Introduction

The process of engaging the children through play needs to be facilitated by an adult, a play therapist, a parent, a pastoral lead or a mental health lead, who has been trained to use therapeutic play techniques. These include the use of therapeutic storytelling based on the hero's journey. A well-chosen therapeutic story can become a vital part of a child's healthy, emotional digestive system by getting to the heart of the matter, and giving children a safe distance through metaphor to deal with their feelings. Through listening, and sometimes dramatising the story, the child goes on an emotional journey which results in a positive effect on their psychological and physical health. Underpinning the scaffolding of the therapeutic relationship are Axline's eight principles. While Axline's principles relate primarily to the therapeutic relationship, they also hold true for adults using a child-centred approach and building trust and rapport.