HIRAETH

Play Therapy

Hiraeth Play Therapists are registered with the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT). Play is a natural process used by all animals when learning about oneself, others and the environment. Play is thus integral to human development.

‘Paul (8) lived with his mother for a short period in a ‘safe house’: a crisis centre protecting families from domestic abuse and violence. Paul was confused and often acted out chaotic feelings in a chaotic way. Paul loved to play with the toys during Play Therapy. He would set up various scenarios: figures of people, animals and their interactions. The Play Therapist entered this imaginary world and began to appreciate the essence of Paul’s play.

Paul had created a sand tray scene. No character was safe from the warrior’s anger but what were they to do? Paul responded to delicate questioning from the therapist. Paul described with a sense of hopelessness the position of all involved. Encouraged and supported by the therapist, Paul steadily built detail into the picture and characters. All was not lost. The characters had abilities and personal strengths to see them through hard times. Paul said, “The warrior is scary sometimes but he is lost and can’t find his way back.”

In this way Paul used the metaphor of imaginative play to begin to understand the complexities of his life and relationships. Paul went on to use toys to represent his different feelings. This kind of projective play is so useful for young people: appropriate language to understand their worlds.’