The Lila Philosophy

The Lila Institute’s philosophy has its foundation in the belief that the individual, be it child or adult, has inherent health and that when conditions allow, the individual will reveal this health. This premise is also common to Person-Centred Therapy (Carl Rogers), Core Process Psychotherapy (Maura and Franklyn Sills) and Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenburg). The Lila Institute draws from each of these approaches, and manifests through the medium of play, and the art forms that evolve from play - drama, art, music, voice, dance movement - to create an integrative mindfulness-based psychotherapy for children and young people. Mindfulness is a simple, yet powerful way of paying attention to emotions and sensations that arise in the body so that we may be fully present to our life experiences. This intention to be present cultivates the core conditions of authenticity, empathy and unconditional acceptance of self and others identified by Carl Rogers, ‘It is the quality of the interpersonal encounter with the client which is the most significant element in determining effectiveness’ (Rogers, 1957).

The Lila Institute is unique in many respects. We are working towards a combined play therapy and child psychotherapy training, the first in the UK. It is our aim that all trainees embarking on the Masters programme in Play Therapy will have the opportunity to further accredit as a UKCP Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist.

The Lila Institute also supports its trainees in developing their skills in other creative therapies as well as play therapy, so that they might best meet each client in that client’s preferred medium. Many play therapists are highly skilled in the use of embodiment and projection play but lack confidence in the more specialist forms of play such as role, movement, music and voice. The Foundation year has been designed to include modules in each of the creative arts therapies led by specialists in their field. In our trainings, as well as skills being developed in the various art therapy forms, there is the opportunity for self-reflection and personal development. For those working in therapeutic settings we believe it is vital to develop emotional competence and internal resources.