Empowering Growth Through Playful Connections
Animal-Assisted Child-Led Play Therapy
At Engage Playfully, we offer Animal-Assisted Child-Led Play Therapy Social Groups in schools, 1:1 Play Therapy sessions, and Key Worker interventions aimed at enhancing children’s well-being, emotional regulation, social skills development, and overall engagement.
Why Choose Engage Playfully Support?
Animal-Assisted Child-Led Play Therapy Social Groups, 1:1 Play Therapy sessions, and Key Worker interventions provide a unique and effective approach to helping children navigate their emotions, build social skills, and develop resilience.
These therapeutic settings offer a safe and nurturing environment where children can express themselves freely through play – a natural and effective way for them to communicate and process their experiences.
The presence of a therapy dog creates a calming and non-judgmental atmosphere, helping children feel safe and supported as they express their emotions through play. The nurturing bond formed with the therapy dog can boost self-esteem and confidence, encouraging children to engage more willingly in the therapeutic process.
Overall, play therapy with a therapy dog combines the healing power of play with the comfort and companionship of an animal, providing a holistic approach to emotional and behavioural healing.
Key Reasons to Choose Engage Playfully
Emotional Expression and Regulation
Play therapy allows children to express their feelings in a safe, non-threatening way. This helps them understand and manage their emotions more effectively, leading to better emotional regulation. Interaction with therapy animals enhances emotional awareness and articulation.
Social Skill Development
In social groups, children are learning essential social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. These interactions help them build and maintain positive relationships with peers. Therapy animals help to foster empathy, patience, and understanding.
Individualised Attention
1:1 support provides personalised attention, addressing the child’s unique needs and challenges. This tailored approach ensures that the therapeutic interventions are specifically designed to benefit the child most effectively through setting goals and providing regular feedback.
Safe and Supportive Environment
Both group and individual sessions offer a secure space for children to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This environment encourages them to take risks, try new things, and build confidence.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Engaging in play therapy helps children develop better communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. They learn to articulate their needs and emotions more clearly, improving overall interactions.
Building Resilience
Through guided play and supportive interactions, children are able to learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills, crucial for building resilience and handling life’s challenges. The nurturing presence of therapy animals helps children develop resilience, learning to manage their emotions, behaviours, and relationships.
Stress Reduction
The playful and engaging nature of these sessions helps reduce stress and anxiety. Children can relax and enjoy the process, making therapy a positive experience. Engaging with therapy animals provides children with strategies to manage stress and cope with adversity.
Support for Help-Seeking and Self-Identity
Our program promotes the importance of seeking help and exploring self-identity, crucial elements of the SEL and RRRR frameworks. Therapy sessions with animals create a safe space for children to express their needs and explore their identities.
Integration of Therapeutic Goals
Our program creates a supportive space where students can thrive emotionally and socially. Engage Playfully can empower children to build resilience, enhance social skills, and become emotionally intelligent individuals ready to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Those Who Have Experienced the Transformation
It was wonderful working with Keryn. She designed a comprehensive program that supported the children’s social and emotional needs. Keryn created a safe and inclusive environment with the children in her groups. The kids loved working with Poppy and would look forward to the sessions each week.
– Anon
Keryn was wonderful working with my Year 1 students. They had so much fun and learnt how to recognise their emotions and how to respond when feeling emotions, as well as so many other skills. She was always calm with them and students came back raving about the sessions and looking forward to the next.
– Anon
Animals in the classroom provide emotional support, help reduce anxiety, and create an atmosphere of calm and trust. The presence of therapy dogs in schools has been shown to improve children’s ability to focus and engage in learning.
– Dr. Alan M. Beck
(Director, Center for the Human-Animal Bond)
Discover the Transformative Power of Animal Assisted Child Led Play Therapy Social Groups and 1:1 Support at Engage Playfully