About Me
My background
I graduated from the University of Bristol in 2001 with a BSc in Psychology. I then undertook a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, specialising in early years at Canterbury Christchurch University, before spending 12 years as a primary and junior school classroom teacher working at schools in Kent and Essex.
After having my own family, I returned to work in education in learning support roles, before I started 3 years of training to become a Play Therapist in 2020. I now hold both a Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills and a Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy certified by The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) and Leeds Beckett University.
What matters to me
Children have a lot to contend with these days, particularly throughout the Covid Pandemic and in the years following. As a mother of two boys, I can see the challenges they face growing up, navigating school, relationships, social media and their own and others' expectations.
Having worked with children from age 4-12 for over twenty years, I believe strongly that the care and support we provide outside the classroom can help them achieve and function at their best inside it, and to build strong relationships in their lives.
Helping children to explore, understand and navigate their personal challenges through Play Therapy can provide a strong foundation for their growth.
Why Verdant?
I named my practice Verdant Play Therapy as I am a passionate gardener and wanted my work in Play Therapy to focus on helping children to grow and flourish. Like successful plants, children succeed when they are able to adapt, build their resilience and show their true colours!
"Thank you for supporting me and helping me to feel happy."
Child client age 9
