Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a gentle, child centred approach to therapy where play and creative materials are used as a child’s main way of expressing themselves.

For many children, talking about thoughts and feelings can feel overwhelming or simply isn’t possible. They may not yet have the words to explain what they are experiencing, or even fully understand it themselves. Play offers a natural and safe way for children to communicate, explore and make sense of their world.

Within play therapy sessions, children are supported to express themselves through a range of creative and sensory experiences, such as drawing and painting, sand trays, clay, puppets, storytelling, movement and music. These tools allow children to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to them.

Play therapy provides a safe, consistent space where children can begin to process difficult emotions or experiences. Often, these are expressed through metaphor and symbolic play, which can feel less overwhelming and more manageable than direct conversation. This gentle approach helps children to build emotional resilience, develop healthier relationships and better understand themselves.

Difficult feelings can sometimes become overwhelming for children, affecting their behaviour, relationships and ability to engage at school. Through play, children are able to work through these experiences at their own pace, supported by a trained therapist who understands their developmental and emotional needs.

As a Certified Play Therapist registered with PTUK, I have completed extensive postgraduate training and continue to work within a framework of clinical supervision and ongoing professional development. This ensures that the support offered is safe, ethical and grounded in best practice.

Play therapy can support children who may be experiencing difficulties such as:

  • Bereavement or loss

  • Separation or divorce within the family

  • Behavioural or emotional challenges

  • Difficulties with communication

  • Autism or neurodivergence

  • Trauma or adverse experiences

  • Abuse or neglect

  • Nightmares or sleep difficulties

  • Developmental delays

  • Adoption or attachment-related difficulties

  • Challenges adjusting to big life changes

  • Sensory processing differences

  • Physical illness

It may also be helpful for children who are:

  • Experiencing bullying or bullying others

  • Withdrawn or struggling to engage socially

  • Finding it hard to settle or cope in school or other environments

At its heart, play therapy is about providing children with the time, space and understanding they need to feel heard, supported and able to thrive.

How does it work?

Play is a child’s natural way of exploring the world by experimenting, expressing and making sense of experiences using both reality and imagination. Play feels familiar and meaningful to children, offering a language they already understand.

Within play therapy, children are gently supported to recognise and explore their emotions. This helps them begin to understand what they are feeling and how it impacts their behaviour and experiences. Over time, this can support emotional awareness, regulation and more [positive ways of responding to challenges.

A central part of the process is the therapeutic relationship. The play therapist offers a consistent, safe and accepting space where the child is not alone with their experiences. Within clear boundaries and a carefully held environment, the child is free to explore their inner world, feeling supported and understood.

Through repeated experiences of safe exploration, children can begin to build emotional understanding and develop healthier coping strategies. This can reduce feelings of overwhelm and support more positive patterns of behaviour both in and outside of sessions.

Play therapy also supports self-awareness, the ability to notice and understand thoughts and feelings as they happen. This forms the foundation for emotional regulation, empathy and resilience, helping children to better understand themselves, relate to others, and make choices that support their wellbeing.

Session costs

  • I offer tailored play therapy sessions within schools and educational settings, supporting children who may be experiencing emotional, behavioural, or developmental difficulties.

    Sessions can be provided as:

    • Half day (morning) - 3 sessions £175

    • Half day (afternoon) - 2 sessions £120

    • Full day - 5 sessions £285

    This allows time and consistency for children to engage in therapeutic play within a familiar environment, helping to support emotional wellbeing, behaviour and engagement in learning.

    I also work closely with schools to ensure a collaborative and supportive approach that meets the individual needs of each child.

  • I offer individual play therapy sessions for children and young people in a safe, consistent and supportive therapeutic space.

    Individual sessions are a minimum of 12 sessions, however it may be recommended that this is extended where a higher level of need is identified. Progress and therapeutic need are reviewed after 8 sessions to ensure the support remains appropriate and effective.

    Sessions are typically held on a weekly basis and provide continuity and containment, supporting emotional understanding, resilience and regulation over time.

    Sessions are priced at £55 per session, with an additional travel fee applicable depending on location. All costs include review meetings and end of therapy reports.

    I also welcome enquiries from other professionals who may be seeking therapeutic support for a child.

Get in touch
Get in touch

  • Lead Clinician, Outcomes First Group

    "Amy is a natural play therapist who is creative, compassionate and person centred. She brought confidence and professionalism to her work and was a valued part of our clinical team who will be missed."