About me
I am a Play Therapist working with children and young people aged 3–17.
Warm, thoughtful and deeply attuned to children, I create a safe and containing therapeutic space where children can communicate at their own pace. I understand that children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or what has happened to them. Through play, art, sand, stories, games and imagination, children can express and explore experiences that may otherwise be difficult to communicate.
I am particularly skilled in understanding unconscious communication and the metaphor contained within children’s play. I pay close attention to the child’s own language of play and to what emerges within the therapeutic relationship, helping children to feel heard, understood and cared for. My approach is gentle and sensitive, while offering the steadiness and containment children need when feelings or experiences are difficult.
I work with children and young people experiencing bereavement and loss, anxiety, difficulties at school or school avoidance, low self-esteem, anger and difficulties with emotional regulation, friendship and relationship difficulties, family change and separation, and experiences of trauma and adversity. I have particular experience of working with children affected by school exclusion and behavioural difficulties, as well as looked-after children and young people leaving care. I also work sensitively and inclusively with neurodivergent children and young people, including those with autism and ADHD.
At the heart of my work is a belief in the importance of children having an adult who can listen carefully to what they communicate, in words and beyond them. Through a relationship in which children can feel safe, understood and accepted, I help children make sense of difficult experiences, develop greater emotional resilience and build a stronger sense of themselves.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold an MA in Play Therapy from the University of Roehampton and am registered with BAPT, I am also a member of BACP.
My experience with children and families extends across education, care and therapeutic settings. I have worked within a Pupil Referral Unit, in a paediatric therapy clinic and as an adventure and inclusive play worker, as well as supporting young people transitioning out of care. I have foundational training in adult psychotherapy and am also qualified in adult education.
Member organisations
The British Association of Play Therapists was founded in 1992 by a group of now respected practitioners who introduced and pioneered Play Therapy within Britain. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
