Play Therapy Counselling in Exeter

Laura Lush
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Who knows what is going on inside your mind better than you? You are the expert on you and therapy with me helps you to connect the parts of you find unhelpful and move them from outside your awareness to your conscious mind. Once you become aware of them, we can work to enable you to challenge, nurture, adjust, modify and heal them allowing you opportunity to accomplish significant lasting change. Being an integrative counsellor, allows me to use different theories to give you insights, tools, growth and change within yourself.
Who knows what is going on inside your mind better than you? You are the expert on you and therapy with me helps you to connect the parts of you find unhelpful and move them from outside your awareness to your conscious mind. Once you become aware of them, we can work to enable you to challenge, nurture, adjust, modify and heal them allowing you opportunity to accomplish significant lasting change. Being an integrative counsellor, allows me to use different theories to give you insights, tools, growth and change within yourself.
01392 542660 View 01392 542660
Hayley Allen
Counsellor, MBACP
4 Endorsed
Exeter EX2
I offer compassionate therapy using talking therapy alongside play and creative approaches, where helpful.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, struggling with food, emotions, grief, or the impact of past experiences. You might feel anxious, low, or unsure how to express what’s going on inside. You don’t need to have everything figured out — just a willingness to explore in a safe, supportive space. I work with adults, children, and young people seeking understanding, healing, and a way forward at their own pace, and I warmly welcome neurodivergent clients.
I offer compassionate therapy using talking therapy alongside play and creative approaches, where helpful.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, struggling with food, emotions, grief, or the impact of past experiences. You might feel anxious, low, or unsure how to express what’s going on inside. You don’t need to have everything figured out — just a willingness to explore in a safe, supportive space. I work with adults, children, and young people seeking understanding, healing, and a way forward at their own pace, and I warmly welcome neurodivergent clients.
01392 321928 View 01392 321928
Renee Norris Counselling, 1-2-1, Couples & 13+
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX5
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. Together we will unpack what this really means, and develop a plan of how to make it happen.
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. Together we will unpack what this really means, and develop a plan of how to make it happen.
01392 531578 View 01392 531578
Rebecca Harp
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Exeter EX1
Since qualifying in 2016, I have specialised in supporting the LGBTQ+ community & women. Issues I have particular experience working with include anxiety, depression, stress & burnout, trauma, loss & bereavement, major life transitions, loss of identity, low self-esteem & low self-confidence, perfectionism, existential & spiritual exploration, expanded states of consciousness, relationship & family dynamics, navigating the menstrual cycle & coping with menstrual conditions, such as PMS & PMDD. I also have specialist experience of working with the LGBTQ+ community & issues such as gender dysphoria & internalised homophobia.
Since qualifying in 2016, I have specialised in supporting the LGBTQ+ community & women. Issues I have particular experience working with include anxiety, depression, stress & burnout, trauma, loss & bereavement, major life transitions, loss of identity, low self-esteem & low self-confidence, perfectionism, existential & spiritual exploration, expanded states of consciousness, relationship & family dynamics, navigating the menstrual cycle & coping with menstrual conditions, such as PMS & PMDD. I also have specialist experience of working with the LGBTQ+ community & issues such as gender dysphoria & internalised homophobia.
01392 321849 View 01392 321849
Dr Hannah Marie Galvin
Psychotherapist, PhD, ACP
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Children can use play materials provided by me.
I'm an experienced psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained to MA and Doctoral level respectively with adults and children and adolescents. I'm also a visiting lecturer at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I have experience of working across the age range with a wide variety of mild, moderate and severe presenting problems. Some people see me because they're very unhappy, traumatised, distressed, worried, dissatisfied or find that relationships with others are difficult. Others come because they want to understand themselves better and they're curious about their internal world and relational patterns.
Children can use play materials provided by me.
I'm an experienced psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained to MA and Doctoral level respectively with adults and children and adolescents. I'm also a visiting lecturer at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I have experience of working across the age range with a wide variety of mild, moderate and severe presenting problems. Some people see me because they're very unhappy, traumatised, distressed, worried, dissatisfied or find that relationships with others are difficult. Others come because they want to understand themselves better and they're curious about their internal world and relational patterns.
01392 321462 View 01392 321462
Dr Dora Bernardes
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
Hi, I am a Clinical Psychologist working with Children, Young People and Parents in Exeter. I am passionate about connecting with children and young people so that we can develop trust and work together. Common presentations include: support to parents managing challenging behaviour, emotional outbursts, school refusal; Direct work with children and young people experiencing depression, anxiety, school difficulties, coping with health concerns and other challenging issues. Availability: Tuesday Morning and Friday afternoon at Homedale Health, 34 Denmark Road, EX1 1SE. Session fee: £110 (50 mins).
Hi, I am a Clinical Psychologist working with Children, Young People and Parents in Exeter. I am passionate about connecting with children and young people so that we can develop trust and work together. Common presentations include: support to parents managing challenging behaviour, emotional outbursts, school refusal; Direct work with children and young people experiencing depression, anxiety, school difficulties, coping with health concerns and other challenging issues. Availability: Tuesday Morning and Friday afternoon at Homedale Health, 34 Denmark Road, EX1 1SE. Session fee: £110 (50 mins).
01392 321331 View 01392 321331
Karen Hedges
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX2
Hello, I'm Karen. If you are looking for ways to make positive changes and move forward with your life, I can help you. I'm experienced in working alongside a range of people, and have a particular interest in helping people who may have ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder) or be on the autistic spectrum. If you feel that your emotions, thoughts and behaviours are not serving you well, then I will help you to understand them so that you can identify what needs to change. Using approaches to suit you, I'll support you to overcome your difficulties.
Hello, I'm Karen. If you are looking for ways to make positive changes and move forward with your life, I can help you. I'm experienced in working alongside a range of people, and have a particular interest in helping people who may have ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder) or be on the autistic spectrum. If you feel that your emotions, thoughts and behaviours are not serving you well, then I will help you to understand them so that you can identify what needs to change. Using approaches to suit you, I'll support you to overcome your difficulties.
01392 690594 View 01392 690594
Laura Jayne Sollis
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
Do you feel stuck,anxious or overwhelmed?Maybe you're struggling with worry, low confidence or self esteem and it's impacting your life,leaving you feeling isolated and alone. It can be difficult to open up to friends or family for fear we may burden them or they will worry too much about us.This is were counselling can help,talking to someone who is there for you with compassion and judgement can make all the difference,I truly believe that a supportive,trusting counselling relationship is essential in helping you move towards the life you want.
Do you feel stuck,anxious or overwhelmed?Maybe you're struggling with worry, low confidence or self esteem and it's impacting your life,leaving you feeling isolated and alone. It can be difficult to open up to friends or family for fear we may burden them or they will worry too much about us.This is were counselling can help,talking to someone who is there for you with compassion and judgement can make all the difference,I truly believe that a supportive,trusting counselling relationship is essential in helping you move towards the life you want.
01363 720245 View 01363 720245
Claire Annette Williams
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Exeter EX1
I am a highly experienced accredited counsellor and supervisor, based in Exeter, working with adults, young people and children. I work with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, bereavement and loss, and trauma. I offer a warm, safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to explore difficulties or problems from your past or present and look at how these maybe holding you back from living a more satisfying and fuller life. As a humanistic counsellor, I focus on building a respectful, caring and empathetic relationship with you and, through this, support you as you progress towards your goal.
I am a highly experienced accredited counsellor and supervisor, based in Exeter, working with adults, young people and children. I work with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, bereavement and loss, and trauma. I offer a warm, safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to explore difficulties or problems from your past or present and look at how these maybe holding you back from living a more satisfying and fuller life. As a humanistic counsellor, I focus on building a respectful, caring and empathetic relationship with you and, through this, support you as you progress towards your goal.
01392 537143 View 01392 537143
Lizette Baker Counselling & Bereavement Support
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
Are you carrying an emotional burden that feels difficult to face alone? Perhaps you're struggling with a situation that others don't fully understand. Whatever has brought you here, I welcome adults at every stage of life into my practice. Whether you're navigating life changes, a loss, trauma, bereavement, or relationship concerns, through a trusting therapeutic relationship, I can offer a safe and supportive space to make sense of your experiences, understand your emotions, and find a way forward that feels more meaningful and authentic.
Are you carrying an emotional burden that feels difficult to face alone? Perhaps you're struggling with a situation that others don't fully understand. Whatever has brought you here, I welcome adults at every stage of life into my practice. Whether you're navigating life changes, a loss, trauma, bereavement, or relationship concerns, through a trusting therapeutic relationship, I can offer a safe and supportive space to make sense of your experiences, understand your emotions, and find a way forward that feels more meaningful and authentic.
01392 321543 View 01392 321543
Justine Fitzgerald
Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Online Only
Hello, thank you for visiting my page. My name is Justine and I am a State Registered and Accredited Art & EMDR Psychotherapist qualified to work with adults and children. With over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I hold advanced training in complex trauma and am a fully accredited EMDR therapist. As a member of a professional body, I adhere to strict standards of ethics and proficiency, ensuring your safety and protection. Additionally, I am one of the few therapists accredited to provide EMDR therapy for children and adolescents.
Hello, thank you for visiting my page. My name is Justine and I am a State Registered and Accredited Art & EMDR Psychotherapist qualified to work with adults and children. With over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I hold advanced training in complex trauma and am a fully accredited EMDR therapist. As a member of a professional body, I adhere to strict standards of ethics and proficiency, ensuring your safety and protection. Additionally, I am one of the few therapists accredited to provide EMDR therapy for children and adolescents.
01626 241960 View 01626 241960
Helen Inman
Counsellor, MBACP
Exeter EX1
My clients are at the heart of every session, creating a welcoming, safe and relaxed atmosphere where communication can flow freely and openly. The most important thing is that you are comfortable, at ease and feel able to talk. I aim to help you see your challenges more clearly and to face the problems with less anxiety and tension. It can be an opportunity to think and speak your truth without fear of judgement. I am trained to incorporate techniques associated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Guided Visualisation, Psycho-dynamic Therapy and Transactional Analysis amongst others into my work.
My clients are at the heart of every session, creating a welcoming, safe and relaxed atmosphere where communication can flow freely and openly. The most important thing is that you are comfortable, at ease and feel able to talk. I aim to help you see your challenges more clearly and to face the problems with less anxiety and tension. It can be an opportunity to think and speak your truth without fear of judgement. I am trained to incorporate techniques associated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Guided Visualisation, Psycho-dynamic Therapy and Transactional Analysis amongst others into my work.
01458 552341 View 01458 552341
Noor Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Are you facing anxiety, grief, depression, self esteem, self worth issues, relationship challenges or simply feeling stuck? Are you grappling with recent diagnoses of ADHD or ASD? I work with adults and young people. I have good experience with children and teens, who love working with my calming and gentle therapy tortoise Jeff! My practise is Integrative Therapy, combining different therapeutic approaches tailored for each individual.
Are you facing anxiety, grief, depression, self esteem, self worth issues, relationship challenges or simply feeling stuck? Are you grappling with recent diagnoses of ADHD or ASD? I work with adults and young people. I have good experience with children and teens, who love working with my calming and gentle therapy tortoise Jeff! My practise is Integrative Therapy, combining different therapeutic approaches tailored for each individual.
01952 458292 View 01952 458292
Vikki Harvey Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Feeling stressed, anxious, annoyed, frustrated, well then you're probably thinking there's something up with your mental health. As an Integrative Counsellor, I can work with you in a variety of different ways to get to the bottom of it. As well as offering in person counselling from my therapy room in North Devon, I am also qualified and have extensive experience of counselling therapeutically online. Imagine not having to travel to appointments, instead your sitting in the comfort and safety of your own home, relaxed in the knowledge you are receiving first class therapy.
Feeling stressed, anxious, annoyed, frustrated, well then you're probably thinking there's something up with your mental health. As an Integrative Counsellor, I can work with you in a variety of different ways to get to the bottom of it. As well as offering in person counselling from my therapy room in North Devon, I am also qualified and have extensive experience of counselling therapeutically online. Imagine not having to travel to appointments, instead your sitting in the comfort and safety of your own home, relaxed in the knowledge you are receiving first class therapy.
01271 443526 View 01271 443526
Beverley Woodward
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Rise Again Psychotherapy And Me Centred around you, person-centred counselling emphasizes your role in our sessions. While I lead our discussions, I support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to help structure your thoughts. The primary aim is to empower you to determine the best path for your individual journey since we are all unique. There are numerous reasons why you might seek therapy, and our conversations often touch on unexpected topics. As a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, I am accredited by the NCPS and registered with the BACP.
Rise Again Psychotherapy And Me Centred around you, person-centred counselling emphasizes your role in our sessions. While I lead our discussions, I support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to help structure your thoughts. The primary aim is to empower you to determine the best path for your individual journey since we are all unique. There are numerous reasons why you might seek therapy, and our conversations often touch on unexpected topics. As a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, I am accredited by the NCPS and registered with the BACP.
07401 263192 View 07401 263192
Rachel Lewis
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Hello, I’m Rachel, and I’m truly glad you’ve found your way here. It takes courage to seek support for your well-being. You may be feeling stuck, anxious, low in mood, or overwhelmed by past or present experiences, maybe linked to trauma, loss, or family and relationship difficulties. You are here no doubt seeking healing and to feel more like yourself and you want to feel understood and supported without judgment. Your ultimate goal may be greater confidence, inner peace, or emotional freedom.
Hello, I’m Rachel, and I’m truly glad you’ve found your way here. It takes courage to seek support for your well-being. You may be feeling stuck, anxious, low in mood, or overwhelmed by past or present experiences, maybe linked to trauma, loss, or family and relationship difficulties. You are here no doubt seeking healing and to feel more like yourself and you want to feel understood and supported without judgment. Your ultimate goal may be greater confidence, inner peace, or emotional freedom.
01285 708747 View 01285 708747
Holly Ryan Counselling and Couples Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Hi, my name's Holly, I am both a couples counsellor and individual counsellor. I’m a genuine, happy, and non-judgemental therapist, and my aim is to support you whether you’re facing personal challenges or working to strengthen your relationship. If you choose me as your therapist, we can explore what feels most helpful for you, drawing on my wealth of experience of approaches such as Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt, CBT and psychoeducation, until hopefully, you become a happier version of yourself. Free 30 minute chats available with no-obligation :)
Hi, my name's Holly, I am both a couples counsellor and individual counsellor. I’m a genuine, happy, and non-judgemental therapist, and my aim is to support you whether you’re facing personal challenges or working to strengthen your relationship. If you choose me as your therapist, we can explore what feels most helpful for you, drawing on my wealth of experience of approaches such as Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt, CBT and psychoeducation, until hopefully, you become a happier version of yourself. Free 30 minute chats available with no-obligation :)
01752 741421 View 01752 741421
child psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, ACP
Serves Area
It can be a kind of play therapy.
You might be concerned about your child for a number of reasons; The stress of life, Depression Anxiety Trauma or behavoural issues are all signs that something needs attention. I try to help parents understand their children and to respond in ways that might be more effective. I offer children space to express and communicate from their own point of view. I have many years experience of working in the NHS -Child mental health- and want to reach those who are not offered a service or where the wait is very long.
It can be a kind of play therapy.
You might be concerned about your child for a number of reasons; The stress of life, Depression Anxiety Trauma or behavoural issues are all signs that something needs attention. I try to help parents understand their children and to respond in ways that might be more effective. I offer children space to express and communicate from their own point of view. I have many years experience of working in the NHS -Child mental health- and want to reach those who are not offered a service or where the wait is very long.
01626 248400 View 01626 248400
Debs Shine
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Serves Area
Are you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, stuck or in need of gentle support, I can offer you a creative, relational and trauma informed approach. You will find a calm, emotionally safe space here. No matter if you are child, young person or adult, I offer EMDR, EMDR Sandtray Therapy & Arts Psychotherapy (Dramatherapy). My creative therapy tool bag is yours to open. Central is EMDR Sandtray Therapy, a gentle hands on approach where both words and symbols have their place. Together they support you to gain insight. You choose & place small world figures into a sandtray to illustrate and explore your challenges.
Are you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, stuck or in need of gentle support, I can offer you a creative, relational and trauma informed approach. You will find a calm, emotionally safe space here. No matter if you are child, young person or adult, I offer EMDR, EMDR Sandtray Therapy & Arts Psychotherapy (Dramatherapy). My creative therapy tool bag is yours to open. Central is EMDR Sandtray Therapy, a gentle hands on approach where both words and symbols have their place. Together they support you to gain insight. You choose & place small world figures into a sandtray to illustrate and explore your challenges.
View
Claire Cook (Willingham)
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
Hello.... I am an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist (MBACP) based in Newton Abbot, Devon. Counselling is not only helpful for traumatic life events, it can also help when you are at a crossroads, feeling stuck or having a huge sense that life is not what it could be. I like to encourage my clients to explore their issues and work towards a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Together we will look at finding your inner strengths so that you can build in them developing a greater self awareness. However, FINDING THE RIGHT PERON IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THERAPY.
Hello.... I am an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist (MBACP) based in Newton Abbot, Devon. Counselling is not only helpful for traumatic life events, it can also help when you are at a crossroads, feeling stuck or having a huge sense that life is not what it could be. I like to encourage my clients to explore their issues and work towards a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Together we will look at finding your inner strengths so that you can build in them developing a greater self awareness. However, FINDING THE RIGHT PERON IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THERAPY.
01626 249147 View 01626 249147

See more therapy options for Exeter

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.