THERAPY

1:1 Play Therapy

Play therapy offers the child an opportunity to explore their conscious and unconscious life experiences through play.

In a safe, secure and consistent place and in the presence of a trained and attuned therapist the child is able to express themselves freely.

This gives the therapist an opportunity to experience the inner world of the child and reflect this back to them, which presents the child an opportunity to hear, see and feel what they are expressing.

The hoped-for outcome of play therapy is that a child will be better able to notice themselves, soothe themselves and regulate their emotions and be freer to enjoy their lives and relationships. This will increase their self-esteem, their ability to self-direct and self-manage.

Who can Play
Therapy help?

Play Therapy can help children who are experiencing a range of social and emotional difficulties and can be held in schools or in a dedicated space.

The list is not exhaustive, if you have concerns for a child please feel free to make contact.

Therapeutic play practitioners work with:

Social and emotional difficulties as a result of covid isolation
Low self confidence
Bereavement/loss
Difficulties within peer/familial relationships
Anxiety, stress or phobias
Children who are withdrawn or hyper alert or exhibiting seemingly inappropriate emotional responses.
Children struggling to work effectively in school
Child who are als carers
ASD and ADHD
Children experiencing attachment difficulties
Difficulties with communication/ speech/mutism

Nicola's qualifications

PG Diploma of Play Therapy, Leeds Becket University, & APAC
PG Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, Leeds Beckett University & APAC
PRESMA teacher training (preschool music and dance association), PRESMA
Bachelors Degree Social Anthropology, University of Kent
Current Training: Synergetic Play Therapy:Lisa Dion
Breath, Body, Mind, techniques, Dr Richard Brown, STWS, Serving Those Who Serve.
Nicola has an Enhanced DBS

C-P-R
Training

C-P-R Training (also called Filial Therapy) is a research-based, 10-week parenting course that teaches parents how to use some of the same skills that play therapists use to help children experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Research shows that motivated parents can be as effective as a professional in helping their child. Over the 10 week course you will begin to see a noticeable difference in:

Your relationship with your child
Your child’s behaviour
Your ability to respond effectively
Your confidence in your parenting skills

Is CPRT for You?

As a parent do you feel like you're off track? Do you find yourself shouting at your child more often than laughing? Do you feel you have lost touch with your child or are not as close as you’d like to be? Do you feel frustrated and find yourself saying the same things over and over again with no results? Would you like for your relationship with your child to go back to the “way it used to be”? If you have answered yes to any of the above then CPRT may be for you.

CPRT is delivered 1:1, to groups of 8 or less or to staff teams from a variety of settings.

Children are an integral part of the learning process but they do not attend the 2hr weekly adult group meetings.

Group Play Therapy in Schools

Group Play therapy is a planned and developmentally appropriate mental health intervention. It's suitable for young children ages 4 to 13 who are experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, and relational difficulties.

The group provides a safe and consistent therapeutic environment in which a child can ideally experience full and unconditional acceptance. Within this space, alongside up to 5 children who are experiencing similar challenges, there is an opportunity to process inner experiences and feelings. Group sessions are structured and planned rather than non-directive.

Children who attend group play therapy begin to discover that they are not alone, they develop listening skills, they learn how to respond and share and feel heard.

Group play therapy is appropriate for children who struggle with self esteem, resiliency, peer or sibling relationships or have experienced bereavement or domestic violence.