When Play Becomes a Voice: Therapy with Learning Difficulties

When Parminder was referred to us at the age of 21, she was living with significant challenges. Diagnosed with learning disabilities and struggling with severe anxiety, Parminder carried the weight of a childhood marked by profound neglect. 

Although she had been in stable foster care with her older sister since the age of 9, her early experiences had left deep scars. She was one of four siblings, all living apart—one of whom had been adopted and was no longer contactable. Her physical health also presented challenges, including kidney and bladder issues, eczema, and speech delays. 

But perhaps the most difficult hurdle Parminder faced was emotional expression. Years of neglect had left her with limited opportunities to develop the basic building blocks of communication, trust, and play. When she first entered care at five years old, she was still in nappies and had significant delays in mobility, communication, and social skills. 

A Rocky Start with Play Therapy 

Parminder was initially sceptical of the idea of therapy, especially play therapy. The word play felt foreign, even infantilising to her. She didn’t see how it could help. But with time, consistency, and a non-judgmental approach, she began to form a connection with her therapist. Slowly, she started to engage, finding a tentative interest in the sand tray and miniature figures. 

At first, her interaction was mechanical. She would line up animals in the tray without looking at what she was picking. But session by session, this began to shift. Her choices became more intentional, her curiosity more apparent. 

Making Meaning Through Miniatures 

As Parminder grew more comfortable, she began to engage with the creative materials while talking. One day, she placed several figures into the sand and, when asked who they were, simply said: “They’re my friends.” 

These were small moments, but significant ones. She was starting to use symbolism to process and represent her inner world. 

The trays began to fill up with more diverse items. While Parminder often insisted there was “no meaning,” her therapist gently explored the possible symbolism behind her choices. Sometimes, these conversations led to deeper insights; other times, they simply allowed space for her to reflect and feel heard. 

One powerful moment came when Parminder created a tray and, without much prompting, identified two figures as herself and the sibling she couldn’t contact. In another session, she created a scene and, when asked about it, responded simply: “It doesn’t matter.” Despite the brevity of her words, the emotional weight of the moment was undeniable. 

From Resistance to Relationship 

Parminder’s journey is a testament to the power of creative therapies, especially for those who may not feel comfortable with traditional talk therapy. Initially hesitant to even participate, she moved through stages of resistance, curiosity, and finally, meaningful engagement. 

Over time, her anxiety began to reduce. In spaces where she had once been almost entirely non-verbal, like her foster home and work placement, she became more expressive within the safety of the therapeutic relationship. She began to trust. She began to process. And perhaps most importantly, she began to play. 

Why Creative Therapy Matters 

Parminder’s story is a powerful reminder of why creative therapies are so vital for adults and young people with learning disabilities or complex emotional histories. Through the gentle exploration of symbols, sand, and storytelling, she found a language that worked for her - a way to express the things words couldn’t reach. 

At Arts Therapies UK, we believe every person deserves a space where they can feel safe, seen, and heard on her own terms. Parminder’s journey didn’t begin with confidence or clarity. It began with doubt. But through creativity and connection, she found her own way forward.