Page 10 - Oundle Life March 2025

PLAY TIME
Young people’s mental health
According to The Children’s Society (2022),
1 in 6 children aged 5-16 are likely to have a
mental health problem. In the last three years,
the likelihood of young people having a mental
health problem has increased by 50%. PTUK
research shows 92% of children who have taken
part in Play Therapy, showed a positive change
in attributes contributing to better social and
emotional mental health, improved learning,
and interpersonal communication skills.
Why Play Therapy?
Children and young people often find it easier
and more natural to express themselves through
the medium of play. It invites the child to
explore, express and challenge difficult feelings
and /or traumatic events, in an accepting space,
where their autonomy is placed as priority by the
specialist Play Therapist. It also enables a child
to access their inner-world in a child-centred,
unconscious, and non-adult directive way.
A child’s ability to be their own healer, with
the therapist holding their emotional space, is at
the heart of Play Therapy ethos and ethics.
A child might benefit from Play Therapy if they:
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Are feeling anxious or stressed
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Experience night terrors or sleep issues
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Appear withdrawn, sad or lonely
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Have difficulties with friendship groups
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Have an EHC Plan or IEP or on the pathway
Express rage, aggressive, impulsive or erratic
feelings or behaviours
Bully or are bullied by others
Are at risk of being excluded from school
Are fostered, adopted, under a SGO or have a
CIC plan
Find everyday experiences difficult to enjoy
or overwhelming
Experienced a traumatic event or episode
Have experienced a loss, separation, or a
family break up
Display low self-esteem or self-harm ideologies
Good to know
I have supported over a hundred children with
a range of issues, difficulties, back stories, and
needs. I work in a child-led, trauma-informed
therapeutic way. I truly believe that every child
has the right and ability to heal, feel heard and
seen and experience self-discovery through this
powerful intervention.
Sessions are 45 minutes, weekly and 1:1.
Situated in Thrapston, my purpose is to
accommodate clients (aged 4-18 years). For
more information visit the website
www.theconnectedtherapist.co.uk
or email: kerrymattock007@btinternet.com
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