Our therapists have been trained and certified under Play Therapy UK and Synergetic Play Therapy Institute in the US, and we provide a blend of the two into our practice and philosophy. 

This meaning that POP!'s philosophy is non-directive, child-led with a parasympathetic nervous system lens. 

How this works in practice is while we provide a safe, therapeutic space for children to express anything from grief to anxiety, trauma both with big and little T’s and other family issues we also look at parasympathetic nervous system regulation. This type of regulation is where we would engage in mindfulness and model regulation of our nervous systems as a foundation for children to learn how to manage their own nervous systems. Thus, our journey with children begins with us leading the way towards co - regulate  so that they can connect with their inner worlds and allow authentic them to appear in their play, in a safe, regulated environment. 

Play is a child's natural medium of expression and our play therapy offers children a chance to "play - out" their feelings and difficulties in a natural and familiar manner. The type of therapeutic play offers children mastery over their emotions, ability to widen their window of tolerance and to resolve trauma. This is where we begin to see shifts in a child's behaviour. We are not here to "fix" any problems but to make the child more visible to him / her self and so the child will feel heard and seen. Growth is optimal in play when a feeling of permissiveness is present in a trusted, safe relationship. This can have positive impact on their communication, emotional wellness, personal strengths and social relationships.