Play Therapy
Therapy for younger children that works through play rather than conversation, giving them a way to express and work through what they cannot easily put into words.
Who this is for
Younger children in England who are struggling with anxiety, big feelings, change at home, loss, or difficulties at school, and who find it hard to talk about what is happening. A parent or guardian arranges therapy and is involved in agreeing how it will work.
What sessions involve
- An initial conversation with the parent or guardian about what is happening.
- Play-based sessions led by the child at their own pace.
- Use of stories, drawing, imaginative and creative play.
- Guidance for parents on what is emerging and how to respond at home.
- Agreed involvement of parents in sessions where appropriate.
- Regular review of whether the work is helping.
Suitability, delivery and crisis support
Play therapy is available online or in person at PRC’s Northampton office, and PRC will discuss with you which setting is likely to suit your child, since some children need a different setting. Therapy does not guarantee improvement or a particular outcome, and it is not a cure. Therapy is not a crisis service and does not provide urgent or out-of-hours support.
Sessions, duration and your therapist
Sessions are 50 minutes, usually weekly, because young children tend to get more from a regular rhythm. The pattern is agreed with you.
PRC supports children, young people and adults aged 4 to 65. Play therapy in particular suits younger children, and PRC will say on the free suitability call whether it is the right approach for your child.
What you need at home: a quiet, private space where your child will not be overheard or interrupted, a device with a camera, and some simple materials such as paper, pencils or crayons and a few familiar toys. Nothing needs to be bought — your therapist will confirm what is useful before the first session.
There is no minimum number of sessions you have to commit to. Booking a block costs less if you want to: six sessions are £630 and ten are £1,000.
Price
Play therapy is £110 for a 50-minute session. There is nothing further to pay beyond the session fee.
Booking a block costs less: six child or young person sessions are £630 and ten are £1,000. Play therapy usually works best over a series of sessions, and your therapist will discuss how many are likely to help before you commit to anything.
Cancellation: more than 48 hours’ notice, no charge; less than 48 hours, 50% of the session fee; a missed session with no notice, the full fee. Full details are on the Prices page.
Frequently asked questions
It suits some children and not others. PRC will discuss with you whether it is likely to suit your child, and will say if a different setting or approach would help more.
This is agreed with you and depends on your child’s age and needs. Parents are always involved in the wider work.
You will be given guidance on what is emerging and how to respond at home, in a way that respects your child’s need for a space of their own.
Therapy is not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, contact NHS 111, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
Not sure which support is right?
Book a free 15-minute suitability and information call. This call is for information and pathway suitability. It is not a clinical assessment and no diagnosis or treatment is provided during the call.