Therapeutic Play is a personal development and creative group based on playfulness. It gives participants an opportunity to engage in spontaneous and improvised play in a spirit of conviviality, acceptance and joy.
Play is an essential part of human development that somehow gets lost as we grow older. Play enables us to engage with our inner sense of creativity and imagination, whilst engaging with others in a shared moment of fun. There are numerous evidences showing that nurturing a sense of play is essential for our mental well-being and our ability to build relationships with others.
Therapeutic Play provides a framework that enables participants to engage with others in spontaneous and improvised playfulness within safe and agreed boundaries. It gives participants opportunities to learn about themselves through their playful encounter with others. There is no agenda or expectation in Therapeutic Play. Participants learn to accept whatever emerges from the playful encounter with others. Therapeutic Play enables the creation of unique playful moments that produce laughter, wonder, magic and surprise. It does not require any specific skills other than a willingness to be playful!
The group is open to all regardless of abilities, experience or background.
Therapeutic Play sessions have previously been offered at:
– The Place Theatre in Bedford (April-May and September-November 2019)
– The Community Psychology Festival at Hertford Theatre (September 2018)
– The Bedford Festival Fringe 2018 at The Quarry Theatre (July 2018)
– The Bedford Festival Fringe 2017 at The Quarry Theatre (July 2017)
For enquiries about groups, please refer to the contact page.
Community Psychology Festival, September 2018
J.F. Jacques, PhD 