Learn to Play Therapy.

Play is a complex developmental activity that draws on a range of cognitive, emotional, and social processes. Learn to Play Therapy is a practical, hands-on therapeutic approach that supports children to develop the foundations of pretend play in ways that feel natural, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Learn to Play Therapy is designed for children who find play challenging or who benefit from additional support to develop spontaneous, flexible, and shared play skills.

This approach focuses on pretend play, as it is considered one of the most complex and developmentally rich forms of play. Pretend play supports many areas of development, including narrative language, social interaction, emotional understanding, and the integration of lived experiences.

The play skills supported through Learn to Play Therapy may include:

  • Spontaneously initiating play

  • Sequencing play actions in a logical and meaningful way

  • Using objects symbolically (object substitution)

  • Engaging with dolls, figures, or characters separate from themselves

  • Developing integrated play sequences with a clear play theme or script

  • Role play and shared social interaction through play

Learn to Play Therapy engages children in a natural, relational way and does not rely on directive instruction or telling children what to do. Instead, the therapist joins the child at their current developmental and play level and gently scaffolds new skills through shared, enjoyable play experiences.

Who Is Learn to Play Therapy For?

Learn to Play Therapy is suitable for children who would benefit from additional support to develop play skills in a way that feels safe, engaging, and strengths-based.

It may be particularly helpful for children who:

  • Find it challenging to initiate or sustain pretend play

  • Prefer repetitive, solitary, or sensory-based play and are ready to be gently supported to expand their play repertoire

  • Experience differences in social communication and interaction, including autistic and neurodivergent children

  • Have difficulty sequencing play ideas or developing play themes

  • Find shared or imaginative play with peers challenging

  • Benefit from structured yet flexible support to build confidence in play

  • Are transitioning into early learning or school environments where play is a key part of social connection

Therapy is developmentally informed and begins at the child’s current play level, building on their interests, preferences, and existing strengths. The aim is not to change who a child is, but to support their capacity to engage in play in ways that feel meaningful, self-directed, and supportive of their overall development and wellbeing.

Assessment and Therapy Process

A play assessment is conducted to gain an understanding of your child’s current play skills and developmental stage. The assessment begins once your child feels settled and comfortable in the playroom and is typically completed over two sessions.

The assessment process also includes input from parents and, where appropriate, educators, to provide a holistic understanding of your child’s play across different environments.

Regular review sessions are held with parents and caregivers to monitor progress, reflect on development, and collaboratively adjust therapy goals as needed.

Where appropriate, Learn to Play Therapy sessions can also be held within your child’s educational setting to support the generalisation of play skills and to build confidence in familiar environments.

Honouring each child’s unique way of playing, while gently opening doors to new possibilities.

Reach Out

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Learn to Play Therapy?

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