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.
#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
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.
#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
#BAPTAdvent Day 20
#Play helps children with their emotional wellbeing. It supports children in processing fear by giving them a safe, symbolic space to explore overwhelming emotions, rehearse coping strategies and regain a sense of control.
#Play helps children with their emotional wellbeing. It supports children in processing fear by giving them a safe, symbolic space to explore overwhelming emotions, rehearse coping strategies and regain a sense of control.
December 20, 2025 at 12:16 PM
#BAPTAdvent Day 20
#Play helps children with their emotional wellbeing. It supports children in processing fear by giving them a safe, symbolic space to explore overwhelming emotions, rehearse coping strategies and regain a sense of control.
#Play helps children with their emotional wellbeing. It supports children in processing fear by giving them a safe, symbolic space to explore overwhelming emotions, rehearse coping strategies and regain a sense of control.
#BAPTAdvent Day 19
Through #play children can build stronger relationships. Play helps to foster trust, strengthen communication and build empathy and cooperation between children and those around them. Shared experiences through play can create mutual support.
Through #play children can build stronger relationships. Play helps to foster trust, strengthen communication and build empathy and cooperation between children and those around them. Shared experiences through play can create mutual support.
December 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM
#BAPTAdvent Day 19
Through #play children can build stronger relationships. Play helps to foster trust, strengthen communication and build empathy and cooperation between children and those around them. Shared experiences through play can create mutual support.
Through #play children can build stronger relationships. Play helps to foster trust, strengthen communication and build empathy and cooperation between children and those around them. Shared experiences through play can create mutual support.
#BAPTAdvent Day 18
Physical #play is specifically important for developing gross motor skills but also activates and supports other areas of development and learning too.
Where needed #physiotherapists and #occupationaltherapists can help provide access and/or adaptations.
Physical #play is specifically important for developing gross motor skills but also activates and supports other areas of development and learning too.
Where needed #physiotherapists and #occupationaltherapists can help provide access and/or adaptations.
December 18, 2025 at 8:41 AM
#BAPTAdvent Day 18
Physical #play is specifically important for developing gross motor skills but also activates and supports other areas of development and learning too.
Where needed #physiotherapists and #occupationaltherapists can help provide access and/or adaptations.
Physical #play is specifically important for developing gross motor skills but also activates and supports other areas of development and learning too.
Where needed #physiotherapists and #occupationaltherapists can help provide access and/or adaptations.
#BAPTAdvent Day 17
If you’re feeling down, struggling to get started on a job, can’t work something out – try moving, take a short walk, do a task that involves using your body.
Play that involves movement can help with cognitive regulation and stimulate the brain to act or to work something out.
If you’re feeling down, struggling to get started on a job, can’t work something out – try moving, take a short walk, do a task that involves using your body.
Play that involves movement can help with cognitive regulation and stimulate the brain to act or to work something out.
December 17, 2025 at 11:03 AM
#BAPTAdvent Day 17
If you’re feeling down, struggling to get started on a job, can’t work something out – try moving, take a short walk, do a task that involves using your body.
Play that involves movement can help with cognitive regulation and stimulate the brain to act or to work something out.
If you’re feeling down, struggling to get started on a job, can’t work something out – try moving, take a short walk, do a task that involves using your body.
Play that involves movement can help with cognitive regulation and stimulate the brain to act or to work something out.
#BAPTAdvent Day 16
In the flow of child-led play there is relaxation, release of difficult feelings, learning and development. Local communities that value and provide play facilities, both indoor and outdoor, are underpinning the building blocks of so much in the lives of the children they serve.
In the flow of child-led play there is relaxation, release of difficult feelings, learning and development. Local communities that value and provide play facilities, both indoor and outdoor, are underpinning the building blocks of so much in the lives of the children they serve.
December 16, 2025 at 3:21 PM
#BAPTAdvent Day 16
In the flow of child-led play there is relaxation, release of difficult feelings, learning and development. Local communities that value and provide play facilities, both indoor and outdoor, are underpinning the building blocks of so much in the lives of the children they serve.
In the flow of child-led play there is relaxation, release of difficult feelings, learning and development. Local communities that value and provide play facilities, both indoor and outdoor, are underpinning the building blocks of so much in the lives of the children they serve.
#BAPTAdvent Day 15
#PlayTherapy can support children to process adversity and have the headspace to notice and connect with others. Once ready to play more freely and with supportive adults around them in families, schools and community facilities, they can continue to learn about social life.
#PlayTherapy can support children to process adversity and have the headspace to notice and connect with others. Once ready to play more freely and with supportive adults around them in families, schools and community facilities, they can continue to learn about social life.
December 15, 2025 at 8:12 AM
#BAPTAdvent Day 15
#PlayTherapy can support children to process adversity and have the headspace to notice and connect with others. Once ready to play more freely and with supportive adults around them in families, schools and community facilities, they can continue to learn about social life.
#PlayTherapy can support children to process adversity and have the headspace to notice and connect with others. Once ready to play more freely and with supportive adults around them in families, schools and community facilities, they can continue to learn about social life.