Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. Some times children find it difficult to talk about feelings and can use play to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Everyday language, which is the language of thinking, is not the natural language of feeling for children. Their natural language of feeling is that of image and methapor.
The purpose of Play Therapy is then to help children understand themselves and in the process give them strategies to cope with difficulties they face in life, which they themselves cannot change.
What Can Play Therapy help with?
Play Therapy can help any child who:
- Is not realising his/her full potential - academically or socially
- Has nightmares or disturbed sleep
- Is at risk of being/is excluded from school
- Has suffered trauma
- Has suffered emotional, physical or sexual abuse
- Is adopted or fostered
- Suffers because of separated/divorced parents
- Suffers from anxiety, stress or phobias
- Has suffered a loss or bereavement
- Is withdrawn or continually unhappy
- Is ill, disabled or autistic
- Finds it difficult to make friends
- Quarrels frequently with peers and siblings
- Bullies others or is bullied themselves
- Displays inappropriate behaviour
- Doesn’t play
Leana followed her dream to give children a voice through play.
She believes in early intervention that supports healthy emotional development.
She uses the Integrated Holistic Child-Centred Approach - the most recognised play therapy model in the UK and USA.
She holds a Provisional Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills accredited by Play Therapy UK and Play Therapy International.
Membership register can be found at: https://playtherapyregister.org.uk/search-listings/
Leana Viljoen's Play Therapy International Membership Number is: 2025007253
She holds a Provisional Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills accredited by Play Therapy UK (PTUK) and Play Therapy International (PTI). This course spans from April 2025-December 2026, hence a provisional certificate until this post-graduate course is completed.
PTUK Membership Register can be found at: https://playtherapyregister.org.uk/search-listings/ Leana Viljoen's International Membership Number is: 2025007253
Foundational TraumaPlay™ training at The TraumaPlay™ Institute during September 2026. Certificate available on request or visible on LinkedIn.
Advanced TraumaPlay™ training at The TraumaPlay™ Institute during October 2026. Certificate available on request or visible on LinkedIn.
Competence Certificate: Counselling Children and Youth at SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology) from August 2026-October 2026. Certificate available on request or visible on LinkedIn.
In Training: Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy at Synergetic Play Therapy Institute from October 2026-April 2027.
