Creative Arts Play Therapy
Helping children heal through play
My name is Benita Landau, and I am a qualified play therapist. I receive referrals from parents and schools looking to find support for children who may be experiencing anxiety, trauma, and behavioural challenges. Children often can't express themselves through language. However, they can express their emotions through play. I use play to build a relationship with the child, over time, to help them deal with any issues they may be facing. Interactive play provides a safe space and time for the child to work through short and long-term challenges, better manage the ups and downs of everyday life. Through the use of a creative toolbox, which includes sand, puppets, art materials, musical instruments, and more, I work with the child to help them express themselves, explore deeply hidden emotions, and heal.
It takes time to build a relationship with a child, so 12 sessions are initially recommended. Before taking on a client, I will arrange an informal interview with the parents or carers and will have an initial meeting with the child, where they can familiarise themselves with the room where play therapy will take place.
BENITA LANDAU
- BED Hons
- MA Early Years Education
- Certified Play Therapist
I am a Primary School teacher with many years of experience. In addition I have experience as a Certified Play Therapist with Play Therapy UK, the Society for Play and Creative Arts Therapies. I am a registered member with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.. I work in Local authority Schools and have experience of working with Looked After Children.
Speak in Confidence
I meet with the clhild on a weekly basis, at the same time and place every week. This is a safe, secure space, enabling the child or young person and myself to build a relationship where they feel they can share their thoughts and emotions using the creative toolkit to express themselves, knowing that everything shared in the room is confidential between the two of us.
Role of the Parent/ carer
Key to the process is building a relationship with parent/s carers. Initially, we meet to discuss relevant issues and decide if play therapy is appropriate for the child. If it seems to fit, I will then meet with the child for a brief chat, where they can see the room, and I will outline what will happen in the sessions. There is no charge for these initial meetings.
How can play therapy help your child?
My approach to play therapy is non-directive, putting the child in charge. I accept the child exactly as they are, and there are no time constraints. We go at the child's pace, which will differ for each individual. Using the medium of play, we build a relationship where the client feels safe and secure to express themselves in whatever way they feel comfortable.
Play therapy is very helpful for children needing therapeutic support. Using play as the medium to express themselves and what they are experiencing makes sense to children. Play allows children to explore thoughts and feelings creatively and dynamically and is an integral part of childhood development across physical and cognitive domains. They can discover and rehearse different ways of understanding and coping with difficult feelings, leading to a healthier and happier way of being.
Referrals
Children and young people are referred to me for a wide range of issues. Here are a few examples for which they may be referred. Referrals may be made by parents or schools.
Anxiety
Attachment issues
Witness of domestic violence or domestic violence
Grief, loss, or bereavement
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Lacking confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Problems with family or school life
Learning difficulties
ADHD, ASD
My Location
My private practice is located in Winchmore Hill N21, which is easily accessible from areas such as Edmonton, Wood Green, and Barnet.
I can travel to people`s homes within this vicinity, and I can travel to local primary schools within 6 miles of Winchmore Hill.
Fees
I currently work in schools in the London Borough of Enfield and Hackney.
Sessions are held weekly for 45 minutes.
Fees start from £50.00 a session.
I have availability after school: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and school holidays.
For schools, there is a daily and half-daily rate. A minimum of twelve sessions is recommended, as it takes time to build a relationship and for the child to feel comfortable enough to relax and begin to trust me and the process.
Initial interview with parents and first introductory session is free.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how play therapy works or to arrange an initial assessment appointment.