Helping children express what they cannot put into words.
​Professional play therapy in Bristol supporting children with anxiety, emotional difficulties, trauma, and behavioural challenges.
About
me
My journey into play therapy began while working as a primary school teacher. Over the years, I noticed an increasing number of children struggling with their emotional wellbeing, particularly following the COVID pandemic. I saw how experiences such as anxiety, family difficulties, grief, and change could impact not only learning but also a child’s confidence and sense of security.
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While searching for ways to better support children, I discovered play therapy and felt strongly drawn to this approach. Play is a child’s natural language, and through it they are able to express feelings and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.
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I have over 15 years of experience working with children, including more than ten years in primary schools. Earlier in my career I worked as a nursery worker while studying at university, and I have also supported women and children as a children’s worker for a domestic abuse charity.
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My approach to therapy is nurturing, creative and child-led. I aim to provide a calm and supportive space where children feel safe, understood, and free to express themselves without judgement. Sessions often involve activities such as sand tray play, arts and crafts, puppets, role play, storytelling, small world play, musical instruments, and both indoor and outdoor play.
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I believe that working closely with parents and carers is an important part of the process. Parents know their children best, and I aim to listen carefully and work collaboratively so families feel supported throughout their child’s therapeutic journey.
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I work with children aged 4 to 12 years old, and sometimes older children depending on their developmental stage. Sessions can take place within schools and community settings, and I support families across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
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Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it is completely natural to feel unsure. I offer a free initial call where we can talk through your concerns together and explore whether play therapy might be the right support for your child.
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If you are considering therapy, it already shows how much you care about your child. You are not alone in this journey, and we can take the next steps together.
About the process
Beginning therapy for your child can feel like a big step, and it is natural for parents to have questions about what the process involves.
My aim is to make the experience as supportive, transparent, and comfortable as possible for both children and their families.
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The therapeutic process usually begins with an initial consultation with parents or guardians, where we can discuss your concerns and explore whether play therapy is the right support for your child.
If we decide to move forward, your child will attend regular play therapy sessions in a safe, calm, and welcoming environment.
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Throughout the process, I work closely with parents and carers to ensure you feel supported and informed.
Regular review meetings provide opportunities to reflect on your child’s progress and discuss any ongoing needs.
Initial Consultation
The process begins with an initial consultation with parents or guardians.
This session provides an opportunity for you to share your concerns about your child and discuss any challenges they may be experiencing.
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During this meeting, we will talk about your child’s background, their emotional wellbeing, and any events or situations that may be affecting them.
This conversation helps me build a fuller understanding of your child’s experiences and the support they may need.
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The consultation is also a chance for you to ask questions and learn more about how play therapy works.
Together we will consider whether play therapy feels like the right approach for your child, and if so, how the sessions might look moving forward.
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Everything discussed during this meeting is treated with care and confidentiality.
My goal is to create a space where parents feel heard, supported, and reassured as we consider the next steps for your child.
Play Therapy
Play therapy sessions provide children with a safe and supportive environment where they can express their thoughts and feelings through play.
Children often find it difficult to put complex emotions into words, and play allows them to communicate in ways that feel natural and comfortable.
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Sessions usually take place weekly and last around 45–50 minutes.
During this time, children may choose to explore a variety of therapeutic play materials such as sand trays, small world figures, drawing materials, storytelling objects, and creative activities.
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The sessions are child-led, meaning the child is free to choose how they play and express themselves.
This helps children feel in control, safe, and understood within the therapeutic space.
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Through this process, children can explore feelings, work through experiences, and gradually develop greater emotional understanding and resilience.
End Review
Review meetings with parents or guardians are an important part of the therapeutic process.
These sessions provide an opportunity to reflect on your child’s progress and discuss how they are responding to the therapy.
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During review meetings, we can explore any changes you may have noticed at home or school and consider how best to continue supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing.
While the child’s privacy within sessions is respected, I will share general themes and observations that may help you better understand your child’s experiences.
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These conversations help ensure that parents remain involved and supported throughout the process, and that the therapy continues to meet your child’s needs.
How play therapy helps
Children often experience complex emotions but may not yet have the words to explain what they are feeling.
Play is a child’s natural language, and through play they are able to express thoughts, worries, and experiences in ways that feel safe and comfortable.
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Play therapy provides a supportive space where children can explore their feelings using a variety of creative and therapeutic tools, such as sand trays, small world figures, drawing, storytelling, and imaginative play.
Through these activities, children can begin to make sense of their emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping.
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Over time, this process can help children feel more confident, understood, and emotionally secure.
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Play therapy may help children who are experiencing:
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Anxiety and Worry
Some children feel overwhelmed by worries about school, friendships, or everyday situations. Play therapy can help children understand and manage anxious feelings in a supportive environment.
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Emotional Outbursts or Anger
Children sometimes express difficult emotions through behaviour because they do not yet have the words to describe what they are feeling. Therapy can help children learn healthier ways to express and regulate emotions.
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Low Confidence or Self-Esteem
Play therapy can help children build confidence, develop a stronger sense of self, and feel more secure in their abilities and relationships.
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Family Changes
Major changes such as separation, divorce, moving house, or the arrival of a new sibling can be confusing and unsettling for children. Therapy can provide a space for children to process these experiences.
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Loss or Bereavement
Children may struggle to understand or express feelings following the loss of a loved one. Play therapy can gently support children as they work through grief and sadness.
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Friendship or Social Difficulties
Some children find relationships with peers challenging. Therapy can help children explore social experiences and develop greater confidence in friendships.
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Bullying or School Difficulties
Experiences at school can sometimes lead to anxiety, withdrawal, or behavioural changes. Play therapy can help children process these experiences and rebuild a sense of safety and confidence.
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Trauma or Difficult Experiences
Children who have experienced distressing events may find it difficult to talk about what has happened. Play therapy offers a gentle, non-verbal way for children to process these experiences over time.
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Through the therapeutic relationship and the process of play, children can gradually develop:
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Greater emotional awareness
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Improved confidence and self-esteem
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Healthier ways to express feelings
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Stronger coping skills
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Improved behaviour and emotional regulation
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A greater sense of safety and understanding
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Each child’s journey in play therapy is unique. Sessions move at the child’s pace, allowing them to explore what feels important to them in a safe and supportive environment.
Frequently
asked
questions
1 / What age children do you work with?
Play therapy is typically suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years old.
Within this age range, children often find it easier to express their thoughts and emotions through play rather than words.
If you are unsure whether play therapy would be suitable for your child, you are very welcome to get in touch to discuss your situation.
2 / What happens during a play therapy session?
Each session takes place in a safe, welcoming environment and usually lasts around 45–50 minutes.
Children are able to explore a range of therapeutic play materials such as sand trays, small world figures, drawing materials, and creative activities.
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Sessions are child-led, meaning your child can choose how they play and express themselves.
This allows them to communicate feelings and experiences in ways that feel natural and comfortable.
3 / How many sessions will my child need?
Every child is different, so the number of sessions can vary depending on their needs and circumstances.
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Play therapy is usually most effective when sessions take place weekly over a period of time, allowing children to develop a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship.
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This will be discussed with parents during the initial consultation and reviewed regularly as therapy progresses.
4 / Do parents attend the sessions?
Play therapy sessions are usually just for the child and the therapist.
This helps create a safe space where children feel comfortable expressing themselves freely.
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Parents remain an important part of the process and are supported through consultations and review meetings, where we can discuss progress and any questions you may have.
5 / Will my child have to talk about their feelings?
Not necessarily. Many children find it difficult to talk directly about their feelings, especially at first.
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Play therapy allows children to express themselves through play, creativity, and imagination, which often feels much more natural than conversation alone.
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Over time, some children may begin to talk more about their experiences as they feel comfortable.
6 / Is what my child says confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship.
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Children need to feel safe to express themselves during sessions. While specific details from sessions are kept private, I will share general themes and observations with parents during review meetings.
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There are some safeguarding situations where confidentiality cannot be maintained, particularly if there are concerns about a child’s safety.
7 / How will I know if therapy is helping?
Changes can sometimes be gradual, but parents often begin to notice positive developments over time.
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This may include improvements in emotional regulation, confidence, behaviour, or communication.
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Regular review meetings with parents provide opportunities to discuss any changes you may be noticing at home or school.
8 / What if my child is nervous about attending?
It is completely normal for children to feel unsure about something new.
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Play therapy sessions are designed to feel welcoming, relaxed, and child-friendly, helping children feel comfortable at their own pace.
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Children are never pressured to participate in any particular activity and are free to explore the space in their own way.
9 / How often are sessions?
Sessions usually take place once per week, as regular sessions help create consistency and support the therapeutic process.
10 / How do I get started?
The first step is to arrange an initial consultation with parents or guardians.
This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns, learn more about play therapy, and explore whether it would be the right support for your child.
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You can get in touch via the contact form, email, or phone to arrange an initial conversation.