Play Therapy: Healing, Growth, Self-Acceptance
Concerned about your child?
PLAY THERAPY could help!
Play Therapy: Healing, Growth, Self-Acceptance
Concerned about your child?
PLAY THERAPY could help!
About Playful Therapy
Mission
My mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing space where children can express themselves freely through play, deepen their self-understanding, and embrace who they truly are. Through time for reflection and exploration—combined with the honesty, empathy, acceptance, and freedom I provide—I seek to empower children to grow into their best selves, respecting their individuality, developmental needs, and unique life experiences. Through this process, I support children in developing coping skills, strengthening emotional regulation, building self-esteem, and fostering healthier relationships with others.
"Play therapy, when it is conducted in an atmosphere of warmth and understanding, can help the child explore their world and their feelings." Virginia Axline
Play Therapy Services
Where do Play Therapy sessions take place?
I am able to offer weekly play therapy sessions either within schools across Bristol and South Gloucestershire or in a private therapy space in Downend, South Glos. Holding sessions in school can be highly convenient, as it allows for close collaboration with school staff and removes the need for parents to transport children, helping therapy fit smoothly into the school day. However, if a school is unable to provide a suitable space or if parents prefer therapy to take place privately and independently from school involvement, I can offer an alternative setting in Downend.
Individual Play Therapy Sessions
Individual play therapy sessions are suitable for the vast majority of children, including those who may be experiencing significant emotional, social, or behavioral challenges. Because play is both a natural drive and the language of children, it provides a safe and accessible way for them to express thoughts and feelings which may be unconscious or difficult to communicate verbally. Through the therapeutic use of play, children can process experiences, explore their inner world, and begin to develop new ways of coping with their difficulties.
At the heart of this process is the relationship between the therapist and the child. A trusting, honest and consistent therapeutic relationship creates the foundation for meaningful growth and healing. When children feel truly seen, accepted, and understood, they are more able to take emotional risks, explore difficult feelings, and try out new behaviors within the safety of the playroom. This connection allows the therapist to gently guide the child toward greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience, fostering long-term positive change which can then be transferred to the world outside the playroom.
Group Play Therapy Sessions
Group sessions are effective in a somewhat different way than individual sessions. In addition to the relationship between therapist and child, much of the growth comes from the supportive connections that form between group members themselves. Group therapy is often recommended for children with mild to moderate difficulties, where the shared experience of working through similar challenges can be particularly beneficial.
Groups are usually formed around a common presenting difficulty — low self-esteem, grief and bereavement, or anxiety, for example — allowing children to explore their experiences alongside peers who truly understand what they are going through. This shared focus, combined with the empathy and encouragement of others, can have a powerful healing effect.
Children in a group will be of a similar age, with groups typically consisting of four to six members. Depending on age and developmental stage, groups may be single-gender or mixed. The small group size ensures that every child has the opportunity to be heard, supported, and actively engaged in the therapeutic process.
Key Information
What is Play Therapy?
Play and creative arts therapy is an integrated, holistic and developmentally appropriate form of therapeutic support for children. Incorporating play and creative arts into therapy allows children to express themselves through their language – the language of play. This is helpful, as their developmental age/stage may result in a struggle to comprehend their emotions and or articulate their experiences verbally. This method also permits the processing of difficulties that are in the unconscious mind.
The unique requirements of every child are considered to provide a flexible and appropriate approach to best achieve the desired support. Play therapy may be entirely child-led, or may include elements of direction from the therapist as appropriate.
How does Play Therapy work?
Play is a child’s instinctive method of exploring and learning. For a child, the urge to play is as vital as seeking food or forming attachments. Through play, children can express what they find difficult to verbalize and demonstrate their unique perspectives/difficulties. Play allows them to discover and practice new ways to understand and manage challenging emotions, promoting a healthier and happier state of being.
The alliance that develops between the therapist and child/ren is the most crucial element in promoting change. The therapist’s role is to reflect the child’s thoughts, actions and behaviours, so that the child develops a better understanding of themselves; this results in a better sense and acceptance of themselves.
The therapist must provide a safe, nurturing, consistent and confidential space. They must be honest, empathetic and demonstrate unconditional acceptance of the child, whatever they may bring. These attributes, together with the tools in the playroom, allow the child the freedom to process their unique difficulties and improve coping strategies. The improvements in children’s emotional or social behaviours are attributable to a healthier, more integrated and regulated nervous system.
Practicalities
Sessions are generally held weekly, with individual sessions generally lasting 40 minutes, whilst group sessions may last longer. Individual or group sessions may be most appropriate, depending on individual circumstances. Sessions may be held in school or in a private location. If held in school, sessions are term-time only. Sessions may be funded via school budgets and grants, or may be privately funded by parents.
Note for Parents
It can be an extremely worrying time if your child is unhappy, or behaving in ways that are hard to understand. You may feel like you don't know how to best support your child despite being desperate to do so. When you meet me, you can ask any questions you have, and I can talk to you in more detail about what play therapy is, how I work, and why play therapy is an effective and developmentally appropriate choice for children with a wide range of difficulties.
Note for Schools
Teachers and SENDCOs are well placed to notice when a child in their care needs extra support, not just for educational reasons, but for social and emotional difficulties too. Many children will at some point experience a difficult time, and this can often be helped within the school staff team using existing resources and experienced staff. However, if more time, support and specialist knowledge is needed than the staff is able to offer, then referring a child to a play therapist can help.
"Play therapy provides children with the opportunity to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that feels comfortable, safe, and non-threatening."
– Donald W. Winnicott
Rachael Parker
About me
I am a certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist, trained with Play Therapy UK (PTUK), as well as a qualified primary school teacher with over 30 years of experience working with children in a variety of roles.
I specialize in supporting children with a wide range of emotional, behavioural, social, and learning needs, including anxiety, trauma, developmental delays, neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD etc), and social difficulties.
My practice is primarily child-led, drawing on a range of methods, with some therapist-led techniques utilized where appropriate.
I use a wide variety of creative tools—such as art, sand play, puppets, role-play, music, and games—to allow children to express themselves, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping with their unique difficulties.
I work closely with parents and teachers to ensure each child’s therapeutic journey is holistic and supportive.
I am a child-centred, empathetic and authentic therapist who is passionate about improving the outcomes of the children whose journeys I share. I have lived experience of my area of special interest, neurodivergence.