What is
Play Therapy?
Sometimes children face feelings and emotions often too difficult or too big to express.
Play Therapy uses a child's natural medium of expression, play, to allow them to process in their own way. They don't need words to show how they feel.
Play therapy is child centred and child led. I use the play therapy toolkit which is integrative and holistic - including art and crafts, music, movement, role play, puppets, sand tray, clay, messy play, therapeutic stories, creative visualisation and nature.
Children are invited to use them in sessions, held at the same time, same day, same place, once a week for 40 minute sessions.
Play therapy is non judgemental, accepting of the child and inclusive. Sessions are confidential, safe and secure. The referral party and parents are kept up to date by reviews and are provided with an end report upon closure. I create a warm and supportive relationship to allow a child to feel safe processing their difficulties.
Neuroscience has shown that play therapy can help to rewire the neural pathways due to the plasticity of the brain. Creating new positive experiences and allowing the child to process past or new difficulties.
Combining nature and play therapy, allows the child and therapist to tap into their nature connection and promotes overall wellbeing. Some children are naturally calmer outside or may prefer to be outside. In fact, green is the most restful colour and promotes relaxation too. I bring nature into the playroom if not practising outdoor play therapy.
Cath Jones, BA, PGDip
Play & Creative Arts Therapist
Hello! My name is Cath Jones and I am a Certified Play Therapist, I trained with APAC/PTUK for both my Postgraduate Certificate & Diploma (Level 7), accredited by University of Chichester.
My focus is on creating a trusting therapeutic relationship: accepting your child, meeting them were they are at, an important first step. Alongside this, I aim to build up a relationship with parents/carers; providing holistic support to the family as a whole. I provide inclusive support to all, allowing children to grow and heal themselves. My work is non-directive and child centred. I am a registered member of PTUK & am registered with ICO, ensuring my ethical standards and principles and maintain a continued commitment to CPD.
I lived in London for over twenty years and worked in different publishing houses, specialising in the production of children's novelty books. After having my kids, I decided to retrain to work with children, I completed TA level 3 training, specialising in SEN. I have worked in support roles in primary schools for a decade and have extensive SEN experience. After the pandemic, we moved to Berkshire and benefitted from the beautiful countryside and green spaces, especially as a parent of a child with SEN. I then moved onto a Family Support Advisor role in a primary school. I referred children to play therapy and saw first hand how it transformed and supported the children I worked with. Curious to learn more, and to tap into my creative side again, I decided to embark on more training. This was the start of my play therapy training journey, at Windsor Winter School in 2024.
Since qualifying as a Certified Play Practitioner, I've had 1 year's experience as an Associate Therapist for a local clinic, delivering therapeutic play sessions. As a Certified Play therapist, I currently work in local schools and can offer clinic sessions at Easthampsted and Wildridings Community Centre. I am also a horticultural therapist working in a therapeutic garden, with secondary SEN students. I have a special interest in sandtray, messy play, sensory integration and outdoor play therapy.
To enhance my nature connection and interest in outdoor play therapy/nature based play therapy, I am completing Forest School Leader training, Level 3. This was inspired by completing the COOPT Best Practice in Outdoor Play Therapy Course and my love of the outdoors.
I have furthered my trauma training completing Beacon House Trauma Training for Professionals. I have first aid training and DSL level safeguarding.
I'm a mum of two teenagers and two tortoises. I also provide admin support for my husband's business too. I love my garden, trips to the garden centre, going to the seaside, my family and visiting local gardens and woodland. My favourite season is autumn, transformative, beautiful nature colours and a chance to cosy up with blankets and a hot chocolate.
I look forward to supporting you and your child,
Warm wishes, Cath.
.jpg)
Enhanced DBS
ICO compliant
Public liability insurance
Paediatric First aid trained
COOPT Best Practice in Outdoor Play Therapy
Clinical Supervision 1.5hrs a month
CPD
DSL Level Safeguarding trained
To arrange a free 30 minute chat please contact me - helloplayfultherapy.com