Ubuntu is a Bristol-based organisation that offers play therapy for children aged between four and 12 years. It is made up of four play therapists from a variety of backgrounds, including teachers, early years practitioners and supported women who have experienced domestic abuse, worked with children who have additional needs and offered family support.
The team came together and established Ubuntu Play and Creative Therapies in June 2021 with a heart for bringing play therapy to all children who need it, regardless of income and without the high thresholds of need that many governmental services have to put in place in order to provide help.
Ubuntu’s core belief is that giving time and space to children to process difficult life circumstances and express themselves makes lasting, positive change through being a company that seeks to build relationships, build self-esteem and make a long-term difference to the lives of families we work with.
“I first became interested in play therapy as a primary school teacher,” explained Megan, Play Therapist and Co-Director of Ubuntu Play and Creative Therapies CIC. “I was teaching children that weren’t able to learn – life circumstances and unresolved emotional difficulties prevented them from being able to engage with life in the classroom. Play Therapy offered these children the opportunity to process difficult emotions and situations and enable them to reconnect with learning again.
“Now, as a practising therapist, I see play therapy offers this and more. At its heart, I think play therapy is about helping a child connect with and celebrate who they are. It is such a gift to give a child exclusive time that is just for them. It tells them that they are worthy, valuable and loved, and I believe that is the foundation from which emotional healing can take place.”
Play Therapy offers a one-to-one therapy for children aged between 4-12 years. In the sessions, children aren’t required to use words to describe what is troubling them, but are given space to express their thoughts, emotions and worries through play and creative activities such as art, clay, music, movement, role play, sand tray, puppets or games. Ubuntu offers a child-centred, which means it trusts in the child’s ability to lead their own healing process. This enables them to approach their difficult thoughts and emotions at their own pace and at a safe emotional distance.
The therapy is designed to support children through a range of difficulties such as –
- Excessive emotions (anger, fear, sadness, worry, grief)
- Low self-esteem
- Abuse and neglect
- Separation anxiety
- Foster, adoption and identify issues
- Family breakdown
- Aggression and acting out behaviours
Any family that would like to receive Play Therapy or find out more about the service can refer themselves to us by clicking here. One Play Therapy session costs £60.
Ubuntu Play and Creative Therapies CIC are a non-profit organisation, so all profits go towards subsidising play therapy sessions for families that need it. The organisation is in the process of applying for funding to provide concessionary rates for families that qualify.