Play therapy for ages 5-10
“Since having the play therapy sessions with you, he seems more aware of boundaries and has made new friends. He’s loved his days with you, and he always comes out smiling with a bounce in his step.”
Adults “talk things through” – but children “act things through” in the tangible world of play. They bring their feelings about life into the games, so playing alongside a trustworthy therapist becomes a safe arena to work stuff out. (And – it's fun.) Whether it’s toy car races or puppet stories, children have a space to freely express themselves.
I have a qualification in non-directive play therapy, and I’ve delivered this in primary schools to help pupils deal with issues like anxiety, parental separation, foetal alcohol syndrome, or abuse. Sometimes, sessions lead to a child talking later about what they’re experiencing.
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Please scroll to the bottom of this page for more info about next steps.
Therapy helps you deal with the tricky but vital balance between fitting in and being who you truly are. And it helps you navigate big feelings like loneliness, love and anger.
What really matters is dealing with this in a safe, completely confidential space where you are not talked down to; but instead you feel heard, respected and equal.
You might need to simply talk; or you may prefer to do something else while talking, such as drawing, playing Uno, crafting, or a personality quiz – whatever works best for you... there's no pressure.
I first worked as a secondary school counsellor in 2009, and recently at a diverse academy in Leeds – listening to students coping with exam stress, self-harm, bullying, being ghosted, school avoidance, domestic abuse and other worries.
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Therapy for young people aged 11 to 17
Message me if you have questions - I'm happy to help
I work to ensure that therapy is a safe place for children to be. I regularly update my DBS Check; I attend refresher training about child protection; and I have a safeguarding policy that I would be happy to share with you if needed.
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For any parents or carers contacting me about your child – we can arrange an initial conversation either by phone, Zoom or in-person. We can discuss how to offer therapy as a choice to your child, and how best to provide a first contact with them. Send me a message or give me a call to find out more. If you want to meet in-person, I can arrange an appointment in a consulting room based in either Saltaire, Bingley or Baildon, near Bradford.
If you are under 18, and want to talk with me first about how to get support: please get in touch - I will be happy to talk about how to find the right help. Texts or WhatsApp messages are welcome. (There would be no charge for this discussion.)