Play and Creative Arts Therapy is a type of therapy which is similar to counselling. It is a form of psychotherapy which uses play and creative arts as method of expression. The session takes place in a safe and contained environment where the child will work through their own conflicts and challenges alongside their therapist. The therapist can gain insight into the child or young person’s world by observing their play themes and the symbolic meaning of the child’s play through metaphor.
The client has the opportunity to work through their deeper emotional experiences in a way which is comfortable to them. During the session, the client will lead the session whilst the therapist follows, this is called non-directive therapy. The therapist accepts the child or young person as they are whilst adhering to Axline’s principles. Examples of the content within the session are:
- Sand tray and sand world figures and items
- Clay/play dough
- Creative art/drawing, craft and clay
- Puppets
- Dolls/babies
- Musical instruments
- Dance and movement – fans/scarves
- Doll house
- Role play
- Creative visualisation
- Therapeutic stories
This type of therapy is also beneficial for young people, especially as the session is non- directive and it is the client’s choice to express themselves in the manner they chose, for example, verbal self-expression. There is no judgment from the therapist so the child or young person can work through the process in a way which they feel comfortable in whatever their age, whether they are young or older.
FAQs
1.) What is play and creative arts therapy?
This therapy is a form of Psychotherapy that uses various play and creative arts resources as a medium to convey feelings and emotions.
2.) How does this work?
Metaphor and symbolism is used channel feelings and emotions from the sub-conscious and conscious.
3.) What modality is used?
Person-Centered Therapy/non directive therapy
4. ) Does this mean the client cannot speak or talk?
No, not at all, the client can express themself in whichever way they wish to do so whether it is through verbal self-expression or through a creative medium. Each client is unique; therefore, their therapeutic process will be unique to them.
5.) How many sessions are required?
Minimum sessions are 12 however this is not the maximum. The client should ideally have the correct number of sessions to allow them to work through their emotions.
6.) How does it work, but how does it work?
A question often heard about play and creative arts therapy. It is a wonder how an array of items such as the sand tray for instance can provide relief, understanding, hope closure even. The therapy space provides a sanctuary to outpour feelings which cannot always be spoken about, a space of healing which allows you to convey sacred feelings. A session, almost like a vessel holds sacred moments which cannot always be spoken. The sand tray represents our inner sense and inner psyche and therefore it is connected to what we hold within. The therapy process can access parts within us we didn’t know existed. Sometimes it can access parts of us that are hidden and are not ready to be revealed. A little like a diamond or jewel which is hidden beneath sand and it is only discovered when it is ready to. The therapy process can give us the answers we seek but only when we search within.”
