Play therapy
(5 to 11 years)
Play is the natural language of the child, the way they explore and make sense of their world. Play therapy offers children a way of exploring their thoughts and feelings when they may not be able to do so in words.
Play therapy helps them to communicate at their own level using everyday playthings, making the process of therapy much less daunting for younger children. It is provided on a flexible basis depending on the needs of the individual child, with up to 20 sessions being offered to each child.
Play therapy sessions delivered by YCT allow children and young people the opportunity to talk about their emotional well-being as well as the issues and anxieties affecting their everyday lives in a safe, non-judgemental, and confidential space. Sessions are client led and allow the young person to explore the issues impacting them specifically.
Sessions are facilitated by experienced, professionally qualified, and registered counsellors. Sessions are designed to develop confidence, communication skills, raise self-esteem and encourage young people to overcome the difficulties they face, make positive life choices and achieve better emotional wellbeing. Young people will access the service either through self-referral or as a result of being referred by their doctor, family member, school or other professional.
This work helps to build the confidence, communication skills, resilience and mental and emotional health and well-being of the children and young people, which in turn can help improve engagement with school, families, and local communities.
Safe hands
The safety and wellbeing of every child, young person and family who uses our services is at the heart of everything we do. Our charity operates within a clear and robust safeguarding strategy that ensures all children, young people and vulnerable adults are protected from harm and supported in a safe, respectful and therapeutic environment. Our therapists are fully qualified professionals, and we’re proud members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) which means we follow strict quality and ethical guidelines. Through safe recruitment processes, enhanced DBS checks, ongoing safeguarding training, clear reporting pathways, strong clinical supervision and strategic leadership we create a protective framework where children and families can engage with our services with confidence, knowing they are in safe hands.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults with care and support needs who access our services. Our organisation’s Safeguarding Children and Adults Policy sets out clearly our responsibilities, expectations and procedures to prevent harm, identify when abuse or neglect may be occurring, and respond appropriately.
We implement this commitment by operating within a rigorous multi-agency framework consistent with local best practice in Essex. For children and young people this means we work in accordance with the SET (Southend, Essex & Thurrock) / ESCB Child Protection Procedures — the recognised local protocol for how agencies in Essex should co-operate, share information and act at the earliest opportunity to support children and families.
For adults at risk, we follow the ESAB multi-agency Safeguarding Adults policies and procedures — ensuring that anyone with care and support needs is able to live safely, free from abuse or neglect, and that their voice is central to all safeguarding decisions.
In practical terms we will:
maintain open channels for reporting any safeguarding concern and ensure all staff, volunteers and partners know how to act.
ensure suitably trained and competent staff and volunteers operate safe recruitment and induction processes, aligned with local safeguarding expectations.
cooperate fully with local authority children’s services, adult social care, the police and health partners when safeguarding concerns arise.
regularly review our safeguarding arrangements, monitor compliance and update our practice in line with national and local developments, including the ESCB and ESAB guidance.
place the individual at the centre of our safeguarding approach — working to ensure their wishes, feelings and outcomes are respected and protected.
We believe safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Through this combined framework — our internal policy plus adherence to local multi-agency procedures in Essex — we strive to provide safe, respectful and effective care for all those we support.
A range of creative therapies
Sometimes feelings are hard to put into words. Our art and play therapies give children different ways to express themselves.
Play therapy
Art therapy
Talking therapies
We can’t promise quick fixes – these things take time, and that’s okay. What we can promise is this: we will be right here with you, a calm, steady presence, offering expert support and guidance as you take steps forward.
Stories of change
