BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
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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/
#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. 🧡
January 10, 2026 at 5:16 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.
January 8, 2026 at 9:44 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.
January 5, 2026 at 1:44 PM
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
January 4, 2026 at 8:08 AM
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
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
#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
January 2, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Bringing in a #NewYear full of #play! 💕⭐️
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.
December 24, 2025 at 10:57 AM
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
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
#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.
December 23, 2025 at 11:13 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
December 22, 2025 at 10:50 AM
#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
December 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
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
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
December 19, 2025 at 6:01 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.
December 20, 2025 at 12:16 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.
December 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Invite children to share one wish for how they would like school to feel next term. Their ideas offer valuable guidance for planning routines and support. Listening shows their voice matters and strengthens trust between pupils and staff. #JogoBehaviourSupport #JogoCalendar2025 #schools
December 18, 2025 at 9:18 PM
#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.
December 18, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
A small regulation tray with dough or soft tactile items can help children settle after busy transitions. Adding feeling flags or cards supports emotional literacy and helps children name their experiences. Over time, the tray becomes a trusted regulation tool. #JogoCalendar2025 #schools
December 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Reposted by BAPT British Association Of Play Therapists
“Play is as natural to children as breathing. It is a universal expression of children, and it can transcend differences in ethnicity, language, or other aspects of culture.”
Charles Schaefer and Athena Drewes:
December 16, 2025 at 3:13 PM
#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.
December 17, 2025 at 11:03 AM
#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.
December 16, 2025 at 3:21 PM