Frequently Asked Questions

Who are you regulated by?

I am registered with and regulated by the Professional Standards Authority, and carry out annual revalidation through the membership body — British Association of Play Therapists — working under their ethical guidelines at all times. I receive monthly clinical supervision with an Accredited Supervisor, also on the Play & Creative Arts Therapy register.

I have an enhanced DBS and am registered with the ICO. All interactions are held in the strictest of confidence in line with  ethical guidelines.

You can find me on the register of therapists at: www.bapt.info

where do sessions take place?

Sessions take place in my private home practice in Luddendenfoot, Calderdale, between Halifax and Hebden Bridge . The room is large, with plenty of room for all the modalities of play, and is fully equipped with materials chosen for their therapeutic capacity. I welcome both private and children’s services referrals.

I also work in primary schools across Bradford.

What Happens in the play room?

I work primarily using a non-directive approach.
Put simply, your child leads the play, I follow. They  experience  permission to say, think, do, feel and be.  This freedom offers a  contained space to
explore their innermost thoughts, feelings and ideas in a safe environment. There is no
expectation to achieve, impress or prove; your child is free to be themselves.

I do not ask probing questions, interpret the play, or offer leading suggestions. My role is to provide the right environment for your child to explore whatever it is they feel the need to explore on any given day. Through play, I  mirror and reflect their thoughts and feelings back to them in a way that they may begin to develop a greater understanding of themselves.

What kinds of children are Referred?

There are many reasons why children are referred. Perhaps they have experienced a significant life event that has impacted them in some way, or maybe they are experiencing behavioural, social,
emotional or attention difficulties at home or at school. Common referrals include:

• Anxiety, stress and phobias
• Shy & withdrawn
• After effects of abuse
• Substance misuse
• Domestic violence
• Bereavement & Loss
• Separation & Divorce
• Bonding & Attachment issues
• Sudden behavioural changes
• Aggression & externalising behaviours
• Self-harm & internalising behaviours

How do i make a referral?

I welcome referrals are from parents/ legal guardians, social workers, GP’s, clinical psychologists, schools,fostering & adoption charities and other agencies. Please contact me by phone or email in the first instance.

How will you assess my child’s progress?

The referrer (parent/carer/teacher) will fill out a standardised Goodman’s Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire. I will use this to inform my practice and you will be invited to fill one out again at Week 8, at which point, we will discuss progress and further options. We will also set hoped-for outcomes together based on what we consider realistic for your child. I will discuss your child’s intervention regularly with a clinical supervisor.

How does filial therapy differ from play therapy?

Filial Therapy is an attachment-based model where I equip parents to hold therapeutic play sessions with their own children. It is  designed to resolve presenting problems while strengthening family relationships. 

Sessions are fun and play-based, where I empower you to practice therapeutic play skills with your own child and provide affirming feedback to apply your use of play therapy skills in everyday life situations. We work collaboratively without your child in the early sessions, until you feel ready to practice with your child.

I will also help you to process your own feelings and dynamic issues that may come up for you in our parent-child play therapy sessions.