Child Centred
  Holistic 
Play Therapy
Play Therapy Northumberland

Testimonials 
Our 12 year old, who is a previously Looked After child and very complex, has worked weekly with Debbie for over two years on a one to one basis. He enjoys his sessions with Debbie, who soon became a trusted part of his support network. For him, trusting relationships are everything, and Debbie has worked hard, but with fun and subtlety, to establish a great therapeutic relationship with our wonderful boy. We hear lots of laughter coming from Debbie's playroom when our child is with her.   
 
Our child feels very safe with Debbie and they have established a solid basis for him to open up and share his thoughts and feelings with her. He has had extreme difficulties with school, resulting in a high level of anxiety, with some associated bizarre behaviours, and he has been able to talk to Debbie about these very openly and without shame. 
 
Debbie is a highly valued member of our family support network, and we rely on her to help our child process some of the "tough stuff" through creative play. She has a wealth of varied experience, and a wide range of therapeutic tools at her disposal. Her play cabin is a welcoming space for children, and her garden, trampoline and outdoor space a great venue for children with sensory needs. Our child was initially too anxious for Debbie to use her therapy dogs with him, but after two years and greater confidence, he is increasingly interested in engaging with them.  
 
Debbie understands completely the importance of presence and commitment in a therapeutic relationship, which, unfortunately, can often be rare qualities in other therapists. She always prioritises and responses to the needs of the child and is flexible in her approach to sessions to accommodate changes in mood and behaviour from week to week.  

Parent's, Northumberland
Pupils with SEND, together with disadvantaged pupils, benefit from additional government funding. Funds are used well to support pupils who have additional social,emotional and mental health needs. 

For example, pupils can share their worries and feelings with the play therapist who comes into school every week. This helps build pupils’ resilience and reduces their anxiety. 

Ofsted School Inspection

Debbie worked with my child who had been displaying signs of frustration when he felt like he couldn't do something as well as he'd like manifesting in tears or anger. My child was also displaying some signs of anxiety; particularly around friendships. We wanted to try and work to help him at an early stage before this became too entrenched. 


From the moment we walked into Debbie's lovely play hut, my child felt at ease and comfortable. Debbie built a wonderful rapport quickly, finding out what would interest my child and how best to engage. 


We have noticed a real change in how my child deals with situations. They seem a happier, calmer child. School also commented on the change. My child loved going to Debbie's club to play, which is how he saw it. We can't praise Debbie enough, we would recommend her to anyone whose child needed help to manage big emotions.


Parent, Northumberland

Play Therapy gave my child a safe space to be himself and freedom to make choices to do what he wanted to do in the allocated time, with clear boundaries. We have seen him be calmer whilst having the sessions and more able to deal with his emotions. He relished going to the sessions, enjoying them and not wanting them to come to an end. 

Parent, Northumberland


My son worked with Debbie as he was having difficulties with other children in his class and he was refusing to go to school. My son had low confidence and Debbie really helped him get it back up and after a few sessions he loved going to school.


Thanks Debbie for doing such a great job!


Parent , Morpeth
Debbie has been a 'Boon' for our school. The children have loved going & received so much from her 'purposeful play sessions'. I would recommend  this therapy to every school.
Head Teacher, Morpeth
Without really knowing how play therapy would work, we were thrilled with the results our child achieved with Debbie. I was hoping for a space our son could process some emotions he was finding difficult to cope with and this was more than facilitated . Debbie clearly understood our child and through time and play in a safe and calm environment she helped him deal with this. Debbie’s work with our son has made an enormous difference to all our lives. 
Parents, Morpeth
Debbie worked with my eldest son during an extremely difficult time when he had just turned 9, my son was acting out at home and school. Debbie started working with him weekly for “special time” my son really looked forward to these sessions each week, and he would talk to me very animated about what he had built or painted. I started noticing positive changes in his behaviour, and that this was his outlet for all what he was feeling but unable to explain. His teachers commented that he seemed calmer and able to have discussions when he was upset and his attitude to learning was also improved. What my son gained from Debbie’s involvement was time, space, understanding and a place to explore his thoughts and troubles. He gained strategies that work for him and he was able to transition to middle school with ease. Debbie is friendly, approachable, non judgemental and above all she cares deeply for the emotional wellbeing of all the children she works with. We are very grateful for her help and support and have no hesitation in recommending her services. 
Parent, Morpeth