Play Therapy Counselling in Colchester
Deciding to contact a counsellor can feel overwhelming but as a fully qualified counsellor and member of the BACP (British association for psychotherapy) I work to a professional standard and ethic, supporting you on every step of your journey. I work from my private practice which sits on the Essex and Suffolk border, nestled in the Colne valley offering comfortable confidential consulting rooms with discreet parking . My practice is based on person -centred values offering empathic in-depth support which allows you to explore your feelings, beliefs and emotions in a safe confidential space. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc sessions
Deciding to contact a counsellor can feel overwhelming but as a fully qualified counsellor and member of the BACP (British association for psychotherapy) I work to a professional standard and ethic, supporting you on every step of your journey. I work from my private practice which sits on the Essex and Suffolk border, nestled in the Colne valley offering comfortable confidential consulting rooms with discreet parking . My practice is based on person -centred values offering empathic in-depth support which allows you to explore your feelings, beliefs and emotions in a safe confidential space. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc sessions
That first step into counselling can feel daunting. My priority is to welcome you when we meet. I'm qualified, experienced and offer a half price first session, usually within a week of contact. Saturday and weekday sessions are available. We all find things hard at times in our lives. When we do, it can be good to work through our thoughts and feelings with someone who seeks to understand, not judge us, and offers helpful reflection on our situation.
That first step into counselling can feel daunting. My priority is to welcome you when we meet. I'm qualified, experienced and offer a half price first session, usually within a week of contact. Saturday and weekday sessions are available. We all find things hard at times in our lives. When we do, it can be good to work through our thoughts and feelings with someone who seeks to understand, not judge us, and offers helpful reflection on our situation.
Working with couples and individuals. I appreciate the connection between physical health and psychological well being. I work with a variety of issues including anxiety disorders and trauma especially relating to relationship issues and sexual assault/abuse, sex problems and sex addiction. OCD and hoarding as well as panic disorders are also areas of interest. I have extensive experience of discussing sensitive and intimate topics with people, including issues relating to sexual identity and sexual assault/abuse.
Working with couples and individuals. I appreciate the connection between physical health and psychological well being. I work with a variety of issues including anxiety disorders and trauma especially relating to relationship issues and sexual assault/abuse, sex problems and sex addiction. OCD and hoarding as well as panic disorders are also areas of interest. I have extensive experience of discussing sensitive and intimate topics with people, including issues relating to sexual identity and sexual assault/abuse.
Do you find yourself constantly questioning your worth?
Are you stuck in patterns of self-doubt, overthinking, or struggling to feel good enough in relationships?
Does anxiety leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed?
You’re not alone. I know how heavy it can feel when you're trying to keep everything together on the outside while struggling on the inside. Whether it’s the quiet self-criticism that never seems to stop, the fear of not being liked, or the way emotions can spiral into unhealthy coping mechanisms like emotional eating or avoidance, I understand how exhausting this cycle can be.
Do you find yourself constantly questioning your worth?
Are you stuck in patterns of self-doubt, overthinking, or struggling to feel good enough in relationships?
Does anxiety leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed?
You’re not alone. I know how heavy it can feel when you're trying to keep everything together on the outside while struggling on the inside. Whether it’s the quiet self-criticism that never seems to stop, the fear of not being liked, or the way emotions can spiral into unhealthy coping mechanisms like emotional eating or avoidance, I understand how exhausting this cycle can be.
My background in early years and primary education along with my work as a Counsellor has shown me the power of play and creative arts in therapy
Are you a worried parent?
Hello my name is Kate and I am a Child, young person and parent Counsellor helping families navigate tricky times with warmth, creativity and care. Whether you're a parent who feels out of ideas, or you have a child who is struggling with their emotions , i can offer a safe space, practical strategies and playful approaches that can help children open up and grow.
With over 40 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings, i understand some of the challenges you might face and will always try to work in a compassionate and flexible way to support needs.
My background in early years and primary education along with my work as a Counsellor has shown me the power of play and creative arts in therapy
Are you a worried parent?
Hello my name is Kate and I am a Child, young person and parent Counsellor helping families navigate tricky times with warmth, creativity and care. Whether you're a parent who feels out of ideas, or you have a child who is struggling with their emotions , i can offer a safe space, practical strategies and playful approaches that can help children open up and grow.
With over 40 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings, i understand some of the challenges you might face and will always try to work in a compassionate and flexible way to support needs.
When working with younger clients, I use a range of play, toys, sand tray, art and communication methods to understand and support.
As a psychodynamic counsellor with 15 years experience both in the education and NHS sector, I have worked with a range of clinical themes including: trauma, parental illness and terminal illness, anxiety, incontinence, ADHD, absconding, abuse, domestic violence, bereavement and grief, aggression, psychosomatic illness, disassociation disorder, depression, LGBTQ+. This list is not exhaustive to my knowledge and understanding to the many other themes that clients may present with. If you are willing to go on this journey with me and to trust me with your mental health, I will be there to support you every step of the way
When working with younger clients, I use a range of play, toys, sand tray, art and communication methods to understand and support.
As a psychodynamic counsellor with 15 years experience both in the education and NHS sector, I have worked with a range of clinical themes including: trauma, parental illness and terminal illness, anxiety, incontinence, ADHD, absconding, abuse, domestic violence, bereavement and grief, aggression, psychosomatic illness, disassociation disorder, depression, LGBTQ+. This list is not exhaustive to my knowledge and understanding to the many other themes that clients may present with. If you are willing to go on this journey with me and to trust me with your mental health, I will be there to support you every step of the way
Hello, and welcome! I’m Emi, a dedicated and compassionate Psychotherapist with a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to support you through life's challenges. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I am here to help you navigate the complexities of life with the tools and support you need. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. We all face difficulties that can leave us feeling misunderstood and burdened by problems that seem to multiply.
Hello, and welcome! I’m Emi, a dedicated and compassionate Psychotherapist with a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to support you through life's challenges. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I am here to help you navigate the complexities of life with the tools and support you need. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. We all face difficulties that can leave us feeling misunderstood and burdened by problems that seem to multiply.
I am an experienced Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor, this means I create an individual, personalised approach that is specific to your needs. As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy I am able to work with male or female clients, couples and regularly help young people from the age of 12 and above. I have helped many clients with a diverse range of issues, including; Relationship issues, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Postnatal Depression, Anger management, Eating disorders, Affairs, Addictions etc
I am an experienced Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor, this means I create an individual, personalised approach that is specific to your needs. As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy I am able to work with male or female clients, couples and regularly help young people from the age of 12 and above. I have helped many clients with a diverse range of issues, including; Relationship issues, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Postnatal Depression, Anger management, Eating disorders, Affairs, Addictions etc
I also have both personal experience and training in Autism and Play Therapy.
When life is a challenge and we feel alone or unsupported, it is my belief that we can all find our 'place of peace'. Sometimes we simply need to connect with the 'right person' for a period of time to re-align our thoughts and feelings. If we can calm our inner self we can give ourselves an opportunity to navigate an alternative pathway to the one that we have found ourselves to be on.
I also have both personal experience and training in Autism and Play Therapy.
When life is a challenge and we feel alone or unsupported, it is my belief that we can all find our 'place of peace'. Sometimes we simply need to connect with the 'right person' for a period of time to re-align our thoughts and feelings. If we can calm our inner self we can give ourselves an opportunity to navigate an alternative pathway to the one that we have found ourselves to be on.
Together, by communicating their inner worlds through art, sandtray work and through play, we can put words to their distress, build self-regulation and coping skills, process their experiences and make the changes necessary to help them thrive.
Is your child or young person struggling emotionally? Are they shut down and difficult to reach? Do they seem to have lost some of their spark, energy or joy for life? They might be isolating in their room, resisting going out or refusing to attend school. They might be very anxious, rigid, controlling or unable to cope with any of the expectations placed on them. Do you sometimes feel like you walk on eggshells around them, trying to avoid triggering conflict, unsure whether they’ll be angry and reactive, low and tearful or just numb? Do you feel like you have no real idea what is causing their distress let alone how to help them?
Together, by communicating their inner worlds through art, sandtray work and through play, we can put words to their distress, build self-regulation and coping skills, process their experiences and make the changes necessary to help them thrive.
Is your child or young person struggling emotionally? Are they shut down and difficult to reach? Do they seem to have lost some of their spark, energy or joy for life? They might be isolating in their room, resisting going out or refusing to attend school. They might be very anxious, rigid, controlling or unable to cope with any of the expectations placed on them. Do you sometimes feel like you walk on eggshells around them, trying to avoid triggering conflict, unsure whether they’ll be angry and reactive, low and tearful or just numb? Do you feel like you have no real idea what is causing their distress let alone how to help them?
My approach is all about giving children and young people a safe space where they feel heard, understood, and free to express themselves in ways that feel right for them - whether that’s through talking, play, or creative activities.
I feel that counselling is most successful when there is a good, trusting relationship between the client and the counsellor, this is my priority when starting with a new client. I don’t aim to “fix” the child, but instead to help them build confidence, discover their own strengths, and develop tools they can use to manage their feelings.
My approach is all about giving children and young people a safe space where they feel heard, understood, and free to express themselves in ways that feel right for them - whether that’s through talking, play, or creative activities.
I feel that counselling is most successful when there is a good, trusting relationship between the client and the counsellor, this is my priority when starting with a new client. I don’t aim to “fix” the child, but instead to help them build confidence, discover their own strengths, and develop tools they can use to manage their feelings.
Therapy can be useful for a whole myriad of reasons. From needing to get things off your chest, to stopping living in the past. I offer a safe space to explore, and really feel what is going on in your life. Working together in a therapeutic alliance, we will aim to settle feelings and build resilience. Talking Therapy can be a good place to let go of pent up emotion, and help organise and sort yourself in a way that can help you feel ready to go and be more present in the day!
Therapy can be useful for a whole myriad of reasons. From needing to get things off your chest, to stopping living in the past. I offer a safe space to explore, and really feel what is going on in your life. Working together in a therapeutic alliance, we will aim to settle feelings and build resilience. Talking Therapy can be a good place to let go of pent up emotion, and help organise and sort yourself in a way that can help you feel ready to go and be more present in the day!
I specialise in therapy for families, children and young people. Early intervention is important and I can provide families or individuals with tools to cope with a range of emotional difficulties. I also offer specialized therapy for cancer patients and their families, from the point of diagnosis to early bereavement support. I also offer Supervision services for qualified and trainee therapists.
I specialise in therapy for families, children and young people. Early intervention is important and I can provide families or individuals with tools to cope with a range of emotional difficulties. I also offer specialized therapy for cancer patients and their families, from the point of diagnosis to early bereavement support. I also offer Supervision services for qualified and trainee therapists.
I use an integrative approach combining Person-Centred support, Psychodynamic insight and CBT techniques, as well as Inner Child, Hypnotherapy, Creative and Play Therapy.
I offer a safe, nurturing space where you can take time for you — to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and beliefs, to build healthier coping mechanisms and a better relationship with the self.
I use an integrative approach combining Person-Centred support, Psychodynamic insight and CBT techniques, as well as Inner Child, Hypnotherapy, Creative and Play Therapy.
I offer a safe, nurturing space where you can take time for you — to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and beliefs, to build healthier coping mechanisms and a better relationship with the self.
My priority is always to understand you - your goals, challenges, and aspirations - so that we can create meaningful, lasting change together. I am passionate about making a difference in your life, whether that means helping you overcome pain, stress and trauma or supporting you in building resilience and reaching your fullest potential!
I have worked extensively with people impacted by addiction, bereavement trauma and other major life changes, using a range of therapeutic techniques to provide comprehensive support. My approach will be tailored to you, continuously adapting to your evolving needs.
My priority is always to understand you - your goals, challenges, and aspirations - so that we can create meaningful, lasting change together. I am passionate about making a difference in your life, whether that means helping you overcome pain, stress and trauma or supporting you in building resilience and reaching your fullest potential!
I have worked extensively with people impacted by addiction, bereavement trauma and other major life changes, using a range of therapeutic techniques to provide comprehensive support. My approach will be tailored to you, continuously adapting to your evolving needs.
Therapy is therefore tailored to their needs through play, creativity or talking, always grounded in a deep understanding of the young brain and the relevant developmental stages and challenges.
Hello, and welcome. As an experienced psychodynamic counsellor, I specialise in working with children and young people between the ages of 10-25. For children and young people, it can often be difficult to understand or express their emotions. This can lead to overwhelming, confusing or stuck feelings, perhaps resulting in low self-esteem and struggles with relationships with others, and themselves. Counselling and creative therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore emotions, and develop an understanding of their thought patterns whilst building communication skills and emotional resilience.
Therapy is therefore tailored to their needs through play, creativity or talking, always grounded in a deep understanding of the young brain and the relevant developmental stages and challenges.
Hello, and welcome. As an experienced psychodynamic counsellor, I specialise in working with children and young people between the ages of 10-25. For children and young people, it can often be difficult to understand or express their emotions. This can lead to overwhelming, confusing or stuck feelings, perhaps resulting in low self-esteem and struggles with relationships with others, and themselves. Counselling and creative therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore emotions, and develop an understanding of their thought patterns whilst building communication skills and emotional resilience.
I work with children, young people and adults. I provide a safe and trusting space to enable my clients to explore what it is that has brought them to counselling. I believe in empowering my clients so they explore their feelings and experiences, to work towards liberating themselves from these restricting and overwhelming feelings in order to live a happier life, with more self worth and confidence.
I work with children, young people and adults. I provide a safe and trusting space to enable my clients to explore what it is that has brought them to counselling. I believe in empowering my clients so they explore their feelings and experiences, to work towards liberating themselves from these restricting and overwhelming feelings in order to live a happier life, with more self worth and confidence.
We help children, adolescents and adults with a range of mental health struggles. Our practice is patient focused so at all times their needs and recovery is at the centre of our work, ensuring positive outcomes for them.
We help children, adolescents and adults with a range of mental health struggles. Our practice is patient focused so at all times their needs and recovery is at the centre of our work, ensuring positive outcomes for them.
English-speaking psychotherapist, couples and sex therapist based in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol. I support individuals and couples dealing with relationship issues, intimacy concerns, anxiety, communication difficulties, and life transitions. I offer confidential, compassionate therapy sessions both face-to-face in Fuengirola and online for clients across Spain and internationally. Appointments available for expats, digital nomads, and English-speaking residents seeking professional psychological support
English-speaking psychotherapist, couples and sex therapist based in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol. I support individuals and couples dealing with relationship issues, intimacy concerns, anxiety, communication difficulties, and life transitions. I offer confidential, compassionate therapy sessions both face-to-face in Fuengirola and online for clients across Spain and internationally. Appointments available for expats, digital nomads, and English-speaking residents seeking professional psychological support
More Therapists Nearby
I’m Lorraine Bygrave, a qualified EMDR and IFS Therapist with expertise in adoption and Attachment-Informed Therapy. I specialise in supporting adult survivors of childhood abuse, trauma, and PTSD, offering a compassionate and tailored approach to healing. My work combines EMDR, IFS, and IADC Therapy to release stuck grief, process unresolved emotions, and address the root causes of your challenges.
I’m Lorraine Bygrave, a qualified EMDR and IFS Therapist with expertise in adoption and Attachment-Informed Therapy. I specialise in supporting adult survivors of childhood abuse, trauma, and PTSD, offering a compassionate and tailored approach to healing. My work combines EMDR, IFS, and IADC Therapy to release stuck grief, process unresolved emotions, and address the root causes of your challenges.
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Play Therapy Counsellors
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behaviour and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behaviour.