PLAY & CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY FOR CHILDREN
Helping Children Heal Through Creativity & Connection
WHAT DOES A SESSION LOOK LIKE?
Every Play and Creative Arts Therapy session is built around trust, safety, and the child’s lead. An Integrative Holistic Approach is used, offering play and a toolkit of creative materials to help them explore their thoughts and feelings. There’s no pressure to talk – just space to be, play, and express.
Your child may:
– Tell stories through puppets or sand play
– Create music, movement, or visual art
– Try out new situations through role-play or puppetry
– Simply explore and play at their own pace
Typically, sessions are appropriate for children from 4 years old and are 35-40 minutes long. Depending on the child’s needs and the length of the therapeutic relationship, they may be non-directive (led by the child) or gently directive (guided by the therapist).
Sand Tray
For storytelling, symbolism, and safety.
Role Play & Costume
For “trying out” situations and characters in a safe environment.
Puppets & Masks
To explore relationships and identity.
Therapeutic Stories & Visualisation
To build inner strength and resilience.
Art (drawing, painting, clay, etc)
For self-expression and release.
Music & Movement
For non-verbal communication and sensory regulation.
WHAT CAN CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY HELP WITH?
– Anxiety, trauma, stress and phobias
– Confidence, self-esteem, and resilience
– Emotional regulation and sensory processing
– Loss, separation, or attachment issues
– Friendship and social boundaries
– Communication and neurodivergence support
SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS TOO
Ultimately, children heal best when they feel safe, seen, and supported – both in therapy and at home.
Using approaches like Parent-Child Attachment Play (PACP) and Non-violent Resistance Parenting (NVR), I help strengthen the bond between child and caregiver. Together we can explore ways to reduce conflict, increase connection, creativity and playfulness, and to build confidence – even when things feel tough.
Other ways of Involvement are:
– Initial consultations with parents or carers
– Optional collaboration with schools and other professionals as needed
– Regular review meetings – every 6-8 weeks
– Space for reflective conversations and guidance
– Creative tools to enhance connection at home
– Making sure the child’s voice is valued and heard at every step.
Here’s a short guide on what to expect.
We work collaboratively with schools to provide in-house therapeutic support where appropriate.
Ashleigh also offers sessions privately in NW11 in partnership with Harwood Child Psychology.
This is a gentle, non-judgemental space to support your child’s emotional wellbeing and growth – together.
KIND WORDS
Ashleigh is a wonderful play therapist. Sensitive, thoughtful, insightful and very kind.
Our daughter had a tricky time compounded by change of schools and the pandemic. She loved Ashleigh and really trusted her.
Ashleigh gently got her back on track and made school seem fun again. We can’t thank her enough for helping us turn a corner with our daughter, who is now thriving. We highly recommend her.
Mother of a 9 Year Old Girl
The kids love you, we love you – you are amazing!
Head of Counselling at a North London Independent School
Ashleigh worked with my son through play therapy, during a key stage in his early development, while he endured the separation of his parents. Through dedication, kindness, fun and love Ashleigh was able to guide him to open up, expressing his thoughts, feelings and pain. I am so grateful for her input. My son is now 8yo, happy, social, very playful and energetic. I know his inner balance has a lot to do with her work. Thank you so much!
Father of an 8 Year Old Boy