"Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul" - Friedrich Froebel​

Play Therapy is a culturally sensitive, respectful and evidence based approach to help children process experiences and emotions.  At Essential Psychology: Essential Play, we predominantly use a child-centred approach which provides the child a safe and non-judgemental environment to work through the challenges they may be facing.  Sandtray, puppets, dress-ups, role-plays, painting and drawing may all form a part of a child's experience to help them develop confidence and resilience to grow.  We believe that all children are capable of developing the skills needed to manage life's challenges and the play therapy environment provides them an opportunity to practice and develop these skills in a playful way.​

Maria Montessori states that "Play is the work of the child".  Through Play Therapy, children are working hard  to be able to access feelings and emotions that they may otherwise struggle to articulate. Through Play, they are communicating in a way that is developmentally appropriate