LandPlay is a type of outdoor adapted play therapy developed by ex teacher, play therapist and Forest school trainer, Kate Macairt (CreativeSpark). It is a safe, therapeutic outdoor space additional to the play therapy room where creativity and connection to nature are at its core.
Today with children's relationship with nature being altered by covid, Sarah works 1:1 and with groups of children to help rekindle an understanding of nature's resources and to connect with the abundant sources of wellbeing found in "Green and Blue" spaces e.g. nature: woods, hills, water: the ocean and streams. (See "Green Space and Health", Wentworth & Clarke 2016). post.parliament.uk/…riefings/post-pn-0538 Recent studies have found that the outdoors can help with improving moods and focus and even helps with education and learning. Other studies have found cognitive benefits for those children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
Known for its effectiveness helping children who have been identified as struggling with physical and or emotional difficulties, Outdoor Play Therapy can help to ‘ground’ and balance children who are hyperactive, and assists those suffering from loss and those adapting to change.
Enriched and diverse sensory experiences are essential for healthy brain growth and neural network building. Using a creative and reflective approach allows the child space to explore experiences, strengthen sensory neural networks and promotes curiosity to learn.
A positive sense of self can emerge through the nurturing aspects of nature. Nature is a terrific playground! Natural resources, objects such as: wood, seeds, stones, shells, dried plants and flowers, clay, mud, sand and water are used, alongside a small amount of traditional toys, arts, crafts, den building and three dimensional construction.
Outdoor group work is covid friendly and fully risk assessed and can help to bring children back into the learning environment, with renewed enthusiasm for working with peers.
Contact Sarah at Creative-Me for more information. Download the Outdoor Play Therapy Leaflet here:
Creative-Me Outdoor Play Therapy Leaflet
