"It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and use the whole personality to discover the self" - Winnicott

All emotions are welcomed and accepted in the therapeutic space.

A therapeutic relationship has permissiveness to express feelings completely, without judgement.

Deep respect is held for the child's ability to make decisions and solve problems within the enabling environment.

The child leads the way; the therapist follows.

What happens in the therapy space

before we get there.....

Start the conversation

Whether you are a parent / carer or school beginning therapy is a brave step. It is a commitment to change.

Use the contact page or email directly to playtherapywithchrissie@gmail.com to share a few details about your child's needs.

I will get back to you, answering any questions you may have and providing you with more details. (There is also lots of information on the Q and A page.)

The initial meeting

We'll have a chat and go through some paperwork. We'll agree a consistent session time.

It is really helpful to provide as much background information as possible, which could help with understanding and supporting your child’s needs.

You only have to share details that you're comfortable with.

What happens in sessions?

Your child will be invited to explore a range of resources that are available for them each week. Our selection of items, ‘ToolKit’, includes: art and crafting materials, clay, role play props, musical instruments, sand, puppets, miniature figures, games and construction toys.

They will be able to choose freely what they would like to use - and more importantly 'how' they use it.

I may enter their play, following their lead. Directed invitations to explore may be used when appropriate.

All behaviour is communication and sometimes the child themselves doesn’t understand where the feelings may be coming from.

The therapeutic relationship means that crucially your child is not alone with their experiences. They are supported, understood, safe and able to approach and resolve deep and strong emotions.

Tuning into, recognising, and understanding these feelings is central to Play Therapy.

Privacy statement

I take your child’s privacy and confidentiality very seriously. I only collect the necessary information needed to provide safe and effective play therapy, and I store it securely in line with UK data protection law.

Information is never shared without a valid reason. This may include professional supervision or safeguarding situations where there is a concern about safety.

You have the right to access your data and ask questions at any time.

For full details, please request my Data Protection & Privacy Policy