Play & Creative Arts Therapy

For over 30 years I have been nurturing a passion for supporting children with their mental health and well-being. After working as a paediatric nurse at Great Ormond Street and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospitals, I chose a career in childcare and as an Early Years Practitioner. In 2018 I began to pursue a new career as a Play Therapist. 

The post graduate training to become a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist has provided me with the opportunity to support numerous Primary School aged children through some difficult and challenging times in their lives.

In my spare time I enjoy a range of hobbies, including spending time with my family, painting, dancing and walking our energetic Labradoodle over the Chiltern Hills. 

Member of Play Therapy Uk (PTUK)

PG Dip in Practice Based Play Therapy - APAC* (Level 7)

PG Cert in Therapeutic Play Skills - APAC* (Level 7) 

PSA accredited

Enhanced DBS

PREVENT trained

Safeguarding certificate

MAKATON friendly

Early Years Practitioner

BSc (Hons) Clinical Nursing (Adult, Paediatric)

PG Dip Child Health

*APAC - Academy of Play and Child Psychotherpay

Play & Creative Art Therapy sessions are suitable for children who: 

• Are aged 4 - 11 years old
• Have experienced family break ups, separation, loss, bereavement, or displacement.
• Have suffered trauma, abuse or neglect, or witnessed violence or abuse. 
• Display emotional or behavioural problems such as anxiety, depression, or aggression.
• Need help to build confidence, resilience, or self-esteem
• Are experiencing relationship or attachment difficulties or peer group issues.
• Have additional needs including; ADHD, ASD, PDA, After School Restraint Collapse.

The sessions are child led, taking a holistic, integrative approach. I will provide an extensive tool kit to assist the child's creative process: 

● Arts and Crafts

● Puppets

● Sand Tray & Symbols

● Toys

● Games

● Music

● Drama

● Therapeutic Stories

● Drawing

● Clay

● Messy Play

Consistency is vital to create a safe and predictable space to explore feelings and emotions. The sessions are 40 minutes long and take place at the same time and place each week in a confidential space. This allows for a therapeutic relationship to develop based on trust and acceptance.

The sessions are 1-to-1 or delivered to a small group (up to 6 children with a common therapeutic goal). 

Confidentiality is maintained, only general themes will be discussed, unless a cause for concern arises, in which case the safeguarding procedure will be followed. All work conducted will be supervised by a PTUK approved clinical supervisor.

Referral Process

The referral process begins when the child’s parent or professional raises a concern regarding a child or their behaviour. The referral can be made via the child’s school, their family support worker, or privately by the parent by emailing for information and an initial consultation.

A Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is completed as part of an initial assessment. A minimum of 6 sessions is offered (recommended 12). Play therapy can be either a short term or a long-term intervention. Regular reviews are offered. 

Packages Available

Depending on the child's Strengths and Difficulties and the severity of identified concerns, an individualised package with set objectives will be offered.

Following the initial consultation a minimum of 6 individual or group sessions will be arranged. Regular updates and reviews will be available and an end report prepared. 

Parental consent is required for all packages. A sample copy of the contract can be requested.

Please get in contact to arrange a free 15 minute initial telephone consultation, where I will be happy to answer any questions.

Testimonials

Headteacher

"We have seen a significant impact of the sessions on our pupils from improved attendance to increased concentration in lessons."

"We have really valued the work [Gill has] done with the children."

"The sessions, led by Gill Ward, have benefitted a number of children in school over the past 3 years, enabling them to overcome various challenges and anxieties". 

Parents

"We feel that the sessions have been incredibly rewarding for X. [They] formed a strong bond with Gill, consistently looked forward to each session and demonstrated a sense of pride from [their] time spent in this scheme.".

‘X’ “perseveres with tasks longer. [Their] attention span and concentration have improved”

"We have observed [them] actively putting into practice the processes [they have] been working on with Gill. X seems a lot more empathetic, in tune with [their] emotions and first and foremost a much happier and content [child]."

X" started to want to be more independent, telling me what [they have] done and is feeling proud of [them]self."

Parents of groups

"We don’t know what the situation might be like without this intervention but it’s wonderful to have X back to being happy and positive about school and friendship".

"It clearly shows by offering preventative measures and/or therapeutic interventions it promotes wellness in pupils and sets them on a positive course."

Child

"Now I am happy at school."

"Your wonderful sessions really inspired me to see how strong I am."

Clinical supervisor

Gill demonstrates a clear understanding of the emotional, psychological and social needs of her clients and formulates appropriate objectives. She forms trusting relationships with clients, colleagues and parents/carers, always mindful of confidentiality. She is naturally playful and her clients engage well with her sessions, responding to her empathy and unconditional positive regard.

• Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist
• Early Years Practitioner
• Member of Play Therapy Uk
• PSA accredited
• Enhanced DBS

Post Graduate Training, delivered by the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC).

- PGDip (Level 7) - Practice Based Play Therapy

- PGCert (Level 7) - Therapeutic Play

- BSc (Hons) Clinical Nursing (Adult)

- Dip HE Child Health (Paediatrics)

- NVQ (Level 3) - Children's Care, Learning and Development

Certificates;

- Paediatric First Aid

- PREVENT 

- Safeguarding

- MAKATON

- Vulnerabilty & Resilience

- Anticipated Loss, Trauma, and Suicide

- Mental Health Champion

Holistic Care Insurance

Registered with ico for Data Protection

A private and confidential therapeutic space is available in Croxley Green. This is a clinic shared by a group of independent therapists, counsellors and coaches. The Play Therapy room is a large and inviting space with a full therapeutic tool kit available for the child to explore.

In some circumstances sessions can be requested to take place at the child's school. This requires the school's full agreement and ability to provide support and space for the sessions.