My Services
01.
What is Play Therapy?
This is client-centered therapy that is offered to children (aged 4-12 years) and adolescents (aged 13-16 years). In the therapy session or "Special Time", children/adolescents are invited to a safe, caring and confidential environment where they work through their feelings and the psychosocial challenges faced.
With the appropriate skills and interventions of the therapist, the client may choose to tap on the different modalities that include puppets & masks, music and body/movement, arts and crafts, clay, drama/role playing and sand play or even choose to "talk face-to-face" only. Through these different modalities offered, children/adolescent will find themselves supported and at the same time, empowered as they explored a tapestry of strategies and skills that is helpful in their coping of difficulties faced.
When does one refer?
Common referral issues include:
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Anger
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Anxiety
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Family related issues that includes the separation of parents
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Withdrawn/continually unhappy
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Is ill, disabled, autistic?
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Friendship difficulties?
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Quarrels frequently with friends and siblings?
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Bullies others or is bullied themselves?
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Displays inappropriate behaviour?
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Doesn’t play
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Low self-esteem Or
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Other mental health or developmental issues
Efficacy of play therapy
Play therapy is a developmental responsive intervention that has been widely supported of its effectiveness across age, gender and presenting issues.
Please refer to the summary of evidence-based play therapy research as cited here:
02.
Filial play coaching is another form of play therapy where the parents will work closely with the therapist in supporting the mental wellness of the child. Here, the parents and caregivers will work directly with the child as agents of therapeutic change.
Typical referrals
Referrals are best suited for parents with children between 18 months to 16 years old. The therapist will work one-to-one with the parent on connective skills with child which includes listening skills, setting boundaries and being consistent for the allocated structured"Special Time" or play session of 10 minutes at home for at least 5 days per week. The therapist coach will then review, work and support the parent in this whole process.
Parents are expected to commit a minimum 12 weeks to maximum 16 weeks in the contract with the therapist so as to work on improving their child's behaviour and emotional state.