Non-Directive and Child Centred Play Therapy in Aberdeen
Supporting The Emotional Health And Wellbeing Of Children
“By playing out feelings he brings them to the surface, gets them out in the open, faces them, learns to control them or abandons them” - Axline, 1974.
Emotions play an important role in our everyday lives, helping us understand ourselves and our life experiences. They inform and influence how we relate to others and help us make sense of the world we live in. As adults, we have the capability to recognise and articulate our feelings verbally, providing an outlet for our emotions.
Children often lack the words and cognitive ability to verbalise their emotions. They may get confused or be easily overwhelmed, finding it difficult to express themselves consistently or in a way that others can understand. When children struggle emotionally, we might start to notice social, emotional or behavioural changes.
Are you noticing changes in your child's behaviour that leave you feeling worried or confused? Do they seem withdrawn, anxious, angry or to be struggling with their emotions? Perhaps they're acting in ways you can't quite understand, and you're left wondering what to do and how to help them.
At Mixed Emotions, I understand the challenges we face when our children are going through difficult times. We don't always know what to do and it can sometimes feel like we are on our own. I've been there myself, and I'm here to reassure you that there's hope and support available.
I’m Sharlene, a BAPT Registered Play Therapist® and I offer Play Therapy for children mostly aged between 4 and 12 years old. Play Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for children to explore their thoughts, feelings and life experiences through the use of play and creation of a therapeutic relationship.
“The power of life, the power of creation is within the child. The play therapist is there to support, to share, to be with, to serve in ways that the child chooses to be and to grow” - Moustakas, 1997.
“Play Therapy is the dynamic process between child and Play Therapist in which the child explores at his or her own pace and with his or her own agenda those issues, past and current, conscious and unconscious, that are affecting the child’s life in the present. The child’s inner resources are enabled by the therapeutic alliance to bring about growth and change. Play Therapy is child-centred, in which play is the primary medium and speech is the secondary medium.”
- British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT)
Welcome to the playroom!
A place where children can explore and make decisions, choosing what they want to do and playing in lots of the ways they would like!
“Toys are children’s words and play is their language”
- Landreth, 2012.
Get in touch
I’d appreciate the chance to explore together whether play therapy is the right approach for your child. You can reach me through the contact form- I look forward to hearing from you.
Your message matters to me, and I’ll be in touch as soon as I’m able. If you haven’t heard back, please check your junk or spam folder- occasionally my replies are filtered there.