing the way you think and behave can affect you in a significant way. In CBT, you will learn to recognise
your thoughts, behaviours and feelings while learning other, potentially more helpful ways of thinking and
behaving.
Advantages and disadvantages
As well as identifying negative thought patterns, cognitive behavioural therapy can teach you the skills you
need to help you deal with different problems. The hope is that once you are equipped with these coping skills,
you will be able to turn to them in the future.
For example, if you have a phobia or suffer from anxiety, you may discover through therapy that avoiding
certain situations can actually increase your fears. Confronting the fears in a gradual and manageable way can
help you gain faith in your ability to cope. Perhaps you suffer from depression, your therapist may ask you to
note down your thoughts so you can explore them in a more realistic way. This can help you gain perspective
and start to break the negative cycle.
Just like all psychological therapies, CBT may not be a suitable treatment for everyone. Speaking to a
professional, such as a counsellor or doctor, will help you decide which therapy type is right for you and which
approach to consider.
Cognitive behavioural therapy has been shown to be as effective as medication in treating many mental health
conditions, including depression. CBT is highly structured and can be provided in a variety of formats. This
may include group therapy or self-help, but you need to fully commit to the process in order to benefit from the
therapy - including the homework tasks.
While CBT is solution-focused, it is thought to be more beneficial to those with specific concerns, rather than
more complex mental health issues. However, the skills you learn in CBT can be incorporated into everyday
life. They can help you cope and manage situations after treatment has finished.

“Is CBT for me?”

Now that you know a little more about the therapy, you should be in a better position to decide whether or not
CBT is right for you. The therapy will be more useful to those who relate to the ideas behind it. This includes
the solution-focused approach, the ideas about behaviour, thinking patterns and the importance of completing
at-home tasks.
Being committed and doing the assignments set for you is an integral part of CBT. While the sessions offer
support and space to explore your concerns, it is the work you do outside of your sessions that is likely to have
the most impact. By staying focused and completing assignments, you will help yourself progress quicker. This
way you will hopefully start to develop a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-belief.
Reference: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/cognitive-behavioural-therapy.html

Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies

Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies are based on an individual's unconscious thoughts and
perceptions that have developed throughout their childhood, and how these affect their current behaviour and
thoughts.
Psychoanalytic therapy
Psychoanalytic therapy is a type of treatment based upon the theories of Sigmund Freud, who is considered one
of the forefathers of psychology and the founder of psychoanalysis. This therapy explores how the unconscious
mind influences thoughts and behaviours, with the aim of offering insight and resolution to the person seeking
therapy.
Psychoanalytic therapy tends to look at experiences from early childhood to see if these events have affected the
individual’s life, or potentially contributed to current concerns. This form of therapy is considered a long-term
choice and can continue for weeks, months or even years depending on the depth of the concern being explored.
Differing from several other therapy types, psychoanalytic therapy aims to make deep-seated changes in
personality and emotional development. On this page we will look into the history of psychoanalytic therapy,
how it works and what concerns it can help with.

History of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapy

The theories behind psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapy come from famous psychoanalyst Sigmund
Freud. During the late 1800s Freud began studying with Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris, a neurologist who used
hypnosis to treat women suffering from what at the time was called hysteria. Charcot found that by talking to
his patients about past traumatic experiences, symptoms lessened.
When Freud continued his work apart from Charcot he went on to develop his own method of 'talk therapy'. In
his work Freud established therapeutic techniques such as free association, dream analysis and transference,
many of which remain central to psychoanalysis today.
Critically, Freud's theories (especially those to do with sexuality and women) have come under scrutiny,
however much of his work remains influential in the world of psychotherapy.

Assumptions of psychoanalytic therapy

It can be helpful to know what assumptions psychoanalysts work from when considering a therapy type. While
each therapist will work in different ways according to the needs of the individual seeking therapy, many work
on the following assumptions:
Psychological problems are rooted in the unconscious.
Manifest symptoms are caused by hidden or 'latent' disturbances.
Typical causes for psychological upset include unresolved issues during development or repressed trauma.
Treatment looks to bring repressed conflicts to the surface where individuals can deal with it.
By working through and understanding conflicts, this type of therapy aims to change the participant on a deeper
level.

How does psychoanalytic therapy work?

Psychoanalytic therapy is insight driven and therefore looks to foster change by helping you to understand your
past and how events from your early life could be affecting you now. Sessions will vary according to where you
are in the course of your therapy, but much of the time will be spent talking freely to your therapist in a safe,
non-judgmental environment.
The psychoanalyst will listen to your concerns and look out for patterns or certain events that may hold
significance. In this type of therapy it is believed that unconscious feelings and childhood events play a key role
in mental distress.
As well as listening to you discuss your experiences, your therapist may use other techniques to help identify
potential causes for your concerns. Such techniques may include:

Free association
Free association involves you talking about whatever comes into your mind without censoring or editing the
flow of memories/ideas. Your therapist will encourage you to speak freely to help you return to an earlier
emotional state so they can better understand any recurrent patterns of conflict you may be experiencing.
Therapeutic transference
Transference relates to the way you may be transferring thoughts or feelings connected to influential figures in
your life (for example your parents or siblings) onto your therapist. While this may not happen in every case, if
it does your therapist should discuss transference with you to help you gain further insight into the way you deal
with people in your daily life.
Interpretation
A key element of psychoanalytic therapy is interpreting and 'reading between the lines'. While your therapist is
likely to stay relatively quiet and allow you to talk freely, they will occasionally interject with thoughts or
interpretations of the topics you discuss. Your psychoanalyst may also ask you about your dreams; Freud wrote
a lot on the subject of dream analysis and believed that dreams were important resources for understanding the
unconscious.

Applications of psychoanalytic therapy

Psychoanalytic therapy can be used by those with a specific emotional concern as well as those who simply
want to explore themselves. Understanding why we are the way we are often brings with it a sense of well-
being and a stronger sense of self. As psychoanalytic therapy is considered one of the more long-term therapy
types, it is perhaps less useful for those seeking quick, solution-focused therapies. Psychoanalytic therapy is a
gradual process that takes time, however the results can be life changing.
Some believe due to the nature of the therapy, psychoanalytic work is better suited to more general concerns
such as anxiety, relationship difficulties, sexual issues or low self-esteem. Phobias, social shyness and
difficulties sleeping are further examples of areas that could be addressed within psychoanalytic therapy.
Critics have pointed out that the therapy may not be as useful to those with more specific or obsession-based
concerns such as obsessive compulsive behaviour, as you may be too concerned by your actions to participate
fully.
The premise of psychoanalytic therapy can also be applied in a group setting. This is called group analysis and
was established in the 1940s by S.H Foulkes. This form of therapy brings together psychoanalytic techniques
with interpersonal functions.
Reference: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/psychoanalytical.html

Humanistic therapies
Humanistic therapies focus on self-development, growth and responsibilities. They seek to help individuals
recognise their strengths, creativity and choice in the 'here and now'.

Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy refers to a form of psychotherapy that derives from the gestalt school of thought. It was
developed in the late 1940s by Fritz Perls and is guided by the relational theory principle that every individual is
a whole (mind, body and soul), and that they are best understood in relation to their current situation as he or
she experiences it. 
The approach combines this relational theory with present state - focusing strongly on self-awareness and the
'here and now' (what is happening from one moment to the next). In gestalt therapy, self-awareness is key to
personal growth and developing full potential. The approach recognises that sometimes this self-awareness can
become blocked by negative thought patterns and behaviour that can leave people feeling dissatisfied and
unhappy. 
It is the aim of a gestalt therapist to promote a non-judgemental self-awareness that enables clients to develop a
unique perspective on life. By helping an individual to become more aware of how they think, feel and act in
the present moment, gestalt therapy provides insight into ways in which he or she can alleviate their current
issues and distress in order to aspire to their maximum potential.

Key concepts of gestalt therapy 

Gestalt therapy works through the interconnection of key concepts. These offer insight into the processes
involved in therapy sessions between the therapist and client(s). 
Person-centred awareness - Focusing on the present, and imagining it divorced from the future and past is
considered essential. The process follows an individual's experience in a way that does not involve seeking out
the unconscious, but staying with what is present and aware.
Respect - Clients, whether an individual, group or family, are treated with profound respect by a gestalt
therapist. Providing a balance of support and challenge is key to helping those taking part to feel comfortable
about opening up and acknowledging areas of resistance.
Emphasis on experience - The gestalt approach focuses on experience in terms of an individual's emotions,
perceptions, behaviours, body sensations, ideas and memories. A therapist encourages the client to 'experience'
in all of these ways, vividly in the here and now.
Creative experiment and discovery - There is a range of experimental methodology used by therapists to test
their client's experience. These involve highly creative and flexible techniques to help them open up and
acknowledge hidden feelings.
Social responsibility - The gestalt approach recognises that humans have a social responsibility for self and for
others. It demands respect for all people and acknowledges that everyone is different. Ultimately it encourages
individuals to adopt an egalitarian approach to social life.
Relationship - Relating is considered central to human experience and gestalt therapy considers individuals as
'whole' when they have a good relationship with themselves and others around them. The interpersonal
relationship between the individual and therapist that is developed and nurtured in sessions is a key guiding
process if therapy. 
How does gestalt therapy work? 
Fundamentally, gestalt therapy works by teaching clients how to define what is truly being experienced rather
than what is merely an interpretation of the events. Those undertaking gestalt therapy will explore all of their
thoughts, feelings, behaviours, beliefs and values to develop awareness of how they present themselves and
respond to events in their environment. This gives them the opportunity to identify choices, patterns of
behaviour and obstacles that are impacting their health and well-being, and preventing them from reaching their
full potential. 
The unfolding of this therapeutic process will typically involve a range of expressive techniques and creative
experiments developed collaboratively between therapist and client. These will be appropriate for the client and
their specific problems. Below are some of the most common methods used: 

Role-play 
Role-play can help individuals to experience different feelings and emotions and better understand how they
present and organise themselves. 
The 'open chair' technique 
The open chair technique involves two chairs and role-play, and can give rise to emotional scenes. The client
sits opposite an empty chair and must imagine someone (usually himself/herself or parts of him or her) in it.
They then communicate with this imaginary being - asking questions and engaging with what they represent.
Next, they must switch chairs so they are physically sitting in the once empty chair. The conversation continues,
but the client has reversed roles - speaking on behalf of the imagined part of his or her problem. This technique
aims to enable participants to locate a specific feeling or a side of their personalities they had 'disowned' or tried
to ignore. This helps them to accept polarities and acknowledge that conflicts exist in everyone.  
Dialogue 
A gestalt therapist will need to engage the client in meaningful and authentic dialogue in order to guide them
into a particular way of behaving or thinking. This may move beyond simple discussion to more creative forms
of expression such as dancing, singing or laughing. 
Discussing dreams 
Dreams play an important role in gestalt therapy, as they can help individuals to understand spontaneous aspects
of themselves. Fritz Perls frequently asked clients to relive his or her dreams by playing different objects and
people in the dream. During this they would be asked questions like: "What are you aware of now?" to sharpen
self-awareness. 
Attention to body language 
Throughout therapy, a gestalt therapist will concentrate on body language, which is considered a subtle
indicator of intense emotions. When specific body language is noticed, the therapist may ask the client to
exaggerate these movements or behaviours. This is thought to intensify the emotion attached to the behaviour
and highlight an inner meaning. For example, a client may be showing signs of clenched fists or frowning, to
which the therapist may ask something along the lines of: "What are you saying with this movement?"

Who can benefit? 

Ultimately, gestalt therapy is considered to help individuals gain a better understanding of how their emotional
and physical needs are connected. They will learn that being aware of their internal self is key to understanding
why they react and behave in certain ways. This journey of self-discovery makes the approach beneficial for
individuals who can be guarded when it comes to their emotions, and find it difficult to process why they feel
and act the way they do. It can also provide support and a safe space for individuals going through times of
personal difficulty. 
Gestalt therapy is considered particularly valuable for helping to treat a wide range of psychological issues -
especially as it can be applied as a long-term therapy or as a brief and focused approach. It has been found
effective for managing tension, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic stress, depression and other psychological
problems that can prevent people from living life to the full. Overall, people who participate in gestalt therapy
tend to feel more self-confident, calm and at peace with themselves. 
http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/gestalt-therapy.html
Other specific therapy
Play therapy
Sometimes a child will start to develop patterns of behaviour that may be causing disruption to their lives and to
the lives of those around them. Parents, carers and teachers may recognise signs such as excessive anger, fear or
worry that may be affecting a child's development and their ability to get along with their family and friends at
school. 
While adults experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties can seek help in the form talking therapies,
children tend to find this therapeutic setting threatening and almost like an interrogation. As a result, play
therapy is used to help children communicate at their own level and at their own pace. This enables them to
understand confused feelings and upsetting experiences that they haven't yet had a chance to process. 
What is play therapy? 
Play therapy is a type of therapy that helps children to express themselves, explore their thoughts and feelings,
and make sense of their life experiences. Play is a natural activity of learning, exploration and communication
for children, and so the medium is considered highly effective for helping children to 'play out' what they may
find difficult to put into words. 
Play therapists will work with children of all ages in a safe and trusting environment to help shift perspectives
of difficult experiences and increase self-esteem and confidence. They may work as part of a team or
independently, and may suggest a referral for additional professional support as part of therapy. The main aim
of a play therapist is to equip children with adaptive behaviours and better coping mechanisms for everyday life.
This is to help them develop a more positive view of their place in the world. 

What can play therapy help with? 

Play is incredibly important for a child's development - helping to shape key social, creative, language,
emotional, cognitive and physical processes. As a result, play therapy can help children in a variety of ways,
although exactly how will depend greatly on the individual needs of each child. The approach is considered
particularly important for children who may struggle to express themselves verbally, although generally it can
help children of all abilities, cultures and genders. 
Significantly, play therapy offers children a safe and comfortable space in which they can be themselves and
have the emotional support to express their feelings freely. These feelings can then be explored and contained in
a healthy way with the help of a play therapist in order to promote resilience and confidence within each child. 
Some of the common types of problems play therapists deal with include: 
Children who have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD).
Children who are dealing with parental separation, divorce or conflict.
Children who have witnessed domestic violence.
Children who are in hospital.
Traumatised children who have experienced sexual, emotional or physical abuse.
Children in care - adoption and fostering.
Children dealing with stressful life experiences such as loss, illness or death of a loved one.
Children who have experienced a serious accident or disaster.  

What does play therapy involve? 

Play therapy involves a series of sessions - usually 30 to 45 minutes long - where a therapist will meet with a
child to focus solely on their needs and the medium of play. Some therapists may have experience working with
siblings or groups of children but one-to-one sessions tend to be the most common form of play therapy. 
The first session will typically involve an assessment, in which the child's parent or carer talks to the therapist
about their concerns. The therapist will analyse the child's strengths and difficulties, as well as their history in
order to identify what stresses the child has been through so they can help them make sense of it. Information
may also be required from the child's school and other significant adults in their lives. 
Future sessions will usually be held weekly at the same place and time - either at the child's home, school or at a
clinic. This consistency helps to build a trusting relationship between the therapist and child, and thus improves
the chances of effective treatment. If sessions are missed it may disrupt a child's progress.
What to expect in a session 
Sessions involve a large selection of play materials provided by the play therapist. These resources will consist
of toys like small figures and animals, sand and water, musical instruments, dressing up props, puppets, clay,
books and art and craft materials. Rather than encouraging the child to use verbal explanations of what is
troubling them, the therapist will help them to express difficult thoughts and feelings through the metaphors of
play. This will involve using a range of techniques that help children to become aware of what they are feeling
and provide opportunities for them to express these. Awareness is an important part of play therapy because
without awareness change cannot take place. 

Some of the techniques used in play therapy are: 

creative visualisation
therapeutic storytelling
sculpturing
role play
dance and movement
drawing. 
For this process to be effective, the therapist must work on building a strong therapeutic relationship with the
child. It is important that children feel comfortable, safe and respected in play therapy so that they can play
confidently and feel at ease sharing their intimate feelings. It is also crucial that the child understands the
therapist is accepting of them and supportive throughout the whole process. Ultimately this positive relationship
will foster the necessary corrective experience needed to promote cognitive development and help children to
resolve inner conflicts and develop new patterns of behaviour and thinking. 

How long is play therapy needed? 

The number of play therapy sessions required will depend on the child and their individual needs. Generally,
play therapy is a short-term intervention (i.e. 12 sessions or less) but in some cases children will require
extended treatment. Some therapists will work with children for several years. 
What are the benefits of play therapy? 
Ultimately, play therapy helps to facilitate healing and the development of new patterns of behaviour and
thinking that enables children to be more resilient in everyday life. By helping to free children from negative
experiences and feelings that block their learning and development, play therapy allows them to see their world
in a more positive light. 
Some of the specific benefits children can gain from play therapy include: 
Reduced anxiety about traumatic events.
Improved confidence and a sense of competence.
Better able to form healthy bonds in relationships.
Improved ability to trust themselves and others.
Enhanced creativity and playfulness. 
Reference: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/play-therapy.html