Children’s Play Therapy in Hackney E8

Space To Be You Therapy Rooms in Hackney E8 have many children’s play therapists to choose from.

We are conveniently located close to several tube and train stations in the heart of Hackney.

The therapist-client fit is important to us and we’re here to help you find the right practitioner for play therapy.

If you’d like to be matched with a therapist, please click the button below and fill out your details.

Alternatively, you can search our directory which includes many specialised play therapists

Qualified Play Therapists in Hackney

When children face emotional challenges, behavioural issues, or major life changes, they may not have the words to express what they’re feeling. That’s where children’s play therapy comes in.

At Space To Be You in Hackney, our qualified child play therapists provide a safe, supportive space where children can process emotions, build resilience, and thrive—using the most natural language they know: play.

Serving families across East London, our evidence-based approach supports each child’s unique emotional, developmental, and cultural needs.

What Is Children’s Play Therapy?

Play therapy uses toys, art, games, and imaginative activities to help children express feelings, make sense of experiences, and develop coping skills. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it meets children at their level—using play as a tool for healing, exploration, and growth.

Key Principles:

• Child-Centered: Children lead sessions at their own pace.
• Symbolic Communication: Toys and play represent thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
• Emotional Processing: Play offers a safe way to explore difficult feelings.
• Skill Building: Enhances emotional regulation, social interaction, and problem-solving.
• Family Involvement: Parents and caregivers are engaged throughout the process.
  

What Happens in Play Therapy?

Sessions take place in specially designed therapy rooms with a range of therapeutic tools:

• Dollhouses & Figures – Explore family roles and relationships
• Art Materials – Express feelings creatively
• Sand Tray Therapy – Symbolic exploration of inner worlds
• Puppets & Costumes – Safe emotional expression through role-play
• Blocks & Building Toys – Rebuilding control and agency
• Musical Instruments – Release emotions through rhythm and sound
  

Why Play Therapy Works?

Play therapy is grounded in neuroscience and child development:

• Right-Brain Engagement: Supports non-verbal emotional processing
• Symbolic Thinking: Helps children make sense of complex experiences
• Experiential Learning: Active play strengthens emotional and cognitive pathways
• Stress Relief: Play reduces cortisol and helps calm the nervous system
• Memory Integration: Difficult memories can be safely processed and re-framed

Proven Benefits:

• Quicker reduction in symptoms
• Stronger self-esteem and confidence
• Improved relationships at home and school
• Long-lasting emotional development
• Better academic performance
  

What different types of play therapy are there?

There are various methods to play therapy, each with its own distinct focus and procedures.

Kid-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) – This well-known approach allows the child to lead the play session while the play therapist provides a safe, accepting environment. In CCPT, the therapeutic relationship is central, and the child is free to express themselves through play.

Gestalt Play Therapy – This method combines elements of Gestalt therapy with play, encouraging self-awareness and personal growth by helping the child become mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours during play.

Cognitive-Behavioural Play Therapy (CBPT) – CBPT weaves cognitive and behavioural principles into play, helping children to identify and challenge negative thoughts and to foster positive behaviours through play-based activities.

Filial Play Therapy – This approach involves training parents to actively participate in their child’s play therapy sessions, enhancing the parent-child relationship and supporting the child’s emotional development.

These are just a few examples of the different play therapy methods available, each tailored to meet the specific needs of children and families within therapeutic settings.

Who We Help: Ages and Developmental Stages

Toddlers & Preschoolers (2–5 years)

Focus: Emotional development, attachment, and early social skills

Common Concerns:

• Tantrums, aggression, or withdrawal
• Developmental delays
• Family changes (divorce, new siblings, moves)
• Early trauma or attachment issues

School-Age Children (6–11 years)

Focus: Emotional regulation, peer relationships, school pressures

Common Concerns:

• Anxiety, sadness, or anger
• Peer conflicts and bullying
• Family transitions
• Academic or behavioural challenges
• Grief or trauma

Early Adolescents (12–14 years)

Focus: Identity, independence, peer dynamics

Common Concerns:

• Low self-esteem and body image issues
• Social anxiety or peer pressure
• Conflict with parents or teachers
• Academic stress
• Identity and values exploration

Conditions Treated Through Play Therapy

Anxiety Disorders

• Separation anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Generalised worry
• School refusal
• Phobias

Therapeutic Tools: Gradual exposure, confidence-building play, coping strategies, worry externalisation.

Trauma & PTSD

• One-time or ongoing trauma
• Medical trauma
• Domestic or community violence

Approach: Trauma-informed play, emotional safety, symbolic processing, empowerment, resilience building.

Behavioural & Emotional Dysregulation

• Aggression, defiance, or withdrawal
• ADHD-related behaviours
• Meltdowns and emotional outbursts

Therapeutic Goals: Teach impulse control, build social skills, expand emotional vocabulary, and foster problem-solving.

Depression & Low Mood

• Persistent sadness
• Disengagement from activities
• Negative self-talk

Approach: Mood expression through creative play, self-esteem boosting, and positive future visualisation.

Autism & Neurodivergence

• Social communication challenges
• Sensory sensitivities
• Emotional regulation needs

Specialist Tools: Visual aids, sensory play, structured interaction, special interest integration, family support.

How to prepare your child for their first play therapy session with a therapist?

Preparing your child for their first play therapy session with a psychotherapist or counsellor can help ease any worries they may have and make the experience feel more comfortable and positive.

Start by explaining in simple terms what play therapy is and what they might expect. You could say, “You’ll get to play with toys, draw, or play games with someone who understands how to help children feel better.”

Keeping the explanation straightforward helps them see the session as a safe and enjoyable experience, rather than something intimidating.

It’s also helpful to answer any questions your child may have without giving too much detail, which could overwhelm them. If they ask who the play therapist is, you might say, “They’re a friendly person who knows a lot about helping kids feel happy and calm.”

Emphasise that this person is there to listen, understand, and help them feel better.

Encouraging them to bring along a favourite toy or comfort item can also be reassuring, as it provides a familiar piece of home in a new environment.

On the day of the session, make sure to give your child plenty of time to get ready so they don’t feel rushed. Reassure them that you’ll be nearby and that they can talk to the play therapist about anything they want.

After the session, give your child space to process their experience without pressing them to share details, as they may need time to feel comfortable opening up.

Preparing in this way helps set the stage for a positive experience, fostering trust in the therapist and easing their transition into the therapeutic process.

Family-Centered Support

Play therapy isn’t just for the child—it includes the whole family system.

Parent & Caregiver Involvement:

• Parent-child play sessions
• Observations and feedback
• Home-based therapeutic tools
• Parenting support and education

Sibling Support:

• Joint sibling sessions when appropriate
• Conflict resolution and communication building
• Shared play activities for bonding
  

Culturally Sensitive Therapy in Hackney

Hackney’s rich diversity is reflected in our practice. Our therapists consider each family’s background, culture, and language.

Cultural Competence Includes:

• Multilingual therapy options
• Respect for varied family structures
• Integration of cultural and religious values
• Awareness of community-specific stressors
  

What to Expect

Getting Started:

1. Phone or Email Consultation
2. Initial Assessment: Child-friendly, play-based evaluation
3. Therapist Matching: Tailored to your child’s needs
4. Goal Setting & Planning: Collaborative with parents
5. Ongoing Sessions: Weekly 45–50 min sessions

Support & Monitoring:

• Regular progress reviews with parents
• Collaboration with schools if needed
• Reassessment of goals over time
• Emergency/crisis support if required
  

Location & Practical Info

📍 Space To Be You, Hackney
🚆 Close to Cambridge Heath, London Fields, Hackney Central
🚗 Limited street parking | ♿ Fully accessible
💻 Online therapy available

Cost & Access:

• Private insurance accepted
• Sliding scale and payment plans available
• Self-pay and EAP support offered
  

When to Consider Play Therapy

Look for signs such as:

• Big emotional or behavioural changes
• Trauma or family upheaval
• School refusal or falling grades
• Excessive worry, anger, sadness, or isolation
• Regression in development
  

What are the most common setbacks in play therapy?

As with any therapeutic approach, certain setbacks may arise during play therapy.

A common challenge is a child’s initial reluctance to fully engage in therapeutic play.

This might stem from a lack of trust in the therapist, discomfort in expressing emotions, or difficulty adjusting to the therapy environment.

Another challenge may be in establishing a therapeutic bond, especially if the child has experienced trauma or has trust issues.

Sometimes, children may display regressive behaviour or heightened emotions during play therapy, which can temporarily disrupt progress.

External factors, like irregular attendance, limited caregiver support, or interruptions in therapy, can also affect the consistency and effectiveness of play therapy.

However, skilled therapists are well-prepared to navigate these challenges by adapting their approach, building rapport, applying suitable interventions, and working collaboratively with both the child and their carers to address and overcome these obstacles.

Why you can trust our Hackney play therapists

You can rely on our Hackney-based play therapists because of their strong qualifications, extensive experience, and dedication to supporting children’s emotional well-being.

Our therapists hold postgraduate degrees in fields like psychology, counselling and psychotherapy along with professional training in specific play therapy techniques.

They have considerable experience working with children from diverse backgrounds, ages, and with a range of issues.

Our Hackney play therapists are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and culturally sensitive environment where children can express themselves freely through play.

They follow ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality, ensuring the privacy and trust of both children and their families.

Additionally, our therapists engage in continuous professional development to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in play therapy.

With their compassion, expertise, and commitment to children’s well-being, you can trust our Hackney therapists to provide the highest standard of play therapy for your child’s emotional growth and healing.

Why is Hackney a good place for play therapy?

Hackney is an excellent setting for play therapy, thanks to its rich and inclusive culture, abundance of resources, and availability of experienced play therapists.

Known for its multicultural community, Hackney is a welcoming and understanding place for families from various backgrounds.

This cultural diversity allows Hackney play therapists to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy services, respecting each child’s and family’s unique needs and experiences.

Hackney also offers a wide range of resources and support services for children and families, including play therapy centres, community organisations, and schools with a strong focus on children’s well-being.

With skilled play therapists readily available in Hackney, families can access professionals trained in play therapy techniques who have a deep understanding of child development.

Take the First Step Today

Your child deserves support that helps them feel safe, understood, and empowered. At Space To Be You, our experienced play therapists are here to help your child thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

📞 Call Us: 07933 192 453
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Book Online: https://www.spacetobeyou.com/
📍 Visit Us: 1st Floor, Mare Street Wing, St Joseph’s Hospice, Mare Street, London, E8 4SA

Crisis Support

• Emergency: Call 999
• CAMHS Crisis Line (NHS)
• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111

Helping your child access play therapy is one of the most powerful things you can do as a parent. Let’s build emotional resilience and confidence together—starting today.