Hi, I’m Steph! I’m a qualified Play Therapist and Therapeutic Life Story Worker, and I’ve worked with children for over 10 years across a variety of settings.
My approach is warm, creative and child-centred. I believe children need a space where they can feel safe, understood and, most importantly, accepted for exactly who they are.
Outside of the playroom, I’m a keen drummer and have played for over 15 years. I also have a big, friendly dog who sadly doesn’t come to sessions… mainly because he’d probably try to eat all the toys!
My Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications & Professional Training
• Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy
• Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills
• BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies
• Professional Certificate in Therapeutic Life Story Work – Rose Model
• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Level 1
• Beacon House Trauma Training
• Designated Safeguarding Lead
I am committed to continuing my professional development and providing therapeutic support that is child-centred, trauma-informed and responsive to the individual needs of each child.
Looking for Support for Your Child?
Finding the right therapist for your child is important, and it’s completely understandable to want to know a little about the person you may be trusting to support them.
If you’d like to ask any questions about me, my approach or how play therapy could support your child, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Why did I become a Play Therapist?
The answer actually comes back to a clay pot.
When I was in KS1, I was very shy. I didn’t always learn in traditional ways and didn’t always feel like I fitted in.
But I had an amazing teaching assistant. One day, we made a clay pot together. It was such a simple activity, but she sat alongside me, didn’t push me to do it a certain way, and we laughed together.
It became a pivotal moment in my life because I remember feeling accepted for simply being me.
I still have that clay pot more than 25 years later.
Looking back now, that experience represents so much of what I believe play therapy can offer a child: a safe and nurturing relationship where they don’t have to be someone else or do things in a particular way.
In my work, I strive to create that same feeling of safety and acceptance for every child I work with — giving them the space to explore, express themselves and be who they are.
I know first-hand just how powerful it can be for a child to feel genuinely accepted.
Steph is a qualified Play therapist with PTUK and holds a Professional Certificate in Therapeutic Life story trained by Richard Rose. Steph also has Beacon House Trauma Training and is designated safeguarding lead.
