Play Therapy

Children don't always have the words for what they're feeling — and they shouldn't need them. Play therapy gives children and young people a natural, safe way to explore emotions and experiences through play, rather than through conversation alone.

 

At Silent Stories, Play Therapy is child-led. Your child chooses how they play, at their own pace, in a space designed to feel safe and unhurried. There's no pressure to talk, perform, or explain — the play itself is the language.

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Who is Play Therapy for?

 

Play therapy is suitable for children and teenagers aged 3 to 18, and can support a wide range of experiences, including:

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• Anxiety and worry

• Emotional or behavioural difficulties

• Trauma, loss or significant change

• Neurodiverse and developmental differences

• Difficulty coping with big feelings

• And many more experiences.

 

If you're unsure whether Play Therapy is the right fit for your child, Is Play Therapy Right for Your Child?  walks through this in more detail.

 

What happens in a session?

 

Each session takes place in a calm, consistent space with a range of toys, art materials and creative resources available. Your child decides what they'd like to do; there's no set task or "right way" to play.

 

The therapist's role is to be fully present with your child; noticing what they're expressing, following their lead, and gently helping them make sense of feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Sessions are held at the same time and venue each week so your child knows what to expect and can build trust in the process.

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How does it work?

Every child is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to Play Therapy. The process is designed to give your child time and space to feel safe, build trust and allow their individual needs to emerge. Assessment is an important part of this, helping me understand whether Play Therapy is the right therapeutic approach for your child.​

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The Process in Five Steps:

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• Step 1 – Initial Consultation (Free):
  A free 30-minute call to discuss your concerns and explore whether Play Therapy may be suitable. (Parents/carers only)

• Step 2 – Parent Consultation:
  A meeting to gather deeper background information and consider whether play therapy is appropriate for your child. (Parents/carers only)

• Step 3 – Child Assessment:
  An introductory session with your child, followed by assessment sessions and a parent feedback meeting to share initial insights and recommendations.

• Step 4 – Ongoing Play Therapy:
  Weekly sessions at a consistent day, time and venue provide stability and a sense of safety.
  Regular parent feedback sessions are included, while always respecting your child’s privacy.

• Step 5 – Ending & Review:
  A planned ending process, including a final parent meeting to reflect on progress and your child’s journey.

 

Why Silent Stories?

 

Silent Stories is led by Claire Brown, a BAPT-registered Play Therapist®, meaning her practice follows the ethical and clinical standards set by the British Association of Play Therapists. Claire works with children, teenagers and families across Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, Dunbartonshire and South Glasgow.  Every child's story is different. If you're worried about your child and wondering whether play therapy could help, Claire would be glad to talk it through with you.