Therapeutic play

“Therapeutic play — where toys become words, play becomes healing, and children are supported to be heard without needing to find the words.”

Since 2018, I have been working in primary schools across the UK, offering therapeutic play sessions for children aged 3–11, alongside support for parents and teachers.

Therapeutic play provides children with a safe and creative way to express themselves when words may be too difficult. Through play, children can explore feelings, work through worries, and develop new ways of coping. Using toys, sand, art, and story-making, children begin to make sense of their experiences in a way that feels natural and safe.

One of my strengths is the ability to work not just with children, but also with the adults around them. I have many years’ experience of having honest and sometimes difficult conversations with parents, always with compassion, clarity, and respect. I also work with teachers to help them better understand the needs of the children in their care. My observational skills allow me to notice small but important details, which often contribute to reports later used for ASD and ADHD referrals or to guide school-based support.

I bring with me a travelling kit of toys and resources, so schools do not need to provide anything. This flexibility allows me to set up a therapeutic space within the school environment, giving children access to support without disruption.

How therapeutic play can benefit schools and communities:

• Provides children with a safe outlet for emotions such as anxiety, anger, or grief.
• Supports children with additional needs (including Autistic children and those with ADHD) to develop coping strategies and self-expression.
• Helps improve relationships between children, peers, parents, and teachers.
• Offers teachers a clearer understanding of a child’s needs and behaviours.
• Contributes to referrals, reports, and multidisciplinary support, giving schools practical insight into children’s wellbeing.
• Builds stronger home–school partnerships by supporting parents to feel heard, understood, and informed.

Therapeutic play is not just about helping individual children. It has a ripple effect, supporting parents, teachers, and the wider community to better understand children’s needs and strengths.

If you are a school or parent interested in learning more about how therapeutic play could support your children, I warmly invite you to get in touch.