Play Therapy Counselling in Bridgwater
![Photo of Julie Turner - storeycounselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74469073-6418-4113-9b0a-fce954faae5a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi I'm Julie and welcome to storeycounselling, my private practice set in the garden of my home, a warm safe, comfortable space, somewhere for you to share your story with me. The word ‘counselling’ may feel scary and fill you with lots of questions, these thoughts are quite normal and together we can search for the answers.
Hi I'm Julie and welcome to storeycounselling, my private practice set in the garden of my home, a warm safe, comfortable space, somewhere for you to share your story with me. The word ‘counselling’ may feel scary and fill you with lots of questions, these thoughts are quite normal and together we can search for the answers.
![Photo of Sara Bailey, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60006d18-bddc-421c-bd67-e6197bafdb03/1/320x400.jpeg)
Every so often life throws things at us that we struggle to deal with or understand. This can be anything from the loss of a loved one to break down in relationship with family members to receiving a life changing diagnosis. It can be because of these things that we begin to question things in our everyday life and who we are. Having suffered a grief which ultimately changed the course of my life, experienced breakdowns in relationships, supported my own child through an ADHD diagnosis and not understanding how my past had affected me I understand how it feels to go through these struggles.
Every so often life throws things at us that we struggle to deal with or understand. This can be anything from the loss of a loved one to break down in relationship with family members to receiving a life changing diagnosis. It can be because of these things that we begin to question things in our everyday life and who we are. Having suffered a grief which ultimately changed the course of my life, experienced breakdowns in relationships, supported my own child through an ADHD diagnosis and not understanding how my past had affected me I understand how it feels to go through these struggles.
![Photo of Stephanie Frances Patton, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f669347-7e60-4a56-ad8b-5440cb9efed9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Clients I see and work with bring a range of relational difficulties and traumas which present in very individual ways. Parents often feel judged when they are doing the best they can under difficult circumstances, and trust in others becomes unsafe. Children may struggle with anxiety, behavioural difficulties, withdraw, not trusting adults and feel isolated. Children want to feel safe and secure in their world with their family to thrive and flourish, and parents want to provide these for their children, but can find they need some support during difficult and challenging times in their lives.
Clients I see and work with bring a range of relational difficulties and traumas which present in very individual ways. Parents often feel judged when they are doing the best they can under difficult circumstances, and trust in others becomes unsafe. Children may struggle with anxiety, behavioural difficulties, withdraw, not trusting adults and feel isolated. Children want to feel safe and secure in their world with their family to thrive and flourish, and parents want to provide these for their children, but can find they need some support during difficult and challenging times in their lives.
![Photo of Lisa Filer - Snowdrop Counselling Services, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb9cb978-111b-4975-9636-832bd01744ec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi I'm Lisa the founder of Snowdrop Counselling Services. Something in your life has become challenging and is most likely overwhelming leading you to feel stressed, generally not feeling 'you' and unsure of your future but knowing that you don't want to carry on like this. By listening to your concerns without judgement but with acceptance and empathy, I can help you to feel supported, heard, not alone and to get 'back on track again.' I believe counselling is life changing and that you are the centre of the therapy, I will draw on my skills and experiences' to tailor the sessions to meet your needs.
Hi I'm Lisa the founder of Snowdrop Counselling Services. Something in your life has become challenging and is most likely overwhelming leading you to feel stressed, generally not feeling 'you' and unsure of your future but knowing that you don't want to carry on like this. By listening to your concerns without judgement but with acceptance and empathy, I can help you to feel supported, heard, not alone and to get 'back on track again.' I believe counselling is life changing and that you are the centre of the therapy, I will draw on my skills and experiences' to tailor the sessions to meet your needs.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jane Gotto - The Terrace Psychotherapy Practice, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9102ff-5c63-4ba8-94e4-09a0ea1492b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
As Taunton’s leading therapy practice, we attract the highest calibre of counsellors, psychotherapists and complementary health practitioners. Our range of therapies sets out to meet the needs of all individuals, couples, children, teenagers and families. Established in 1994, The Terrace is well known for offering professional therapy from their elegant building in Taunton, Somerset. Being able to talk things through with professional guidance and support makes a huge and positive difference. Counselling can sometimes feel daunting, but our friendly therapists will put you at ease, thanks to years of experience and training.
As Taunton’s leading therapy practice, we attract the highest calibre of counsellors, psychotherapists and complementary health practitioners. Our range of therapies sets out to meet the needs of all individuals, couples, children, teenagers and families. Established in 1994, The Terrace is well known for offering professional therapy from their elegant building in Taunton, Somerset. Being able to talk things through with professional guidance and support makes a huge and positive difference. Counselling can sometimes feel daunting, but our friendly therapists will put you at ease, thanks to years of experience and training.
![Photo of Joanne King Art Therapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cff99aad-0622-4759-a173-0a153fc3ff8a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joanne King Art Therapist
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Burnham-on-Sea TA8
What is art therapy? Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing. Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. Art therapy is provided in groups or individual
What is art therapy? Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing. Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. Art therapy is provided in groups or individual
![Photo of Maria Stride - Taking Strides Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7dae7c03-74fc-4795-bcf9-9d5d881f43b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Maria and the aim of Taking Strides Counselling is to offer you a safe, warm and compassionate space where we can work together to explore your inner world. We can look at ways of coping with difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions and/or situations you may be struggling with. We will go at a pace which suits you and this can be short or long-term there is no time limit as to when you will feel ready to end counselling. By learning who you are we can move forward to where it is you want to be, whether this is accepting yourself or coping with particular emotions or situations.
My name is Maria and the aim of Taking Strides Counselling is to offer you a safe, warm and compassionate space where we can work together to explore your inner world. We can look at ways of coping with difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions and/or situations you may be struggling with. We will go at a pace which suits you and this can be short or long-term there is no time limit as to when you will feel ready to end counselling. By learning who you are we can move forward to where it is you want to be, whether this is accepting yourself or coping with particular emotions or situations.
![Photo of Rachel Farrington, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/992cd795-d734-4f42-8d88-f563bdb542fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I’m Rachel and I’ve been a practising counsellor since 2012. I offer a warm, empathic, confidential space for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I currently work as a school counsellor and within a private therapy setting.
Hi, I’m Rachel and I’ve been a practising counsellor since 2012. I offer a warm, empathic, confidential space for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I currently work as a school counsellor and within a private therapy setting.
![Photo of Nemisi Chidyausiku - First Intervention Therapy [FIT]](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5271a536-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We specialise in meeting client need especially clients experiencing mental health problems. We offer Mental Health Assessments at £1150 per assessment and this includes formulation and report writing; ADHD and/or ASC/ASD Assessments for a working diagnosis at £1300 each. Perhaps you or your child has been on the waiting list for long, then we here to help you. We provide community package to help young people with mental health problems within community settings and call us to discuss further if you need our help or advise. We also provide DBT & CBT and Problem Solving Therapy but we have to make an assessment first.
We specialise in meeting client need especially clients experiencing mental health problems. We offer Mental Health Assessments at £1150 per assessment and this includes formulation and report writing; ADHD and/or ASC/ASD Assessments for a working diagnosis at £1300 each. Perhaps you or your child has been on the waiting list for long, then we here to help you. We provide community package to help young people with mental health problems within community settings and call us to discuss further if you need our help or advise. We also provide DBT & CBT and Problem Solving Therapy but we have to make an assessment first.
![Photo of Nicola Speight, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/493acc8e-be15-48d0-8b5b-fe5ac4c244db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Their can be many reasons why someone seeks counselling, which can affect our daily lives. These can include anxiety, depression, stress, low self esteem, PTSD & complex PTSD, OCD, phobias, grief & bereavement amongst many other's. You want to find solutions although may find this difficult to navigate yourself and need some support to find ways to tackle life's difficulties in a safe environment. You may have goals you want to work on to help find ways to manage possible symptoms, move on from past situations or to gain a new perspective and outlook on your life.
Their can be many reasons why someone seeks counselling, which can affect our daily lives. These can include anxiety, depression, stress, low self esteem, PTSD & complex PTSD, OCD, phobias, grief & bereavement amongst many other's. You want to find solutions although may find this difficult to navigate yourself and need some support to find ways to tackle life's difficulties in a safe environment. You may have goals you want to work on to help find ways to manage possible symptoms, move on from past situations or to gain a new perspective and outlook on your life.
![Photo of Dr Bishnu Upadhaya, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80da8a72-dd71-4a82-82e0-12c5cbfcc5e1/3/320x400.jpeg)
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Natilie Cocker, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a435f9e-08ef-40f2-8406-9e91e273ff85/2/320x400.jpeg)
I use traditional methods of therapy such as counselling and play therapy as well cutting edge research based sound healing called the Safe and Sound Protocol alongside Energy Alignment which has proved invaluable in my own personal development.
My passion is to help children of all ages who may feel anxious; emotionally dysregulated; and mentally and physically exhausted feel at ease again in their bodies, their mind, their surroundings and their relationships. Alongside this, I support worried parents by empowering them to change the dynamics of their family in order to redress the balance and bring about harmony once again. It is crucial as a practitioner to view your family construct individually, to form a relationship with your family members and to create a bespoke package of treatment that you all feel comfortable with.
I use traditional methods of therapy such as counselling and play therapy as well cutting edge research based sound healing called the Safe and Sound Protocol alongside Energy Alignment which has proved invaluable in my own personal development.
My passion is to help children of all ages who may feel anxious; emotionally dysregulated; and mentally and physically exhausted feel at ease again in their bodies, their mind, their surroundings and their relationships. Alongside this, I support worried parents by empowering them to change the dynamics of their family in order to redress the balance and bring about harmony once again. It is crucial as a practitioner to view your family construct individually, to form a relationship with your family members and to create a bespoke package of treatment that you all feel comfortable with.
![Photo of Gemma Greenland, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b70d485-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a qualified counsellor, hypnotherapist and play therapist and I can use all of these skills to help you.
I can only imagine how hard it feels to reach out for help for yourself or your child; to want things to feel better and not know how to make it happen. This is what I can help you with. Maybe you or your child feel anxious all the time and just want to feel safe? Or perhaps you can't seem to get rid of that little voice inside that tells you you'll never be good enough? Maybe your child is struggling with understanding themselves and the world around them and you just want them to feel happy and safe? I understand that situations like these can feel overwhelming and I am passionate about helping people overcome them and feel better
I am a qualified counsellor, hypnotherapist and play therapist and I can use all of these skills to help you.
I can only imagine how hard it feels to reach out for help for yourself or your child; to want things to feel better and not know how to make it happen. This is what I can help you with. Maybe you or your child feel anxious all the time and just want to feel safe? Or perhaps you can't seem to get rid of that little voice inside that tells you you'll never be good enough? Maybe your child is struggling with understanding themselves and the world around them and you just want them to feel happy and safe? I understand that situations like these can feel overwhelming and I am passionate about helping people overcome them and feel better
![Photo of Sophie Elliot, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6882538f-d7a8-4d20-b601-72f9cf37febe/3/320x400.jpeg)
I use a variety of supportive techniques that can include both play and creative therapy, alongside traditional counselling.
Please see website for availability. I am passionate about mental health and the impact that it has on children and young people. Social anxiety, isolation, low mood, difficult emotions and feeling different are but some of the challenges that can impact our loved ones.
I use a variety of supportive techniques that can include both play and creative therapy, alongside traditional counselling.
Please see website for availability. I am passionate about mental health and the impact that it has on children and young people. Social anxiety, isolation, low mood, difficult emotions and feeling different are but some of the challenges that can impact our loved ones.
![Photo of Tina Kilgallon - Our Space Play & Family Therapies, MSc](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/848ae272-9ad6-42f4-a47e-af834cbae2b4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about working with young people and their families. I am an integrative play and EMDR therapist working with clients from 3 years of age and up. I am also qualified to deliver Child Parent Relationship Therapy and have completed training in Sand Tray as well as being an Autplay practitioner. I have lots of experience in working with children, young people and their families SEND and/or with additional needs. I have experience of working with complex trauma, attachment, bereavement and loss.
I am passionate about working with young people and their families. I am an integrative play and EMDR therapist working with clients from 3 years of age and up. I am also qualified to deliver Child Parent Relationship Therapy and have completed training in Sand Tray as well as being an Autplay practitioner. I have lots of experience in working with children, young people and their families SEND and/or with additional needs. I have experience of working with complex trauma, attachment, bereavement and loss.
![Photo of Deborah Quinn, PTUK, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6e557dc-021c-426e-9100-3bda107fb8fa/1/320x400.png)
I am a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist and I am listed on the PTUK register (accredited by the Professionals Standards Authority). The Play and Creative therapy I offer supports children and young people with a range of conditions such as: trauma, abuse, attachment difficulties, bereavement and loss, parental seperation/divorce, anxiety, low self esteem, low mood, phobias, social communication difficulties, identity issues, emotional regulation, compulsive behaviours and illness. I welcome any child or young person who requires support, whatever their difficulties or needs.
I am a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist and I am listed on the PTUK register (accredited by the Professionals Standards Authority). The Play and Creative therapy I offer supports children and young people with a range of conditions such as: trauma, abuse, attachment difficulties, bereavement and loss, parental seperation/divorce, anxiety, low self esteem, low mood, phobias, social communication difficulties, identity issues, emotional regulation, compulsive behaviours and illness. I welcome any child or young person who requires support, whatever their difficulties or needs.
![Photo of Karen McDonald. Arts Psychotherapist - Dramatherapist, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56fc905b-b334-42fd-8a92-d32f1e5f39f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
This can include using the imagination and talking, art, music, story & character, sand play, puppets, movement & mindfulness, body and breath work.
I offer a safe, empathic, & open creative space for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Dramatherapy offers a unique creative psychotherapy. You will have the freedom to communicate in different ways, find your own way of working and access your inner resources. I will keep you safe and provide a range of creative therapeutic approaches which meet your needs as a whole person, help you develop the internal skills to manage pain & distress, and offer opportunities for change. It’s a privilege to work alongside and guide people as they express themselves, explore their difficulties and find their own path of healing.
This can include using the imagination and talking, art, music, story & character, sand play, puppets, movement & mindfulness, body and breath work.
I offer a safe, empathic, & open creative space for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Dramatherapy offers a unique creative psychotherapy. You will have the freedom to communicate in different ways, find your own way of working and access your inner resources. I will keep you safe and provide a range of creative therapeutic approaches which meet your needs as a whole person, help you develop the internal skills to manage pain & distress, and offer opportunities for change. It’s a privilege to work alongside and guide people as they express themselves, explore their difficulties and find their own path of healing.
![Photo of Hannah Marie Galvin, MA, ACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ecd291a-76e4-4f7f-82ce-90e3587d5545/1/320x400.jpeg)
Children can use play materials provided by me as a means of understanding the internal world of the child.
I'm a psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained to MA and Doctoral level respectively with adults and children and adolescents. I'm also a course tutor for a psychotherapy course at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I have experience of working across the age range with a wide variety of mild to moderate, sometimes more severe presenting problems. Some people see me because they're very unhappy, distressed or worried, others come because they want to understand themselves better and they're curious about why they encounter the same patterns.
Children can use play materials provided by me as a means of understanding the internal world of the child.
I'm a psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained to MA and Doctoral level respectively with adults and children and adolescents. I'm also a course tutor for a psychotherapy course at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I have experience of working across the age range with a wide variety of mild to moderate, sometimes more severe presenting problems. Some people see me because they're very unhappy, distressed or worried, others come because they want to understand themselves better and they're curious about why they encounter the same patterns.
![Photo of Claire Kennaby - Pinch of Positivity Centre, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b5b0a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
This can involve elements of talking, art, music, games, creative expression, CBT, play or systemic exploration.
Hi, and a warm welcome. I'm a qualified counsellor and have been for many years offering therapeutic support for adults, adolescents, children and families either together or individually, in my private practice and within primary and secondary schools. I can offer support too many for many reasons and offer flexible Integrative approaches to suit you. I always welcome a free initial email or chat or meet and briefly discuss ways of support that suits all. This can also give you all an opportunity to see the space, meet and talk with me with no obligation. This helps in deciding what is best for you.
This can involve elements of talking, art, music, games, creative expression, CBT, play or systemic exploration.
Hi, and a warm welcome. I'm a qualified counsellor and have been for many years offering therapeutic support for adults, adolescents, children and families either together or individually, in my private practice and within primary and secondary schools. I can offer support too many for many reasons and offer flexible Integrative approaches to suit you. I always welcome a free initial email or chat or meet and briefly discuss ways of support that suits all. This can also give you all an opportunity to see the space, meet and talk with me with no obligation. This helps in deciding what is best for you.
![Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6c08ede-d3cb-4681-9b4d-2634cb928659/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
See more therapy options for Bridgwater
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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.