Play Therapy

Play therapy is counselling for children, built around the fact that young children don't yet have the words to talk through what's troubling them — but they can show it, safely, through play. A trained play therapist reads a child's choice of toys, stories and games the way an adult therapist reads words, and helps them process difficult experiences at their own developmental pace.

Sessions usually happen in a room stocked with sand trays, puppets, art materials and toys, with the child leading and the therapist following, gently reflecting back what they notice. It's typically used for children who've experienced loss, family breakdown, trauma, or who are showing anxiety, anger or withdrawal that talking alone can't reach at their age.

Parents or carers are usually involved in reviews alongside the direct work with the child. Play therapists listed with ABCAP have verified qualifications, insurance and the enhanced safeguarding checks appropriate to working with children.

14 Therapists Found
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Michael McArdle

Accredited Member
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Popular
  • Longford, Ireland
    • Sessions offered : Face-to-Face, Online, Phone
    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Animal Assisted Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Group Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Life Coaching, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Men's Health Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Humanistic
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Clémence de Juglart

Accredited Member
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  • Parson's Green, London, United Kingdom
    • Sessions offered : Face-to-Face, Online, Phone
    Animal Assisted Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic
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TinTing Hui

Accredited Member
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Verified by it's Owner
Popular
  • Exeter, United Kingdom
    • Sessions offered : Face-to-Face, Online
    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, Couples Therapy, Life Coaching, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy
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Rebecca Rydz

Accredited Member
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Verified by it's Owner
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  • Thanet, United Kingdom
    • Sessions offered : Face-to-Face, Online
    Play Therapy, Humanistic
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Michelle louise kavanagh

Verified
Verified by it's Owner
Popular
  • Cheshire, United Kingdom
    • Sessions offered : Online, Phone
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, Play Therapy
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Marie Hollyoak

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Popular
  • Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
    • Sessions offered : Face-to-Face, Online, Phone
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Men's Health Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic, Menopause Counselling
Rebecca Atkins

Rebecca Atkins

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Popular
  • South Wales, United Kingdom
    • Sessions offered : Online, Phone
    Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Family Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Play Therapy
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Marta F-Talbott

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Popular
  • Brandon and surrouding area within 12miles
    • Sessions offered : Face-to-Face, Online, Phone
    Family Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
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Lana Grant

Verified
Verified by it's Owner
Popular
  • Staffordshire, United Kingdom
    • Sessions offered : Online
    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, Family Therapy, Life Coaching, Play Therapy

ABCAP is not a regulatory body. Listing in the ABCAP directory is not an endorsement of a therapist's competence, fitness to practise, or conduct. We recommend verifying a therapist's qualifications and professional body membership directly before booking a session.

Frequently asked questions

What age is play therapy for?

Typically ages 3 to 12, though approaches vary by therapist — young enough that verbal, adult-style counselling isn't yet the right tool, old enough to engage meaningfully with play and story.

Will I know what happens in the sessions?

Most therapists protect the child's confidentiality within the room (much like adult therapy) but give parents regular review conversations about themes and progress, and will always raise a safeguarding concern directly.

What issues is play therapy used for?

Bereavement, parental separation, anxiety, behavioural difficulties, trauma and adjustment to big life changes are the most common referrals.

How long does a course of play therapy last?

Commonly 12 or more weekly sessions, reviewed regularly — children often need more time than adults to build trust and process at their own pace.