Sand is a wonderful, tactile medium for play and clients may use the tray filled with sand to create a small world using the miniatures as they choose. The sand tray is a powerful tool for unlocking the unconscious and encouraging deep process.

Clay is a tactile, therapeutic substance that may be used in conjunction with tools to create models or simply to experience the properties of the clay itself. It’s a fantastic tool for self-exploration and expression.

Clients may choose to create a huge variety of projects using arts and crafts and this can incorporate junk modelling, pictures, paints, crayons, chalk, glitter and many other materials. Individuality is encouraged as the client explores their artistic nature.

Puppets are an excellent tool for expression. A shy client may use a puppet to speak for them, puppets can have a story to tell, and puppets can be used in conjunction with each other for great dramatic effect.

These are a popular and very useful part of my toolkit. Clients may role play situations they need to come to terms with or fill developmental gaps through doll play. Projection and role are very important areas in development of personality. I have many family-oriented toys which children use to explore their family dynamic and understand their place in the family.

Children may use board games or games like Jenga to experience challenge and risk in a safe way. They may also develop skills like taking turns and sharing if these have presented difficulties in the past. Sometimes games are just fun and relaxing, an antidote to the digital world and screens that children are exposed to daily.

This is like a mindfulness exercise in which the client is taken on a metaphorical journey to a magical place, after some breathing and relaxation. There are different visualisations for a variety of difficulties and the client is given the opportunity to make something they have imagined during the process. It’s a very relaxing, gentle process that encourages creativity and healing.

I have a variety of instruments that clients may use to explore rhythm, sound and self-expression. They can be used in conjunction with bright scarves, batons, pom-poms and bubbles to extend the creative and sensory value of this play.

I have a wide variety of dressing up clothes and other items for role play and dramatic expression. Clients can enjoy stepping into a role and indulging in fantasy play.

I have a variety of medical toys for children to explore. These may help a child who has long term / life limiting illness or has experienced this with a significant family member. This can be a very scary topic for a young child, and role playing is a safe non- threatening way to navigate illness, surgery and hospitalisation.