carolplaytherapy

Yes there are the same safeguards with Play Therapy as long as the Play Therapist is registered with PTUK or BAPT. Some people call themselves Play Therapists but they are not, unless they are registered with one of the above organisations. Play Therapy is a relative new but progressive profession which is gaining respect within Schools, Cahms and Social Services all over the country. PTUK has the largest database of results on the effectiveness of Play Therapy and unlike 'Sausage Therapy' Play Therapy does not claim to 'cure' autism, I believe that is impossible!

I can see how you would come to that conclusion Baddad but believe me, PTUK standards are high Hey, I just know it took me two years to get the qualification and from practicing I know it works. Talks are currently taking place with the Health Professions Council for Play Therapy to be registered, this should help to give more credit to the profession.

Always ensure that any Play Therapist you come across has been trained by PTUK or BAPT (see websites) as these are recognised Play Therapy Professional bodies and all therapists have been qualified to Post Graduate Diploma level accredited by a university. These courses are all practice based and so all student Play Therapists are expected to carry out sessions while completing their qualification. However, as stated earlier, all students PT's have to have very regular supervisions with a qualified Play Therapist to ensure that their input is appropriate. Play Therapy really is a beneficial and worthwhile approach for children.

"Sometimes things just are..." Makes perfect sense to me! Glad to hear you've decided to go ahead, Hope it all goes well.

Hi Mikey's Mum, I am sorry to hear that you and others have had some bad experiences with Play Therapy, this upsets me as I am a qualified Play Therapist who works on a daily basis with children who have ASD and I know the benefit that Play Therapy can have if you have a Therapist who is knowledgeable regarding what is a very specialised condition. Play Therapy should be non-judgemental, I have worked with children who draw what can seem to be aggressive pictures and it is not until you sit with that child while they are drawing that you get a feel for the possible reasons for it whether it be that they have an anxiety they wish to express or that they just enjoy the activity/colours. Therapist's should not make snap judgements on any pictures they are shown without an insight into their creation. Yes Play Therapist's help children with their anxieties and problems but I have found that if a non-directive approach is used then Play Therapy is very effective in developing play skills also, I run groups and individual sessions in developing naturalistic play and interaction skills, however I have over 20 yrs experience of being with children who have ASD. A Play Therapist should create a safe space where the child can feel relaxed and play or engage in activities in order to express themselves at their own pace wih no demands or expectations from the therapist It would be a shame for your son to miss out on play therapy if available, I have found that many student Play Therapists who have no experience of ASD learn as much from their clients as their clients do from them. Maybe you could suggest that the Play Therapist reads some relevant books on ASD so that she has more of an understanding of her clients. And most importantly communicate with her, you know your son the best - she could learn so much from you!