Therapeutic Playwork: this is the discussion page for all matters to do with Therapeutic Playwork, which suggest that children through their acts of playing have the capacity to self-heal. Through their engagement in the 'playing cycle,'* children can implement healing outcomes for dislocation, grief, loss, upset, anger and angst. This occurs naturally over time and involves both children by themselves and, where there were appropriate others present, often attendant adults - and in the case of the UK, playworkers.

Children and adults play to develop their physical and spiritual identity, their culture and their understanding of the world around them. Psycholudics - the study of the mind and psyche at play - describes the process of play as it happens. It proposes that play is essentially spiritually and ecologically developmental.

This members-only site offers a discussion forum, where you can debate directly with Gordon Sturrock, Perry Else and others, about the psycholudic approach of Therapeutic Playwork. You will be asked to make a statement about your interest in Therapeutic Playwork in support of your application to join the site. The site is moderated; posts that relate to Therapeutic Playwork are welcomed.

* See 'Psycholudics' at Ludemos.co.uk

Ludemos Associates, the therapeutic playwork consultancy group, may be contacted directly at info.ludemos@virgin.net