Hi, I'm CHRIS

Play Therapist (PTPA)

Solution-Focused Therapist (APT)

As a certified Child-Centred Play Therapist with over 25 years of primary school teaching experience, I bring a deep understanding of children's developmental, emotional and social needs. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting children from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing separation from their families, and have developed specialised strategies to help children and families navigate these challenging times. My experience working with separated families has strengthened my ability to foster a sense of stability, trust and reassurance, helping children process their feelings related to family transitions, divorce or separation. I understand the importance of creating a safe space where children can express their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies, which is crucial for fostering resilience and emotional wellbeing during times of change.

Supporting neurodivergent children is a core aspect of my practice. I work with children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles, tailoring my therapeutic approaches to meet their unique sensory, communication and social needs. I utilise a variety of techniques, including play-based interventions and visual supports, to help these children develop emotional regulation, social skills and self-awareness. My approach emphasises patience, understanding and collaboration with families and educators to ensure consistent support across environments. I am committed to creating a non-judgemental, accepting space where neurodivergent children can explore their feelings, build confidence and develop strategies to manage their emotions more effectively.

Many children I work with experience anxiety, including separation anxiety and social anxiety, which can significantly impact their daily functioning and relationships. I use evidence-based techniques such as CBT and solution-focused therapy to help children understand their anxious feelings, challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop practical coping mechanisms. For separation anxiety, I work with children and caregivers to gradually build confidence in separate environments, strengthening attachment security and independence. I also incorporate relaxation techniques, mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies to help children manage their anxiety symptoms, fostering a sense of safety and control. My goal is to empower children to face their fears with resilience and to support families in creating consistent routines and supportive environments.

Addressing aggressive behaviour and emotional dysregulation is another crucial aspect of my work. I recognise that these behaviours often stem from unmet emotional needs, frustration or difficulty managing intense feelings. I work with children to identify their triggers, develop self-regulation skills, and communicate their needs more effectively. In collaboration with parents and caregivers I aim to strengthen parent-child relationships, improve understanding, and establish consistent, positive discipline strategies. My approach emphasises empathy, patience and skill-building to help children gain better control over their impulses, reduce aggressive episodes and express their emotions in healthier ways.

In my practice, I utilise a range of evidence-based techniques, including Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Child-Centred Play Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)/Filial Therapy. These approaches enable me to help children and families focus on their strengths, develop practical solutions, and foster positive change in a timely and effective manner. I believe that empowering children and families through collaborative, goal-oriented techniques is vital to building resilience and confidence. 

To ensure I provide the highest quality support, I am dedicated to ongoing professional development through attending workshops, specialised training, and engaging in regular supervision. Staying informed about the latest research and best practices allows me to remain effective and responsive to each child's evolving needs. My ongoing learning and growth reflect my commitment to delivering the best possible care to every child and family I work with.

I look forward to working with empathy, compassion, and dedication to create a nurturing space where children from birth to 14 years old can express themselves freely, build confidence, and develop resilience. Together, we can support your child's journey towards happiness, stability, and success, helping them blossom into their fullest potential.