Alternative Dimensions - Play Therapy

The non-directive Play Therapy approach, developed by Virginia Axline

Axline believed that children, when offered a safe, accepting and permissive therapeutic space, naturally move towards healing and growth. Her non-directive, child-centred approach gave children permission to communicate their inner world through play – their most natural language – rather than words alone.

Her core principles still sit at the heart of ethical Play Therapy practice today:

🧸 Unconditional positive regard
🧸 Deep respect for the child’s autonomy
🧸 Trust in the child’s innate capacity to heal
🧸 Play as meaningful communication, not “just play”

At British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), these principles continue to guide evidence-based, trauma-informed practice that supports children to process experiences, build emotional resilience, and develop a stronger sense of self – at their own pace, in their own way.

Axline reminded us that “the child leads, the therapist follows” – a philosophy that remains as powerful and relevant today as it was when she first articulated it.

💚 Play is not an extra.
💚 Play is not a reward.
💚 Play is the work.

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Play Therapy normally takes place in a private, child-friendly and confidential setting where the Play Therapist sees the child on a one-to-one basis.

Consistency is key in the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship. There will be practical agreements made to support this. The Play Therapist will meet the child on the same day, at the same time and in the same place each week with the same play materials.

During play, the child has an opportunity to express deeper thoughts, ideas and wishes which allows the Play Therapist to gain valuable insights into how they experience their world. Therefore, through the Play Therapy relationship, the child is able to make sense of their life experiences and to express difficult feelings through their play.

Generally, the specific details of the therapy sessions will remain confidential between the Play Therapist and the child. Parents/carers and professionals will not be given weekly feedback and it is important that the child is not pressured into talking about what they have been doing in the sessions. This promotes the child’s feelings of trust with the therapist and the safety of the therapy space.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbeS5iezIDA

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Everyone knows I use balloons often within the play therapy space for their regulatory properties!

Balloons in play therapy can provide an element of catharsis for children when they need to release aggression or big, overwhelming feelings.

Bursting balloons in play can allow children who may be timid or fearful to release suppressed aggressive energy.

Children can choose how to pop the balloons, either by stamping or jumping, for example, to allow them the control over when the bang will happen.

Balloons can also be used to provide appropriate challenge for children when playing balloon tennis. This is a competitive game where the therapist and the child can work together or against one another to keep the balloon from falling to the floor. This game allows children to develop resilience about situations not happening how they expect.

By Charles E.Schaefer & Donna Cangelosi - Essential play therapy techniques