Play Therapy Counselling in Central London, London

Photo of Elodie De-Souza, MSc, BACP, Psychotherapist
Elodie De-Souza
Psychotherapist, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1N  (Online Only)
I am an MBACP registered psychotherapist. I work with clients of all ages, but have a particular interest in working with children and young people. I have a longstanding interest in how our early relationships affect our development. I offer counselling (including play therapy where appropriate) and parenting support. I work as an integrative therapist. This means I blend elements from different approaches and I tailor this according to each of my client’s needs. This can include exploring how buried thoughts, feelings and experiences shape our current relationships.
I am an MBACP registered psychotherapist. I work with clients of all ages, but have a particular interest in working with children and young people. I have a longstanding interest in how our early relationships affect our development. I offer counselling (including play therapy where appropriate) and parenting support. I work as an integrative therapist. This means I blend elements from different approaches and I tailor this according to each of my client’s needs. This can include exploring how buried thoughts, feelings and experiences shape our current relationships.
020 8106 1902 View 020 8106 1902
Photo of Heather Page, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Heather Page
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1Y
Working with children, through metaphor and play therapy, my aim is to enable children to understand and more effectively manage their emotions and behaviour, to find their voice and tell their story.
You may come to therapy to speak about issues that make you angry, afraid or unhappy or that simply don't make sense. Understanding that we are all unique, with our own strengths, qualities and interests, as well as challenges, is hugely important for our well-being. We also know that through having a balanced view of ourselves, we can feel better equipped to cope with difficult emotional and psychological experiences and make positive connections with others. In our sessions, we will have the chance to explore whatever is troubling you to help you identify and confront such issues and feel more confident about yourself.
Working with children, through metaphor and play therapy, my aim is to enable children to understand and more effectively manage their emotions and behaviour, to find their voice and tell their story.
You may come to therapy to speak about issues that make you angry, afraid or unhappy or that simply don't make sense. Understanding that we are all unique, with our own strengths, qualities and interests, as well as challenges, is hugely important for our well-being. We also know that through having a balanced view of ourselves, we can feel better equipped to cope with difficult emotional and psychological experiences and make positive connections with others. In our sessions, we will have the chance to explore whatever is troubling you to help you identify and confront such issues and feel more confident about yourself.
020 3870 4185 View 020 3870 4185
Photo of Tanya Hend, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Tanya Hend
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1R
My experience spans over 25. Years working with adults, couples, and children, adolescents, I've successfully assisted individuals dealing with an array of challenges. This includes learning difficulties, intricate family dynamics, and providing support to young offenders. In addition to traditional therapy, I offer 'walk and talk' sessions, recognising the need for a dynamic and open environment. I integrate art and play therapy to foster creative expression.
My experience spans over 25. Years working with adults, couples, and children, adolescents, I've successfully assisted individuals dealing with an array of challenges. This includes learning difficulties, intricate family dynamics, and providing support to young offenders. In addition to traditional therapy, I offer 'walk and talk' sessions, recognising the need for a dynamic and open environment. I integrate art and play therapy to foster creative expression.
020 3856 3615 View 020 3856 3615
Photo of Dolores Forcadell, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Dolores Forcadell
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1V  (Online Only)
I had extensive training on a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Play-therapy and Art based therapy which now forms part of my work with children.
I am a Psychodynamic Counsellor that works with Children and Young People from ages 3-18 As a Psychodynamic Counsellor I believe that unconscious processes guide our ways of relating to each other. At the centre of my practice is the child’s well-being and safety. I aim to create a safe space for children to feel able to be themselves without judgment, what Winnicott refers as the 'facilitating environment’, where the child’s inner world can be explored.
I had extensive training on a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Play-therapy and Art based therapy which now forms part of my work with children.
I am a Psychodynamic Counsellor that works with Children and Young People from ages 3-18 As a Psychodynamic Counsellor I believe that unconscious processes guide our ways of relating to each other. At the centre of my practice is the child’s well-being and safety. I aim to create a safe space for children to feel able to be themselves without judgment, what Winnicott refers as the 'facilitating environment’, where the child’s inner world can be explored.
020 8106 4727 View 020 8106 4727
Photo of Georgia Powell, MBACP, Counsellor
Georgia Powell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2A  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work as an adolescent and adult Counsellor based in East London. As well as my own private practice, I work in schools, universities and in the domestic abuse sector with victim-survivors of domestic abuse. I am a fully registered BACP member and integrate a variety of different therapeutic modalities, including person-centred and humanistic therapy, body therapy, art/play therapy, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to meet each person’s specific needs.
I work as an adolescent and adult Counsellor based in East London. As well as my own private practice, I work in schools, universities and in the domestic abuse sector with victim-survivors of domestic abuse. I am a fully registered BACP member and integrate a variety of different therapeutic modalities, including person-centred and humanistic therapy, body therapy, art/play therapy, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to meet each person’s specific needs.
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Photo of Sharlin Paul, MBACP, Counsellor
Sharlin Paul
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1A
Some of the CPD training I have completed includes: Play therapy, Sex therapy, Couples therapy, Working with metaphors, Understanding eating disorders, Anger management.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, tired and not sure what to do or who to turn to at present? Having worked / support clients with a range of challenges I am here to help you through this challenging period. I have a vast amount of experience working with clients who have presented issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, drug & alcohol addiction, eating disorders, lack of direction in life. I have also worked within a number of organisations supporting individuals, couples and young people.
Some of the CPD training I have completed includes: Play therapy, Sex therapy, Couples therapy, Working with metaphors, Understanding eating disorders, Anger management.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, tired and not sure what to do or who to turn to at present? Having worked / support clients with a range of challenges I am here to help you through this challenging period. I have a vast amount of experience working with clients who have presented issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, drug & alcohol addiction, eating disorders, lack of direction in life. I have also worked within a number of organisations supporting individuals, couples and young people.
020 3974 2363 View 020 3974 2363
Photo of Adeola Russell, MBACP, Counsellor
Adeola Russell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1V
I will listen to the experiences you bring of early life, behaviours, feelings, and the emotions that impact your present actions with understanding and acceptance. Yet I firmly believe that we are not irrevocably tethered to our past. I work with the interconnectedness of mind, body, and relationships, facilitating reflection and offering challenge and liberation.
I will listen to the experiences you bring of early life, behaviours, feelings, and the emotions that impact your present actions with understanding and acceptance. Yet I firmly believe that we are not irrevocably tethered to our past. I work with the interconnectedness of mind, body, and relationships, facilitating reflection and offering challenge and liberation.
020 3985 8427 View 020 3985 8427
Photo of Simone Bose - Simone Bose, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Simone Bose
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London WC1A
I am a BACP registered counsellor, with a Masters in Relationship Therapy. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I’m very passionate about working with clients to help them resolve issues that are creating problems, stress and blocks in their lives. With me I hope you will find a secure space without judgement, I aim to get to know you and to listen with empathy, and work with you based on your personal needs in therapy. I am also a media spokesperson for Relate, regularly appearing on the BBC and contributing to articles in the national press.
I am a BACP registered counsellor, with a Masters in Relationship Therapy. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I’m very passionate about working with clients to help them resolve issues that are creating problems, stress and blocks in their lives. With me I hope you will find a secure space without judgement, I aim to get to know you and to listen with empathy, and work with you based on your personal needs in therapy. I am also a media spokesperson for Relate, regularly appearing on the BBC and contributing to articles in the national press.
020 3962 1986 View 020 3962 1986
Photo of Wanderley Santos, MA, BACP, Psychotherapist
Wanderley Santos
Psychotherapist, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1X
In some moments in our lives, we need professional help when we can’t deal with difficult feelings alone. In these situations, it doesn’t matter if you are not feeling ready to start therapy. The most important thing is to be with someone you feel comfortable enough to express your concerns and feelings.​ I am here to work with you regardless of your emotional difficulties. I specialise in working with various emotional issues as well as considering how various elements, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, culture, nationality, disability, religion, age and others, can affect a person’s wellbeing.
In some moments in our lives, we need professional help when we can’t deal with difficult feelings alone. In these situations, it doesn’t matter if you are not feeling ready to start therapy. The most important thing is to be with someone you feel comfortable enough to express your concerns and feelings.​ I am here to work with you regardless of your emotional difficulties. I specialise in working with various emotional issues as well as considering how various elements, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, culture, nationality, disability, religion, age and others, can affect a person’s wellbeing.
020 8103 8586 View 020 8103 8586
Photo of Lee Valls - The London Practice, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
The London Practice
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC2H
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
020 3962 0673 View 020 3962 0673
Photo of Jo Allen, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Jo Allen
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2A  (Online Only)
Hello, are you struggling with relationships, wanting to explore the dynamics in your family or how you have managed a difficult life transition or change in your life? I would hope to support you to explore these changes and how you have coped and support you to implement changes to support new understandings and improve your wellbeing. I am collaborative in my approach and balance supportive therapeutic conversations with suggestions for action depending on the clients needs.
Hello, are you struggling with relationships, wanting to explore the dynamics in your family or how you have managed a difficult life transition or change in your life? I would hope to support you to explore these changes and how you have coped and support you to implement changes to support new understandings and improve your wellbeing. I am collaborative in my approach and balance supportive therapeutic conversations with suggestions for action depending on the clients needs.
020 4524 5560 View 020 4524 5560
Photo of Dr Dean Flanagan, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Dean Flanagan
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London WC1B
I am a Chartered Psychologist who specialises in supporting young people 14 to 25 years old. I have helped young people with various difficulties including anxiety, depression, relationships, loss as well as life transitions and identity. I can draw upon a range of evidence based psychological approaches to meet needs and achieve personal goals. I offer individual as well as group psychotherapy.
I am a Chartered Psychologist who specialises in supporting young people 14 to 25 years old. I have helped young people with various difficulties including anxiety, depression, relationships, loss as well as life transitions and identity. I can draw upon a range of evidence based psychological approaches to meet needs and achieve personal goals. I offer individual as well as group psychotherapy.
020 3835 6408 View 020 3835 6408
Photo of Sona Kaur, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Sona Kaur
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1N
I am a Clinical Psychologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London. I also currently run my own private practice in London. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I have experience working with a range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) and complex trauma.
I am a Clinical Psychologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London. I also currently run my own private practice in London. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I have experience working with a range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) and complex trauma.
020 4538 8166 View 020 4538 8166
Photo of Haneyeh Belyani, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Haneyeh Belyani
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2M
My integrative training and years of experience enables me to draw on a range of psychological therapies in my work with children, adults, couples and families. I work with a range of difficulties including depressions, anxiety, trauma and relationship difficulties.
My integrative training and years of experience enables me to draw on a range of psychological therapies in my work with children, adults, couples and families. I work with a range of difficulties including depressions, anxiety, trauma and relationship difficulties.
020 3962 1652 View 020 3962 1652
Photo of Dr Rozina Anwar, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Rozina Anwar
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC2H
Hello, I'm Rozina. I'm a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer. I've worked in the NHS, educational and charitable sectors, and in academia. My doctorate training has equipped me with the academic and clinical expertise which guide me during practice. My role as a university lecturer also roots me in the theory and philosophy behind practice which aids me in understanding the lived experience of my clients.
Hello, I'm Rozina. I'm a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer. I've worked in the NHS, educational and charitable sectors, and in academia. My doctorate training has equipped me with the academic and clinical expertise which guide me during practice. My role as a university lecturer also roots me in the theory and philosophy behind practice which aids me in understanding the lived experience of my clients.
020 3835 6050 View 020 3835 6050
Photo of Joshua Erlick, MA, Psychologist
Joshua Erlick
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC2H  (Online Only)
My practice is for those who want to deepen their relationship with themselves and honour their soul's wisdom. Many struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and intrusive thoughts, feeling trapped and unable to move forward with a life of meaning and purpose. I understand these struggles, having faced them myself. With no guidance available, I embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery to change this. Over 10 years of study, retreats, and consistent effort, I learned that healing isn’t just about moving from 'A' - 'B.' It’s about becoming aware of and accepting your reality, then using it as a catalyst for change.
My practice is for those who want to deepen their relationship with themselves and honour their soul's wisdom. Many struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and intrusive thoughts, feeling trapped and unable to move forward with a life of meaning and purpose. I understand these struggles, having faced them myself. With no guidance available, I embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery to change this. Over 10 years of study, retreats, and consistent effort, I learned that healing isn’t just about moving from 'A' - 'B.' It’s about becoming aware of and accepting your reality, then using it as a catalyst for change.
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Photo of Dr Hava Londra Drummond - Psikolog Londra Terapi Platformu, DCounsPsych, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Psikolog Londra Terapi Platformu
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2M
You can call us +44 7761 931518 for appointments or reach us through our website www.psikologlondra.com. Turkish-English speaking psychologists and psychiatrist in the UK on the same platform! Our 30+ psychologists and therapists are skilled and experienced in their fields. Let us find the "Right Psychologist" for you!
You can call us +44 7761 931518 for appointments or reach us through our website www.psikologlondra.com. Turkish-English speaking psychologists and psychiatrist in the UK on the same platform! Our 30+ psychologists and therapists are skilled and experienced in their fields. Let us find the "Right Psychologist" for you!
020 3870 3437 View 020 3870 3437
Photo of Sabbir Ahmed, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Sabbir Ahmed
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1V
Do you suffer from counterproductive, intrusive thoughts? Are you critical of yourself, ignoring your achievements and strengths? Do you struggle with self-confidence and believing in yourself? Perhaps, you strive to make changes to your life, but no matter how hard you strive, you find that the same thinking patterns and responses occur to you repeatedly. You may find yourself stuck, or returning to lacklustre, even toxic relationships. You may find that you struggle with your self-image, whether physical, financial, interpersonal, spiritual or social.
Do you suffer from counterproductive, intrusive thoughts? Are you critical of yourself, ignoring your achievements and strengths? Do you struggle with self-confidence and believing in yourself? Perhaps, you strive to make changes to your life, but no matter how hard you strive, you find that the same thinking patterns and responses occur to you repeatedly. You may find yourself stuck, or returning to lacklustre, even toxic relationships. You may find that you struggle with your self-image, whether physical, financial, interpersonal, spiritual or social.
020 8138 0855 View 020 8138 0855
Photo of Naz Altinok Green, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Naz Altinok Green
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1B
Life can get difficult and overwhelming at times and we may need support to find clarity, emotional fulfilment and happiness. My services aim to help people who are going through a difficult time in their lives or who simply want to understand themselves better. Whether you are feeling sad, going through a significant separation or bereavement, experiencing difficulties in relationships, feel anxious and overwhelmed, you would like to explore or there is anything that is bothering you, I can offer an accepting and warm space to talk through these issues.
Life can get difficult and overwhelming at times and we may need support to find clarity, emotional fulfilment and happiness. My services aim to help people who are going through a difficult time in their lives or who simply want to understand themselves better. Whether you are feeling sad, going through a significant separation or bereavement, experiencing difficulties in relationships, feel anxious and overwhelmed, you would like to explore or there is anything that is bothering you, I can offer an accepting and warm space to talk through these issues.
020 3870 2659 View 020 3870 2659
Photo of Gianina Ionela Ardeleanu, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Gianina Ionela Ardeleanu
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1E
Hey! What brings you here? What hurts? What are your struggles? What keeps you stuck? Is it a relationship with a loved one? A parent, a child, a partner or a friend? Is it depression, overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss of joy, sleepless nights, no desire to get out of bed, avoiding friends or family members? Is it anxiety or panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, constantly worrying, creating worst scenarios? Is it a sense of not feeling good enough, comparing yourself to others in a negative light, second guessing your actions, feeling judged, having a sense that your existence is a waste of time?
Hey! What brings you here? What hurts? What are your struggles? What keeps you stuck? Is it a relationship with a loved one? A parent, a child, a partner or a friend? Is it depression, overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss of joy, sleepless nights, no desire to get out of bed, avoiding friends or family members? Is it anxiety or panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, constantly worrying, creating worst scenarios? Is it a sense of not feeling good enough, comparing yourself to others in a negative light, second guessing your actions, feeling judged, having a sense that your existence is a waste of time?
020 3962 0971 View 020 3962 0971
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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.