Play Therapy Counselling in Hove

Photo of Julian Moorman, Psychotherapist, MSc, ACP
Julian Moorman
Psychotherapist, MSc, ACP
Hove BN3
With children, this may be play-based.
I have substantial experience working with children and young people of all ages and their parents. I am licenced to work with young people up to the age of 25. I am able to work with young people presenting with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, peer relationship difficulties, school issues, behavioural difficulties, anger outbursts, emotional regulation issues, low self-esteem, trauma, bereavement, separation anxiety, eating disorders, and gender identity issues, amongst others.
With children, this may be play-based.
I have substantial experience working with children and young people of all ages and their parents. I am licenced to work with young people up to the age of 25. I am able to work with young people presenting with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, peer relationship difficulties, school issues, behavioural difficulties, anger outbursts, emotional regulation issues, low self-esteem, trauma, bereavement, separation anxiety, eating disorders, and gender identity issues, amongst others.
01798 305228 View 01798 305228
Photo of Ross Alexander Cormack - Cormack & James Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Cormack & James Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3
I work with children and teenagers, using play, art, and talking therapy to help them express and understand their feelings.
I work with children facing anxiety, low mood, school struggles, self-harm, and emotions they can’t always explain. I have supporter families through divorce, illness, bereavement, and trauma—including abuse and sudden loss. Using play, creativity, and talking therapy, I create a safe space for children to make sense of their experiences.
I work with children and teenagers, using play, art, and talking therapy to help them express and understand their feelings.
I work with children facing anxiety, low mood, school struggles, self-harm, and emotions they can’t always explain. I have supporter families through divorce, illness, bereavement, and trauma—including abuse and sudden loss. Using play, creativity, and talking therapy, I create a safe space for children to make sense of their experiences.
01429 802943 View 01429 802943
Photo of Daniela Gallini - Daniela Gallini Couples Therapist , MA
Daniela Gallini Couples Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3
Hi, I’m Daniela, a therapist with 8 years of experience helping individuals and couples build more fulfilling and joyful lives together. Having grown up in a high-conflict environment, I understand firsthand the desire for better communication and connection without constant arguments. My journey led me to train at Tavistock as a systemic practitioner, where I learned that true change happens when we look at relationships holistically—acknowledging the patterns that keep us stuck and the dynamics that shape our lives. Let’s work together to strengthen your relationship, improve communication, and create lasting, positive change.
Hi, I’m Daniela, a therapist with 8 years of experience helping individuals and couples build more fulfilling and joyful lives together. Having grown up in a high-conflict environment, I understand firsthand the desire for better communication and connection without constant arguments. My journey led me to train at Tavistock as a systemic practitioner, where I learned that true change happens when we look at relationships holistically—acknowledging the patterns that keep us stuck and the dynamics that shape our lives. Let’s work together to strengthen your relationship, improve communication, and create lasting, positive change.
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Photo of Eva Coleman - Phoenix Therapy Practice, Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Phoenix Therapy Practice
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Hove BN3
We are a not for profit therapy service offering free initial consultations where we think with you in depth about your difficulties and your needs. This is followed, if you wish it, by referral to one of our 40 counsellors and therapists. We provide a range of services for those with mild, moderate and severe difficulties including depression, anxiety, phobias, relationship difficulties, early trauma, self harm, gender issues, domestic violence, unresolved grief and personality disorder. We offer individual counselling, psychotherapy and couples therapy. We see adults and children. 8 week Mindfulness Course starting January.
We are a not for profit therapy service offering free initial consultations where we think with you in depth about your difficulties and your needs. This is followed, if you wish it, by referral to one of our 40 counsellors and therapists. We provide a range of services for those with mild, moderate and severe difficulties including depression, anxiety, phobias, relationship difficulties, early trauma, self harm, gender issues, domestic violence, unresolved grief and personality disorder. We offer individual counselling, psychotherapy and couples therapy. We see adults and children. 8 week Mindfulness Course starting January.
01273 034691 View 01273 034691
Photo of Inbar Sagiv, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Inbar Sagiv
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Hove BN3
For younger clients I incorporate play-based approaches.
Welcome. Taking a step toward healing, for yourself or your child, is a deeply courageous choice. Whatever has brought you to this point, I will meet you exactly where you are. Together, we’ll work at a pace and depth that feels right for you, within a gentle, supportive space, where you can hopefully feel seen, heard, and truly valued. What I love most about my work is co-creating a therapeutic space that feels responsive, safe, and deeply attuned to each client’s unique needs. I bring a compassionate understanding of the wisdom of survival adaptations, whilst honouring the strength of the human spirit.
For younger clients I incorporate play-based approaches.
Welcome. Taking a step toward healing, for yourself or your child, is a deeply courageous choice. Whatever has brought you to this point, I will meet you exactly where you are. Together, we’ll work at a pace and depth that feels right for you, within a gentle, supportive space, where you can hopefully feel seen, heard, and truly valued. What I love most about my work is co-creating a therapeutic space that feels responsive, safe, and deeply attuned to each client’s unique needs. I bring a compassionate understanding of the wisdom of survival adaptations, whilst honouring the strength of the human spirit.
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Photo of Clara Zapata, Counsellor, BACP
Clara Zapata
Counsellor, BACP
Hove BN3
Hello My name is Clara and I am a humanistic counsellor I offer therapy face to face and online. In English & Spanish. Life as we know can be full of challenges. Sometimes things feel somewhat too difficult to just keep carrying on, at these times when carrying on, at these times when depression, fears, anxiety, lack of meaning and motivation are too big and overwhelming, therapy can feel like a sanctuary. A safe place to start making sense of it all, to feel supported, seen, heard and understood. The therapeutic relationship is such a powerful and healing gift to ourselves
Hello My name is Clara and I am a humanistic counsellor I offer therapy face to face and online. In English & Spanish. Life as we know can be full of challenges. Sometimes things feel somewhat too difficult to just keep carrying on, at these times when carrying on, at these times when depression, fears, anxiety, lack of meaning and motivation are too big and overwhelming, therapy can feel like a sanctuary. A safe place to start making sense of it all, to feel supported, seen, heard and understood. The therapeutic relationship is such a powerful and healing gift to ourselves
01273 110682 View 01273 110682
Photo of Alexandra Payne, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Alexandra Payne
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Hove BN3
Play, art, drama, music, sand tray & talking offer a variety of ways of expressing thoughts, worries, feelings and of working with them.
Sometimes it’s difficult to know where you can turn to talk through family issues and get some help. Often those closest to you are very involved themselves. Or you don’t want to worry them. It may be that you don’t know where to turn. I am a highly experienced Child Psychotherapist. I offer therapy and mental health support for children and young people and consultation to the people who care for them. Therapy provides a safe space to explore issues that might be troubling someone, be it anxiety, stress and unhappiness; separation and loss; worries about school; gender and sexuality; low self esteem or any number of other things.
Play, art, drama, music, sand tray & talking offer a variety of ways of expressing thoughts, worries, feelings and of working with them.
Sometimes it’s difficult to know where you can turn to talk through family issues and get some help. Often those closest to you are very involved themselves. Or you don’t want to worry them. It may be that you don’t know where to turn. I am a highly experienced Child Psychotherapist. I offer therapy and mental health support for children and young people and consultation to the people who care for them. Therapy provides a safe space to explore issues that might be troubling someone, be it anxiety, stress and unhappiness; separation and loss; worries about school; gender and sexuality; low self esteem or any number of other things.
01372 235342 View 01372 235342
Photo of Maria Skolozynska, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Maria Skolozynska
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Hove BN3
Most of my clients are either neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism) and/or LGBTQIA+/GSRD (Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diverse) but I welcome all to my practice. I work with children, teenagers and adults and can run sessions in English or Polish, online or in person (in Hove) or we can mix it up. It all depends on you and your needs/wants. I am anti-TERF and anti-SWERF and welcome you to drop me an email to say hello. We can then figure out if I'm the right fit for you and how we can work together.
Most of my clients are either neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism) and/or LGBTQIA+/GSRD (Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diverse) but I welcome all to my practice. I work with children, teenagers and adults and can run sessions in English or Polish, online or in person (in Hove) or we can mix it up. It all depends on you and your needs/wants. I am anti-TERF and anti-SWERF and welcome you to drop me an email to say hello. We can then figure out if I'm the right fit for you and how we can work together.
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Photo of Anisha Charania, Counsellor, MBACP
Anisha Charania
Counsellor, MBACP
Hove BN3
Welcome! In life we are sometimes given challenges that can leave us feeling stuck, anxious or isolated. If we are lucky, we have support around us to help give us clarity and hope that things will change. However, not all of us have this or, if we do, we may need a person outside our circle to really sit with us, hear our experiences and offer their own unique understanding of where we are now and what we need to become unstuck, less anxious and less alone. I have over ten years experience of doing this using talking therapy, creativity and solution focused therapy depending on each person's individual need and experiences.
Welcome! In life we are sometimes given challenges that can leave us feeling stuck, anxious or isolated. If we are lucky, we have support around us to help give us clarity and hope that things will change. However, not all of us have this or, if we do, we may need a person outside our circle to really sit with us, hear our experiences and offer their own unique understanding of where we are now and what we need to become unstuck, less anxious and less alone. I have over ten years experience of doing this using talking therapy, creativity and solution focused therapy depending on each person's individual need and experiences.
01273 036673 View 01273 036673
Photo of Rose Gardner - The Therapy Clinic, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
The Therapy Clinic
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Hove BN3
The Therapy Clinic is a psychotherapy and counselling service in Brighton and Hove, founded to provide accessible, affordable, high quality services to those that need it in the community. We offer a range of approaches and affordabilities, and have a social enterprise ethos at heart. Whether you are feeling depressed, anxious, having issues in your relationship, or whether you are living with complex mental health needs, our team of clinicians, or our wider therapeutic network, can help. We offer individual, couple, and family counselling.
The Therapy Clinic is a psychotherapy and counselling service in Brighton and Hove, founded to provide accessible, affordable, high quality services to those that need it in the community. We offer a range of approaches and affordabilities, and have a social enterprise ethos at heart. Whether you are feeling depressed, anxious, having issues in your relationship, or whether you are living with complex mental health needs, our team of clinicians, or our wider therapeutic network, can help. We offer individual, couple, and family counselling.
01273 032458 View 01273 032458
Photo of Annie Shannon - Counselling with Annie, Counsellor, MBACP
Counselling with Annie
Counsellor, MBACP
Hove BN3
If you're here, the chances are you've experienced some turmoil or upheaval, perhaps a bereavement, trauma or poor physical or mental health. Maybe you're feeling like you don't know yourself, or like you don't fit in. You don't have to navigate difficult periods and life events alone - therapeutic conversations and support can help, offering the time and space for self-compassion, to heal and rediscover yourself and to feel empowered to lead the kind of life that is right for you. I offer down-to-earth counselling and support as you increase self-awareness, explore unhelpful self-beliefs and make sense of current or past events.
If you're here, the chances are you've experienced some turmoil or upheaval, perhaps a bereavement, trauma or poor physical or mental health. Maybe you're feeling like you don't know yourself, or like you don't fit in. You don't have to navigate difficult periods and life events alone - therapeutic conversations and support can help, offering the time and space for self-compassion, to heal and rediscover yourself and to feel empowered to lead the kind of life that is right for you. I offer down-to-earth counselling and support as you increase self-awareness, explore unhelpful self-beliefs and make sense of current or past events.
01273 092874 View 01273 092874
Photo of Scott Chesters, Counsellor, MBACP
Scott Chesters
Counsellor, MBACP
Hove BN3
First Session Free, Sessions 2-4 £30 Hello, I’m Scott. Life doesn’t always go to plan. At times it can feel overwhelming, confusing, or just too much to manage on your own. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship difficulties, grief, burnout, or simply feeling stuck—talking things through in a safe, supportive space can help. I’m a qualified counsellor offering a calm, non-judgmental environment where you can speak freely and feel truly heard. I work with men and women from all walks of life, helping people navigate change, uncertainty, and life’s challenges.
First Session Free, Sessions 2-4 £30 Hello, I’m Scott. Life doesn’t always go to plan. At times it can feel overwhelming, confusing, or just too much to manage on your own. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship difficulties, grief, burnout, or simply feeling stuck—talking things through in a safe, supportive space can help. I’m a qualified counsellor offering a calm, non-judgmental environment where you can speak freely and feel truly heard. I work with men and women from all walks of life, helping people navigate change, uncertainty, and life’s challenges.
01444 718367 View 01444 718367
Photo of Helen James, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Helen James
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3
Psychotherapy is a very effective means of addressing a multitude of emotional and mental health concerns. At my practice, I provide attachment-focused therapy that emphasises the development of interpersonal relationships and connections with others. With my support, you'll be able to explore your emotions and experiences in a safe and collaborative setting.
Psychotherapy is a very effective means of addressing a multitude of emotional and mental health concerns. At my practice, I provide attachment-focused therapy that emphasises the development of interpersonal relationships and connections with others. With my support, you'll be able to explore your emotions and experiences in a safe and collaborative setting.
01323 405985 View 01323 405985
Photo of Anna Hardy, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Anna Hardy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Hove BN3
Waitlist for new clients
At times life is tough and this can challenge our emotional health and well being, making us feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, angry or lacking in self esteem. You may be finding it difficult to put words to your current feelings or make any sense of what you are experiencing and this can be both frightening and isolating. I believe counselling can be a transformative and meaningful experience, with change made possible through a supportive therapeutic relationship, which helps us to move towards acceptance of self or empowerment to positive change. As such, I am dedicated to bringing about healing and growth in others.
At times life is tough and this can challenge our emotional health and well being, making us feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, angry or lacking in self esteem. You may be finding it difficult to put words to your current feelings or make any sense of what you are experiencing and this can be both frightening and isolating. I believe counselling can be a transformative and meaningful experience, with change made possible through a supportive therapeutic relationship, which helps us to move towards acceptance of self or empowerment to positive change. As such, I am dedicated to bringing about healing and growth in others.
01273 032500 View 01273 032500
Photo of Zeynep Gunduztepe, Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Zeynep Gunduztepe
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Hove BN3
Works with adolescents and adults, focusing on stress, anxiety, performance anxiety, self-confidence, communication difficulties, and attachment-related challenges. Uses a collaborative, practical, and individualised therapeutic approach. Alongside psychotherapy, offers career-focused support, including career planning, future decision-making, and guidance around workplace challenges and work-related stress. Provides therapy in both English and Turkish, within a culturally sensitive and supportive therapeutic space.
Works with adolescents and adults, focusing on stress, anxiety, performance anxiety, self-confidence, communication difficulties, and attachment-related challenges. Uses a collaborative, practical, and individualised therapeutic approach. Alongside psychotherapy, offers career-focused support, including career planning, future decision-making, and guidance around workplace challenges and work-related stress. Provides therapy in both English and Turkish, within a culturally sensitive and supportive therapeutic space.
01273 110841 View 01273 110841
Photo of Claire Elmes, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Claire Elmes
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Serves Area
Welcome! I specialise in helping individuals navigate challenges like work-related stress, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, perfectionism, motivation, low self-esteem, and parenting. My integrative approach combines therapy and coaching to address past trauma, limiting beliefs, and emotional blocks while creating actionable steps toward your goals. I lead a dedicated team, allowing us to offer a broad range of interventions bespoke to your needs. Whether you are seeking personal growth, enhancing your performance in a purpose-driven career, or seeking support for your family, we have a package to suit you. I also provide supervision.
Welcome! I specialise in helping individuals navigate challenges like work-related stress, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, perfectionism, motivation, low self-esteem, and parenting. My integrative approach combines therapy and coaching to address past trauma, limiting beliefs, and emotional blocks while creating actionable steps toward your goals. I lead a dedicated team, allowing us to offer a broad range of interventions bespoke to your needs. Whether you are seeking personal growth, enhancing your performance in a purpose-driven career, or seeking support for your family, we have a package to suit you. I also provide supervision.
01273 076765 View 01273 076765
Photo of Denita Zheleva, Counsellor, MA, PTUK
Denita Zheleva
Counsellor, MA, PTUK
Serves Area
Play Therapy can support children during life transitions such as relocation, starting a new school, or parental separation.
I offer Non-directive Play Therapy for children aged 3-12, a developmentally responsive, play-based mental health intervention. With teenagers 13-18, I use Play and Creative Therapy, combining relational and person-centred approaches. For parents and caregivers, I offer Filial Therapy, guiding them in how to use Play Therapy with their child.
Play Therapy can support children during life transitions such as relocation, starting a new school, or parental separation.
I offer Non-directive Play Therapy for children aged 3-12, a developmentally responsive, play-based mental health intervention. With teenagers 13-18, I use Play and Creative Therapy, combining relational and person-centred approaches. For parents and caregivers, I offer Filial Therapy, guiding them in how to use Play Therapy with their child.
01273 110354 View 01273 110354
Photo of Catherine M Pierce, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Catherine M Pierce
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Serves Area
Overwhelmed? Struggling to find your way, your self? The issues that you face may be complex and nuanced or plain, painful and bitter and anything in between. But be of good heart. You need not be alone with these challenges. I will work with you carefully and thoughtfully to unpack the difficulties you face. I will bring a wide knowledge base and rich life experience to your sessions and provide a confidential, non judgemental space where you will be met with respect and kindness.
Overwhelmed? Struggling to find your way, your self? The issues that you face may be complex and nuanced or plain, painful and bitter and anything in between. But be of good heart. You need not be alone with these challenges. I will work with you carefully and thoughtfully to unpack the difficulties you face. I will bring a wide knowledge base and rich life experience to your sessions and provide a confidential, non judgemental space where you will be met with respect and kindness.
01273 110473 View 01273 110473
Photo of Grainne McHUGH, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Grainne McHUGH
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Serves Area
In my work, play and creativity go hand in hand.
Life, in all of its wonders, can be challenging. I offer an empathetic, compassionate and attuned response, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. I am registered to work with both adults and children. I frequently help clients struggling with anxiety and depression as well as relationship and addiction issues. I often work with people who have experienced trauma both as children and adults. A lot of my work has centered on helping people who have experienced trauma within close relationships. Therapy offers a space for you to be heard and listened to, wholly. I will walk alongside you on your journey of self discovery.
In my work, play and creativity go hand in hand.
Life, in all of its wonders, can be challenging. I offer an empathetic, compassionate and attuned response, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. I am registered to work with both adults and children. I frequently help clients struggling with anxiety and depression as well as relationship and addiction issues. I often work with people who have experienced trauma both as children and adults. A lot of my work has centered on helping people who have experienced trauma within close relationships. Therapy offers a space for you to be heard and listened to, wholly. I will walk alongside you on your journey of self discovery.
01273 092390 View 01273 092390
Photo of Katie Sturt - Special Space Play Therapy, Counsellor, PTUK
Special Space Play Therapy
Counsellor, PTUK
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer Play Therapy sessions for children providing a safe space for your child to process their thoughts and feelings non-directively, through play and creative arts, giving them a better skill set to cope with everyday challenges.
I offer one to one Play Therapy sessions in a private space or in school, working alongside the families to support children who are experiencing challenging thoughts and feelings and struggling to put their feelings into words, in a safe and trusting environment, enabling a child to process, explore and communicate these feelings through play.
I offer Play Therapy sessions for children providing a safe space for your child to process their thoughts and feelings non-directively, through play and creative arts, giving them a better skill set to cope with everyday challenges.
I offer one to one Play Therapy sessions in a private space or in school, working alongside the families to support children who are experiencing challenging thoughts and feelings and struggling to put their feelings into words, in a safe and trusting environment, enabling a child to process, explore and communicate these feelings through play.
01273 110945 View 01273 110945

See more therapy options for Hove

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.