Play Therapy
I use play therapy with children (usually under 12) and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Children (and people with learning delays) find it difficult to explain verbally how they are feeling or difficulties they are having. They may not consciously know what they are experiencing or understand their feelings. When they are allowed to play, children will naturally explore their inner world and much information about their feelings and difficulties can be
Using Stories in Therapy
I use traditional stories, myths and fairytales and sometimes children's stories with groups and individuals. Children understand and enjoy the language of story and stories can help them to safely explore difficult themes. Teenagers and adults may be able to recognise aspects of themselves and their lives in traditional stories and use them to creatively explore problems. C.G.Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, proposed that traditional stories are an expression of the collective
Puppets in Therapy
I have been using puppets in therapy for many years. I use glove puppets, rod puppets and finger puppets with children and adults. Puppets allow clients to quickly take on a character and can facilitate the expression of powerful feelings - while also keeping some distance from what is enacted. Traditional characters like the Wolf, King, Witch or Fairy are recognised by all ages and are easy for clients to connect with. Children can use puppets to act out stories or to play w
