Play Therapy at Bridges Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Child-centred play therapy is a developmentally aligned, evidence-based approach that allows children and young people to express their emotions, process experiences, and explore personal challenges that may be affecting their wellbeing. Rather than relying on words alone, the therapist offers a safe, nurturing environment where children can work through these difficulties at their own pace and in their own way.
Play is a child’s natural language, so play therapy uses a rich creative toolkit -sand, toys, art materials, role play, music, puppets, movement, and more - to give children developmentally appropriate ways to communicate what they’re feeling inside. These expressive methods are especially helpful when children have experienced trauma or overwhelming events. Because such experiences can affect how the brain stores and processes memories, talking about them directly isn’t always possible. Play provides a safe bridge, allowing children to express what they cannot yet put into words and supporting growth from the inside out.
Further information is available at:
https://www.bapt.info/play-therapy/what-is-play-therapy/
https://www.bapt.info/play-therapy/information-for-parents-and-carers/
https://www.bapt.info/play-therapy/information-for-professionals-and-employers/
What can Play Therapy help with?
Emotional regulation challenges - big feelings, emotional outbursts, or sudden changes in mood.
Friendship difficulties - challenges building friendships, sustaining them, or navigating peer relationships.
Separation challenges - distress at separating from parents or carers, difficulty at drop-off times.
Anxiety - pervasive worry, fearfulness, clinginess, or difficulty relaxing.
School avoidance - reluctance or refusal to attend school, morning distress, shutdown before school.
Neurodiversity - supporting children with diagnosis as well as on ADHD and/or autism assessment pathways.
Toileting difficulties — regressions, withholding, accidents, or anxiety linked to toileting.
Concerns and challenges I can support include:
Sleep difficulties — trouble falling asleep, night waking, nightmares, or excessive sleep linked to overwhelm.
Parental armed forces transitions — returning from deployment, adjusting to new postings, or navigating the uncertainty that military life can bring.
Parental armed forces deployment — periods of separation, frequent relocations, changes in routine, and the emotional strain of having a parent in a high-risk role.
Developmental tics — repetitive movements or sounds that increase during stress.
Shutdown or withdrawal — becoming very quiet, disengaged or emotionally flat.
Hypo-arousal — appearing numb, disconnected or “switched off” during stress.
Hypervigilance — being constantly on alert, jumpy or easily startled.
Experiences of foster care — including referrals through Social Services and long-term care contexts.
About Beth
Credentials
Registered Member No: 1743
Wiltshire Council: Approved Therapy Provider for Children Looked After
Qualifications:
MSc Play Therapy (Distinction)
PGCE (Primary Education)
BA(Hons)
With over 25 years’ experience of teaching in primary schools across Wiltshire and Somerset, I have always had a passion for helping children to thrive. Over time, I saw more and more mental health needs emerging in the classroom which strengthened my desire to support children beyond the limits of traditional education and ultimately led me to train as a play therapist. Child Centred play therapy allows me to draw on many of the same relational skills I used in teaching - attunement, empathy, creativity and emotional presence - while offering children a dedicated space where they can feel seen and heard. I believe that a warm and non-judgemental atmosphere where children feel safe, valued and able to express themselves can support them in becoming all they are designed to be.
Working collaboratively with parents and carers is an important aspect of my practice. You know your child best, and your insight is essential in supporting their therapeutic journey. I aim to build open, trusting relationships with families, keeping communication clear, respectful and child centred. Together, we can create the conditions that help children feel understood, supported and able to express their emotions freely.
Fees and Sessions
Sessions are available between 8:00am-5:30pm each weekday and are held at the same time and in the same place each week. Sessions last 50 minutes and are priced at £55. I am also able to provide sessions in local schools with pricing dependent upon travel and set up timings. Please enquire about full and half day rates. Concessionary rates may also be available.
Play Room
Testimonials
“We have loved Beth working on site at Holbrook Primary School. She has worked with a number of children and their families providing high-quality play therapy and liaising closely with parents/carers. Beth has also built strong relationships with the school which has further enhanced provision for children. Beth is a warm, professional and highly skilled play therapist who we would highly recommend.”
- Rose Nunn, Deputy Headteacher
“Beth provided outstanding support for our foster child. She created a safe, non-judgemental space where our child could build trust, feel understood and supported. Her communication with us was excellent and our foster child made significant progress in identifying and managing their emotions. We are thankful for her positive impact and recommend her to any foster care team, agency or family without hesitation or reservation.
- Charlie Jackson-Allen, Foster Carer and Psychotherapist MSc GMBPsS MBACP
“Our child has benefitted enormously from her play therapy sessions and is much more able to manage her emotions. I would recommend Beth to other families as I have learned a lot through working with her, which has really helped us as a whole family.”
- Parent
Book an Appointment
If you believe Play Therapy at Bridges Therapy is right for your child, please get in touch via beth@bridgestherapy.co.uk or fill out the form.