Child Play Therapy
Supporting emotional growth through connection, play, and understanding
At Axis Therapeutic Services, child play therapy provides a safe, supportive space for children to express themselves, build emotional skills, and work through challenges in a way that feels natural and developmentally appropriate.
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling — but they do have play.
Play is a child’s first language. It is how they explore their world, process experiences, regulate emotions, and make sense of relationships. Through play therapy, we help children express what they cannot yet say, and develop the tools they need to feel safe, confident, and connected.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that supports children’s emotional, behavioural, and social development through play-based interactions guided by a trained therapist.
Rather than relying on conversation alone, play therapy allows children to:
Express thoughts and feelings safely
Work through worries, fears, or big emotions
Develop emotional regulation and self-control
Strengthen problem-solving and coping skills
Build confidence and self-esteem
Improve relationships with caregivers and peers
Our therapists use a neuro-relational, attachment-informed approach, recognising that behaviour is communication and that meaningful change occurs through safe, supportive relationships.
Beyond the Therapy Room: Nature-Based Sessions
Some children find it difficult to engage in traditional, seated therapy settings — and that’s okay.
When appropriate, we incorporate outdoor and nature-based therapeutic sessions to support regulation, engagement, and emotional expression.
These sessions may include:
Movement-based play
Nature exploration
Sensory regulation activities
Walk-and-talk therapy
Play-based emotional processing
Being outdoors can help calm the nervous system, reduce pressure, and allow children to feel more at ease. For many children, this leads to deeper engagement and more meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
A Child-Centred, Family-Informed Approach
We believe therapy works best when families feel supported too.
Parents and caregivers are included in the therapeutic process through:
Regular feedback and check-ins
Guidance around emotional regulation and behaviour
Practical strategies to support your child at home
A collaborative, strengths-based approach
Our goal is not just to support your child during sessions — but to help families build understanding, confidence, and connection beyond the therapy space.
Our Commitment
At Axis Therapeutic Services, we are committed to:
Creating emotionally safe and welcoming spaces
Respecting each child’s individuality
Working at the child’s pace
Building strong therapeutic relationships
Supporting long-term emotional wellbeing
Because when children feel safe, supported, and understood — growth naturally follows.
Our Neuro-Relational Approach
At Axis, we view children through a whole-child lens, considering their emotional world, nervous system, relationships, and developmental stage.
Our play therapy approach is grounded in:
Attachment theory
Neurodevelopmental science
Emotional regulation and co-regulation
Trauma-informed practice
Child-led, relationship-based play
We focus on helping children feel:
Safe in their bodies and relationships
Seen and understood
Capable and confident
Supported to grow at their own pace
Rather than trying to “fix” behaviour, we work to understand what the behaviour is communicating and support the child in developing healthier ways to express their needs.
When Play Therapy Can Help
Play therapy may be beneficial for children experiencing:
Anxiety or worry
Emotional outbursts or shutdowns
Difficulty with transitions or change
Behavioural challenges
Low confidence or self-esteem
Social or friendship difficulties
Sensory or emotional regulation challenges
Family separation or adjustment
Trauma or stressful life experiences
Every child is different, and therapy is always tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and developmental stage.