Child-centred play therapy is based on the principles of Virginia Axline

All services provided in play therapy follow the Axline principles:

• Develops a warm and friendly relationship with the child
• Accepts the child as she or he is
• Establishes a feeling of permission in the relationship so that the child feels free to express his or her feelings completely
• Is alert to recognise the feelings the child is expressing and reflects these feelings back in such a manner that the child gains insight into his or her behaviour
• Maintains a deep respect for the child’s ability to solve his/her problems and gives the child the opportunity to do so. The responsibility to make choices and to institute change is the child’s
• Does not attempt to direct the child’s actions or conversations in any manner. The child leads the way, the therapist follows
• Does not hurry the therapy along. It is a gradual process and must be recognised as such by the therapist
• Only establishes those limitations necessary to anchor the therapy to the world of reality and to make the child aware of his/her responsibility in the relationship

Referrals

Referrals will be accepted from parents (or carers), GP’s, teachers, social workers and other professionals.