BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
@bapt.info
Supporting Mental Health and Well-being, in children and young people. https://linktr.ee/britishplaytherapy https://www.bapt.info/
#Winnicott’s thinking was ahead of its time. Long before neuroscience and trauma-informed practice became part of everyday conversations, he understood that play is not an add-on to therapy, but the essential space where emotional truth, creativity, and healing emerge.
#TherapistsConnect
#TherapistsConnect
January 21, 2026 at 12:44 PM
#Winnicott’s thinking was ahead of its time. Long before neuroscience and trauma-informed practice became part of everyday conversations, he understood that play is not an add-on to therapy, but the essential space where emotional truth, creativity, and healing emerge.
#TherapistsConnect
#TherapistsConnect
This week we’re reflecting on the work of #DonaldWinnicott, a British paediatrician and psychoanalyst whose ideas continue to sit at the very heart of #PlayTherapy.
Winnicott reminds us that when a child feels safe enough to play, they are safe enough to begin to heal.
Winnicott reminds us that when a child feels safe enough to play, they are safe enough to begin to heal.
January 19, 2026 at 8:48 PM
This week we’re reflecting on the work of #DonaldWinnicott, a British paediatrician and psychoanalyst whose ideas continue to sit at the very heart of #PlayTherapy.
Winnicott reminds us that when a child feels safe enough to play, they are safe enough to begin to heal.
Winnicott reminds us that when a child feels safe enough to play, they are safe enough to begin to heal.
#WinnieThePoohDay
The Hundred Acre Wood is a separate, protected world. It is not quite home and not quite reality, yet it is always deeply connected to both This closely mirrors the #playtherapy room. It is a safe, symbolic space where children can explore through play, imagination and story.
The Hundred Acre Wood is a separate, protected world. It is not quite home and not quite reality, yet it is always deeply connected to both This closely mirrors the #playtherapy room. It is a safe, symbolic space where children can explore through play, imagination and story.
January 18, 2026 at 2:41 PM
#WinnieThePoohDay
The Hundred Acre Wood is a separate, protected world. It is not quite home and not quite reality, yet it is always deeply connected to both This closely mirrors the #playtherapy room. It is a safe, symbolic space where children can explore through play, imagination and story.
The Hundred Acre Wood is a separate, protected world. It is not quite home and not quite reality, yet it is always deeply connected to both This closely mirrors the #playtherapy room. It is a safe, symbolic space where children can explore through play, imagination and story.
#AnnaFreud
Children do not always have the language to explain what they feel or why they behave as they do. Instead, their inner world shows itself through play; in stories, symbols, roles and repetition. Within this play, the unconscious gently finds a voice.
Children do not always have the language to explain what they feel or why they behave as they do. Instead, their inner world shows itself through play; in stories, symbols, roles and repetition. Within this play, the unconscious gently finds a voice.
January 17, 2026 at 12:24 PM
#AnnaFreud
Children do not always have the language to explain what they feel or why they behave as they do. Instead, their inner world shows itself through play; in stories, symbols, roles and repetition. Within this play, the unconscious gently finds a voice.
Children do not always have the language to explain what they feel or why they behave as they do. Instead, their inner world shows itself through play; in stories, symbols, roles and repetition. Within this play, the unconscious gently finds a voice.
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
Grief is exhausting. Understand that your grieving friend may need some quiet time to recharge their batteries so that they can cope better with their grief. Just let them know you’re there for them when they’re ready.
For more ideas from young people 👉 childbereavementuk.org/support-tips
For more ideas from young people 👉 childbereavementuk.org/support-tips
January 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Grief is exhausting. Understand that your grieving friend may need some quiet time to recharge their batteries so that they can cope better with their grief. Just let them know you’re there for them when they’re ready.
For more ideas from young people 👉 childbereavementuk.org/support-tips
For more ideas from young people 👉 childbereavementuk.org/support-tips
#MelanieKlein
This quote challenges adult assumptions and reinforces a core value of play therapy: children are active meaning-makers not passive recipients of care.
When we truly listen to their play, children show us just how insightful they already are.
This quote challenges adult assumptions and reinforces a core value of play therapy: children are active meaning-makers not passive recipients of care.
When we truly listen to their play, children show us just how insightful they already are.
January 15, 2026 at 8:30 PM
#MelanieKlein
This quote challenges adult assumptions and reinforces a core value of play therapy: children are active meaning-makers not passive recipients of care.
When we truly listen to their play, children show us just how insightful they already are.
This quote challenges adult assumptions and reinforces a core value of play therapy: children are active meaning-makers not passive recipients of care.
When we truly listen to their play, children show us just how insightful they already are.
The work of #AnnaFreud helped establish Play Therapy as a developmentally informed, relational approach, laying foundations that continue to influence modern therapeutic practice across schools, clinics, and family settings.
Play isn’t “just play” — it’s meaningful communication.
Play isn’t “just play” — it’s meaningful communication.
January 14, 2026 at 9:01 PM
The work of #AnnaFreud helped establish Play Therapy as a developmentally informed, relational approach, laying foundations that continue to influence modern therapeutic practice across schools, clinics, and family settings.
Play isn’t “just play” — it’s meaningful communication.
Play isn’t “just play” — it’s meaningful communication.
#MelanieKlein’s work laid important foundations for many therapeutic approaches used today and continues to influence how play therapists think about symbolic expression, emotional meaning, and the therapeutic relationship.
January 12, 2026 at 6:29 PM
#MelanieKlein’s work laid important foundations for many therapeutic approaches used today and continues to influence how play therapists think about symbolic expression, emotional meaning, and the therapeutic relationship.
#ChildCentredPlayTherapy
(CCPT)
#VirginiaAxline
Within British Association of Play Therapists’ (BAPT) practice, CCPT remains a core, evidence-based and trauma-informed approach — honouring the child as the expert in their own experience. We’re rooted in Axline’s principles. 🧡
(CCPT)
#VirginiaAxline
Within British Association of Play Therapists’ (BAPT) practice, CCPT remains a core, evidence-based and trauma-informed approach — honouring the child as the expert in their own experience. We’re rooted in Axline’s principles. 🧡
January 10, 2026 at 5:16 PM
#ChildCentredPlayTherapy
(CCPT)
#VirginiaAxline
Within British Association of Play Therapists’ (BAPT) practice, CCPT remains a core, evidence-based and trauma-informed approach — honouring the child as the expert in their own experience. We’re rooted in Axline’s principles. 🧡
(CCPT)
#VirginiaAxline
Within British Association of Play Therapists’ (BAPT) practice, CCPT remains a core, evidence-based and trauma-informed approach — honouring the child as the expert in their own experience. We’re rooted in Axline’s principles. 🧡
#VirginiaAxline
Her seminal book, Dibs in Search of Self, offers a powerful and compassionate illustration of what happens when a child is met with unconditional acceptance, safety and trust.
Her seminal book, Dibs in Search of Self, offers a powerful and compassionate illustration of what happens when a child is met with unconditional acceptance, safety and trust.
January 8, 2026 at 9:44 PM
#VirginiaAxline
Her seminal book, Dibs in Search of Self, offers a powerful and compassionate illustration of what happens when a child is met with unconditional acceptance, safety and trust.
Her seminal book, Dibs in Search of Self, offers a powerful and compassionate illustration of what happens when a child is met with unconditional acceptance, safety and trust.
#Axline believed that children, when offered a safe, accepting and permissive therapeutic space, naturally move towards healing and growth. Her non-directive, child-centred approach gave children permission to communicate their inner world through play.
January 5, 2026 at 1:44 PM
#Axline believed that children, when offered a safe, accepting and permissive therapeutic space, naturally move towards healing and growth. Her non-directive, child-centred approach gave children permission to communicate their inner world through play.
On #WorldBrailleDay, we reaffirm our commitment to:
💛 Child-led practice
💛 Inclusive, accessible therapeutic spaces
💛 Valuing all forms of communication
Because every child has a story to tell—and many ways to tell it.
#PlayTherapy
💛 Child-led practice
💛 Inclusive, accessible therapeutic spaces
💛 Valuing all forms of communication
Because every child has a story to tell—and many ways to tell it.
#PlayTherapy
January 4, 2026 at 8:08 AM
On #WorldBrailleDay, we reaffirm our commitment to:
💛 Child-led practice
💛 Inclusive, accessible therapeutic spaces
💛 Valuing all forms of communication
Because every child has a story to tell—and many ways to tell it.
#PlayTherapy
💛 Child-led practice
💛 Inclusive, accessible therapeutic spaces
💛 Valuing all forms of communication
Because every child has a story to tell—and many ways to tell it.
#PlayTherapy
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
“When it snows, children take over the city: they sleigh, throw snowballs, make snowmen and are more visible than ever. But what a city needs for its children has to be more durable than snow.” (Aldo van Eyck)
January 3, 2026 at 10:50 AM
“When it snows, children take over the city: they sleigh, throw snowballs, make snowmen and are more visible than ever. But what a city needs for its children has to be more durable than snow.” (Aldo van Eyck)
In #PlayTherapy, unconditional positive regard means allowing the child to be exactly who they are in the moment, without correction, agenda or expectation. Like watching a sunset unfold, the play therapist does not attempt to shape the child’s play, soften their emotions, or hurry their process.
January 3, 2026 at 10:37 AM
In #PlayTherapy, unconditional positive regard means allowing the child to be exactly who they are in the moment, without correction, agenda or expectation. Like watching a sunset unfold, the play therapist does not attempt to shape the child’s play, soften their emotions, or hurry their process.
#PlayTherapy
From a place of being understood, children are able to integrate their experiences, restore a sense of agency and move forward in their own time, and in their own way. #CarlRogers
From a place of being understood, children are able to integrate their experiences, restore a sense of agency and move forward in their own time, and in their own way. #CarlRogers
January 2, 2026 at 5:50 PM
#PlayTherapy
From a place of being understood, children are able to integrate their experiences, restore a sense of agency and move forward in their own time, and in their own way. #CarlRogers
From a place of being understood, children are able to integrate their experiences, restore a sense of agency and move forward in their own time, and in their own way. #CarlRogers
January 1, 2026 at 6:20 AM
⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️
December 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️
#BAPTAdvent Day 24!
#Play helps children develop self-awareness by giving them opportunities to explore who they are, what they enjoy and how they respond to challenges. It builds passion by sparking curiosity, creativity and intrinsic motivation through joyful, self directed experiences.
#Play helps children develop self-awareness by giving them opportunities to explore who they are, what they enjoy and how they respond to challenges. It builds passion by sparking curiosity, creativity and intrinsic motivation through joyful, self directed experiences.
December 24, 2025 at 10:57 AM
#BAPTAdvent Day 24!
#Play helps children develop self-awareness by giving them opportunities to explore who they are, what they enjoy and how they respond to challenges. It builds passion by sparking curiosity, creativity and intrinsic motivation through joyful, self directed experiences.
#Play helps children develop self-awareness by giving them opportunities to explore who they are, what they enjoy and how they respond to challenges. It builds passion by sparking curiosity, creativity and intrinsic motivation through joyful, self directed experiences.
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
Adults sometimes react more strongly than intended. Repairing with simple words like “My voice was louder than I wanted. You matter” shows accountability without shame. Repair teaches children that relationships stay safe, building trust and emotional resilience. #JogoCalendar2025 #families
December 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Adults sometimes react more strongly than intended. Repairing with simple words like “My voice was louder than I wanted. You matter” shows accountability without shame. Repair teaches children that relationships stay safe, building trust and emotional resilience. #JogoCalendar2025 #families
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
Reflective practice supports therapeutic integrity. Taking a few minutes to notice where you offered playfulness, presence and permission helps maintain intention in child-centred play therapy. Regular reflection supports growth and keeps therapists grounded. #JogoCalendar2025 #playtherapists
December 22, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Reflective practice supports therapeutic integrity. Taking a few minutes to notice where you offered playfulness, presence and permission helps maintain intention in child-centred play therapy. Regular reflection supports growth and keeps therapists grounded. #JogoCalendar2025 #playtherapists
#BAPTAdvent Day 23
Through games, role play and group activities, children can learn to tune in to verbal and non-verbal cues, wait their turn and respond appropriately. Thus strengthening communication and empathy in their relationships.
Through games, role play and group activities, children can learn to tune in to verbal and non-verbal cues, wait their turn and respond appropriately. Thus strengthening communication and empathy in their relationships.
December 23, 2025 at 11:13 AM
#BAPTAdvent Day 23
Through games, role play and group activities, children can learn to tune in to verbal and non-verbal cues, wait their turn and respond appropriately. Thus strengthening communication and empathy in their relationships.
Through games, role play and group activities, children can learn to tune in to verbal and non-verbal cues, wait their turn and respond appropriately. Thus strengthening communication and empathy in their relationships.
#BAPTAdvent Day 22
Play supports the physical development of a child's fine motor skills by strengthening the small muscles in the hands and fingers, improving coordination, and building the precision a child needs for everyday tasks, such as writing, dressing and self care.
@thercot.bsky.social
Play supports the physical development of a child's fine motor skills by strengthening the small muscles in the hands and fingers, improving coordination, and building the precision a child needs for everyday tasks, such as writing, dressing and self care.
@thercot.bsky.social
December 22, 2025 at 10:50 AM
#BAPTAdvent Day 22
Play supports the physical development of a child's fine motor skills by strengthening the small muscles in the hands and fingers, improving coordination, and building the precision a child needs for everyday tasks, such as writing, dressing and self care.
@thercot.bsky.social
Play supports the physical development of a child's fine motor skills by strengthening the small muscles in the hands and fingers, improving coordination, and building the precision a child needs for everyday tasks, such as writing, dressing and self care.
@thercot.bsky.social
#BAPTAdvent Day 21
When children regularly engage in board games and other structured games they develop transferable problem solving skills that benefit their academic work, social situations and everyday life.
#ProblemSolving
When children regularly engage in board games and other structured games they develop transferable problem solving skills that benefit their academic work, social situations and everyday life.
#ProblemSolving
December 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
#BAPTAdvent Day 21
When children regularly engage in board games and other structured games they develop transferable problem solving skills that benefit their academic work, social situations and everyday life.
#ProblemSolving
When children regularly engage in board games and other structured games they develop transferable problem solving skills that benefit their academic work, social situations and everyday life.
#ProblemSolving
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
Pausing isn’t a luxury, it supports regulation. A one-minute break to breathe, stretch or drink water can reset the nervous system and improve clarity. Encourage staff to pause today; it boosts wellbeing and models healthy regulation for pupils. #JogoBehaviourSupport #JogoCalendar2025 #schools
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Pausing isn’t a luxury, it supports regulation. A one-minute break to breathe, stretch or drink water can reset the nervous system and improve clarity. Encourage staff to pause today; it boosts wellbeing and models healthy regulation for pupils. #JogoBehaviourSupport #JogoCalendar2025 #schools
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
Children’s progress is often quiet and easy to miss. Notice one small step today, a calmer transition or a gentler response. Recognising these moments builds confidence and supports long-term growth.
#JogoBehaviourSupport #JogoCalendar2025 #schools #parents
#JogoBehaviourSupport #JogoCalendar2025 #schools #parents
December 19, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Children’s progress is often quiet and easy to miss. Notice one small step today, a calmer transition or a gentler response. Recognising these moments builds confidence and supports long-term growth.
#JogoBehaviourSupport #JogoCalendar2025 #schools #parents
#JogoBehaviourSupport #JogoCalendar2025 #schools #parents