Child Play Therapist in SW London

Play Therapy not only helps children to recover from difficult life experiences, but in doing so, also helps children to be more receptive to learning and therefore enables their educational needs to be better met. 

Play Therapy is a form of counselling for children that builds on developmentally appropriate form of communication through play.  It enables children to explore difficult experiences in a safe environment. 

For more information please see https://www.bapt.info/play-therapy/what-is-play-therapy/

Play Therapy not only helps children to recover from difficult life experiences, but in doing so, also helps children to be more receptive to learning and therefore enables their educational needs to be better met. 

Some areas of work include: 

Adoption and Fostering / Attachment and Trauma / Abuse / Anxiety / Bereavement / Bullying / Emotional and Behavioural Regulation Difficulties / Family Breakdown / Friendship Difficulties / Illness / Low Self-esteem / Nightmares / Physical Regulation Difficulties, i.e., Sleeping, Eating and Toileting / Social Withdrawal and much more

I am a BAPT registered Play Therapist with over 25 years of experience working with children and their caregivers in various settings. I have a passion for child-centred play therapy and firmly believe that children possess the ability to direct their play and work towards their healing. I offer an imaginative setting where children can express themselves using toys and creative arts as tools to process their experiences. Through a therapeutic relationship, children discover their abilities and work towards overcoming their difficulties. 

My areas of interest include neuroscience, neurodiversity in children (including ASD) and strengthening caregiver-child relationships.

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My approach combines play therapy skills with evidence-based knowledge in social work and psychology. I have worked with children who have experienced trauma, child abuse, exposure to domestic violence, parental separation, loss and bereavement, autism, school attendance issues and low self-esteem. I have experience in working with Local Authorities, Looked After Children and adopted children.

• MA Play Therapy
• BA(Social Work) 
• BA (Psychology and Criminology) 
• B.Sc.(Honours) in Psychology
• Inter-professional Practice Teaching Course (MA level)
• Postgraduate Qualification in Forensic Psychology

1. BACP Member 404643
2. BAPT (https://www.bapt.info)
3. Social Work England
4. British Association of Social Work (BASW)
5. The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH) 
6. The British Psychological Society Graduate Member (BPS)

Play Therapy normally takes place in a private, child-friendly and confidential setting where the Play Therapist sees the child on a one-to-one basis.

I typically deliver sessions in my private practice in Raynes Park, but it is possible to deliver it in a different setting. Flexible hours are available (up to 20:00 on weeknights). 

Between 12-20 sessions are usually booked, with a review after 6 sessions. 

What type of feedback can I expect?

There is one clear reason why specific details would be disclosed to other parties immediately – where there is a concern about a risk to the child or others.  This safeguarding exception will be made clear to the child, parents and any relevant professional before Play Therapy commences. 

The other occasion when information will be shared is during pre-agreed review meetings and any formal reports.  On these occasions the general themes and progress of therapy will be discussed.  Again, everyone will know about this beforehand, including the child.

To keep administration simple, parents/carers will receive an invoice for each block of 6 weeks. This invoice has to be settled prior to the first session. Online card payments is preferred. 

Depending on location, number of sessions and a few other factors we charge between £75-£105 per session. No VAT is charged. 

Some schools have a budget for therapy, please discuss this with us if interested.