Play Therapy Counselling in Reading

Photo of Kayleigh Rainbird, PTUK
Kayleigh Rainbird
PTUK
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
Play Therapy is a subtle but powerful therapeutic intervention which helps children overcome difficulties.
I am a therapist who has a holistic approach to helping children to heal by supporting both parents and their children . Through my work I have noticed that children with low confidence and low self-esteem can express this through becoming withdrawn and avoidant or becoming angry and controlling. Parents come to me and tell me their child always wants control or they feel like they are stepping on eggshells when around their child. I offer play therapy, parent coaching and parent-child attachment play. Please see rainbirdtherapy.co.uk for more information.
Play Therapy is a subtle but powerful therapeutic intervention which helps children overcome difficulties.
I am a therapist who has a holistic approach to helping children to heal by supporting both parents and their children . Through my work I have noticed that children with low confidence and low self-esteem can express this through becoming withdrawn and avoidant or becoming angry and controlling. Parents come to me and tell me their child always wants control or they feel like they are stepping on eggshells when around their child. I offer play therapy, parent coaching and parent-child attachment play. Please see rainbirdtherapy.co.uk for more information.
01256 591396 View 01256 591396
Photo of Deborah Quinn, PTUK, Counsellor
Deborah Quinn
Counsellor, PTUK
Verified Verified
Reading RG2
The therapy sessions are based around a toolkit consisting of a wide range of play resources and art media to explore, alongside invitations to engage in more directive activities.
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.
The therapy sessions are based around a toolkit consisting of a wide range of play resources and art media to explore, alongside invitations to engage in more directive activities.
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.
0118 230 0235 View 0118 230 0235
Photo of Flora Oliver, MBACP, Counsellor
Flora Oliver
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
I also use play and creative therapy to help younger children express themselves.
Welcome! I am a BACP registered counsellor offering sessions in person and online for adults, children and adolescents. I am a warm, empathetic compassionate person who offers a safe and confidential place to talk about any issues or concerns. In a non-judgemental space, you can explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Counselling is a process to empower you to feel strong again, understand yourself better and can often increase confidence.
I also use play and creative therapy to help younger children express themselves.
Welcome! I am a BACP registered counsellor offering sessions in person and online for adults, children and adolescents. I am a warm, empathetic compassionate person who offers a safe and confidential place to talk about any issues or concerns. In a non-judgemental space, you can explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Counselling is a process to empower you to feel strong again, understand yourself better and can often increase confidence.
020 4572 1810 View 020 4572 1810
Photo of Janine Bloomfield, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Janine Bloomfield
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
​Counselling through therapeutic play enables children to develop skills to grow, learn and express emotions positively without feeling overwhelmed.
I support Children and Young People with counselling through face to face conversations, therapeutic exploration and / or play. This enables a child or young person to express, explore and make sense of events and experiences that are hard to verbalise or articulate. It is a non-directive and client-centred approach to therapy that allows the client the opportunity to play out, talk about and work through feelings and emotions within a safe and therapeutic environment.
​Counselling through therapeutic play enables children to develop skills to grow, learn and express emotions positively without feeling overwhelmed.
I support Children and Young People with counselling through face to face conversations, therapeutic exploration and / or play. This enables a child or young person to express, explore and make sense of events and experiences that are hard to verbalise or articulate. It is a non-directive and client-centred approach to therapy that allows the client the opportunity to play out, talk about and work through feelings and emotions within a safe and therapeutic environment.
0118 230 9376 View 0118 230 9376
Photo of Natilie Cocker, MBACP, Counsellor
Natilie Cocker
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG4
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.
01865 638552 View 01865 638552
Photo of Suzanne Breakwell - SooBee Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
SooBee Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG5
You may have been struggling with a particular issue for some time, or you may have recently realised that something needs to change. I'm a qualified counsellor who has worked with young people and adults for several years and I will help you (or your young person) to find a way forward from whatever is troubling you. You may be looking for someone who understands what it is like to have a chronic illness, or need to talk about the multitude of feelings you experience after a bereavement. You may have been wondering if you might be neurodivergent or be thinking about whether you are living your life the way you want to be.
You may have been struggling with a particular issue for some time, or you may have recently realised that something needs to change. I'm a qualified counsellor who has worked with young people and adults for several years and I will help you (or your young person) to find a way forward from whatever is troubling you. You may be looking for someone who understands what it is like to have a chronic illness, or need to talk about the multitude of feelings you experience after a bereavement. You may have been wondering if you might be neurodivergent or be thinking about whether you are living your life the way you want to be.
0118 230 1662 View 0118 230 1662
Photo of Laura Bertha, MSc, HCPC - Occup. Psych., Psychologist
Laura Bertha
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Occup. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reading RG2
I work together with my clients on their unique issues and goals. Singles, couples, families and groups. My specialties are in counseling, mindfulness, relaxation, meditation, business and leadership coaching, along with occupational psychology for companies and their managers. My practice is based in Reading and London, onsite or via Skype. The sessions range from 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on your needs. I have over 30 years of experience and would love to help you grow, find balance and achieve success.
I work together with my clients on their unique issues and goals. Singles, couples, families and groups. My specialties are in counseling, mindfulness, relaxation, meditation, business and leadership coaching, along with occupational psychology for companies and their managers. My practice is based in Reading and London, onsite or via Skype. The sessions range from 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on your needs. I have over 30 years of experience and would love to help you grow, find balance and achieve success.
0118 230 0604 View 0118 230 0604
Photo of Stacey Lees, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Stacey Lees
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Reading RG7
Hello, welcome to my profile page; thank you for visiting. I am an integrative psychotherapist and I work with individuals of all ages. Seeking a therapist can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to therapy. It takes courage to take the first step and it is important that you find the right person for you. With compassion, curiosity, and a playful approach I provide a safe and confidential environment for exploration of life challenges without judgment.
Hello, welcome to my profile page; thank you for visiting. I am an integrative psychotherapist and I work with individuals of all ages. Seeking a therapist can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to therapy. It takes courage to take the first step and it is important that you find the right person for you. With compassion, curiosity, and a playful approach I provide a safe and confidential environment for exploration of life challenges without judgment.
0118 230 8564 View 0118 230 8564
Photo of Barbara Paczkowska, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Barbara Paczkowska
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reading RG1
Valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship, I base my relationships with clients on trust and partnership. Drawing on extensive experience I aim to provide a safe and non- judgmental environment where you the client feels acknowledged, listened to and supported. As we are all unique no one type of therapy 'fits' all and I therefore integrate the therapeutic models in which I have been trained to meet your particular individual needs.
Valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship, I base my relationships with clients on trust and partnership. Drawing on extensive experience I aim to provide a safe and non- judgmental environment where you the client feels acknowledged, listened to and supported. As we are all unique no one type of therapy 'fits' all and I therefore integrate the therapeutic models in which I have been trained to meet your particular individual needs.
01753 907660 View 01753 907660
Photo of Javaneh Pirzadamoli, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Javaneh Pirzadamoli
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
Hi! I'm Javaneh, specialised in pre-teens, adolescents and young adults. I work with several issues such as various forms of anxiety (health, social, panic, perfectionism), self-esteem and trauma.I believe in making warm connections with my clients and help them make sense of their difficult feelings in a safe space. I help my teen clients with symptoms of self-harm and intrusive/suicidal thoughts. I have 10 years of experience across schools, therapy organisations and private practice.
Hi! I'm Javaneh, specialised in pre-teens, adolescents and young adults. I work with several issues such as various forms of anxiety (health, social, panic, perfectionism), self-esteem and trauma.I believe in making warm connections with my clients and help them make sense of their difficult feelings in a safe space. I help my teen clients with symptoms of self-harm and intrusive/suicidal thoughts. I have 10 years of experience across schools, therapy organisations and private practice.
020 3988 4300 View 020 3988 4300
Photo of Jo Evans, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Jo Evans
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Reading RG7
Hello and thank-you for viewing my profile. Are you feeling anxious, sad, depressed or frustrated with life? Are you struggling with marital difficulties, relational conflicts or stresses at work? Are you looking for a trusting person to talk about your troubles? I am here to listen, to journey with you through your difficulties; by offering a safe, trusting and confidential space to share your thoughts and feelings; to help you understand your difficulties, how to cope and manage life better.
Hello and thank-you for viewing my profile. Are you feeling anxious, sad, depressed or frustrated with life? Are you struggling with marital difficulties, relational conflicts or stresses at work? Are you looking for a trusting person to talk about your troubles? I am here to listen, to journey with you through your difficulties; by offering a safe, trusting and confidential space to share your thoughts and feelings; to help you understand your difficulties, how to cope and manage life better.
01256 632498 View 01256 632498
Photo of Ruchi Bakshi, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Ruchi Bakshi
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
Not accepting new clients
Hello, I am Dr Ruchi Bakshi a Clinical Psychologist. I work at Riverside Psychology Marlow in Buckinghamshire and remotely. I have over ten years experience working as a Clinical Psychologist in the public and private sector. I specialise in women’s health, emotional wellbeing and the perinatal period as well as child, parent and family work. I offer evidence based Psychological therapy working in an integrative and holistic way to support you in your health and emotional well-being.
Hello, I am Dr Ruchi Bakshi a Clinical Psychologist. I work at Riverside Psychology Marlow in Buckinghamshire and remotely. I have over ten years experience working as a Clinical Psychologist in the public and private sector. I specialise in women’s health, emotional wellbeing and the perinatal period as well as child, parent and family work. I offer evidence based Psychological therapy working in an integrative and holistic way to support you in your health and emotional well-being.
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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Emma Bengough, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Emma Bengough
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Thatcham RG18
I am trained in play therapy, creative tools, equine therapy and EMDR for more trauma based approaches.
Hi, I’m Emma and I offer a compassionate and containing space for us to explore what it is that has brought you into therapy and how we can understand what is needed for you to have the full life experiencer that you desire. I offer an eclectic approach to therapy, depending on the needs you are coming for and the age, circumstance and appropriateness of how we will work together. I believe the relationship we hold is at the centre of the healing process and so I will be focused on what that needs to be for you and how that needs to be developed with others too.
I am trained in play therapy, creative tools, equine therapy and EMDR for more trauma based approaches.
Hi, I’m Emma and I offer a compassionate and containing space for us to explore what it is that has brought you into therapy and how we can understand what is needed for you to have the full life experiencer that you desire. I offer an eclectic approach to therapy, depending on the needs you are coming for and the age, circumstance and appropriateness of how we will work together. I believe the relationship we hold is at the centre of the healing process and so I will be focused on what that needs to be for you and how that needs to be developed with others too.
023 8235 4895 View 023 8235 4895
Photo of Yasmin Genevieve Watson, BACP, Counsellor
Yasmin Genevieve Watson
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Henley-on-Thames RG9
If a young person in your family is feeling down, anxious or worried, coming to play and arts therapy can make all the difference. This mode of therapy is ideal for children and young people, a safe space for them to explore their emotions and to develop key skills to help them feel happy and confident. I have had many years of experience working with children both in schools and privately and especially children with Autism and ADHD.
If a young person in your family is feeling down, anxious or worried, coming to play and arts therapy can make all the difference. This mode of therapy is ideal for children and young people, a safe space for them to explore their emotions and to develop key skills to help them feel happy and confident. I have had many years of experience working with children both in schools and privately and especially children with Autism and ADHD.
01586 805832 View 01586 805832
Photo of Georgie Hedges, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Georgie Hedges
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Goring RG8
I'm friendly, flexible and non judgemental, offering understanding and empathy and I specialise working with young people and adults. My approach is unique to each client, factoring developmental and chronological ages. I work interactively, person-centred, yet directively and creatively- integrating arts/games therapies with CBT. I find individual ways to connect to every client and find humour, where appropriate, can go a long way to heal. I work to help young people understand their behaviours and motivations and challenge perspectives, whilst being very much on their level. EFT and Hypnotherapy qualified practitioner.
I'm friendly, flexible and non judgemental, offering understanding and empathy and I specialise working with young people and adults. My approach is unique to each client, factoring developmental and chronological ages. I work interactively, person-centred, yet directively and creatively- integrating arts/games therapies with CBT. I find individual ways to connect to every client and find humour, where appropriate, can go a long way to heal. I work to help young people understand their behaviours and motivations and challenge perspectives, whilst being very much on their level. EFT and Hypnotherapy qualified practitioner.
01235 639263 View 01235 639263
Photo of Rebecca Platt, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Rebecca Platt
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wokingham RG40
My passion is supporting families, helping you when things are tough. This might be when things are hard with your child and they might need a space to talk and work things through, or it might be for you as a parent, when you feel you have lost your voice and are walking on eggshells. Or it might be the whole family needs a neutral space to come and explore why things aren't working between you all. I am here to help you through these challenging times, so you aren't alone.
My passion is supporting families, helping you when things are tough. This might be when things are hard with your child and they might need a space to talk and work things through, or it might be for you as a parent, when you feel you have lost your voice and are walking on eggshells. Or it might be the whole family needs a neutral space to come and explore why things aren't working between you all. I am here to help you through these challenging times, so you aren't alone.
0118 230 4908 View 0118 230 4908
Photo of Julie Easterbrook - Julie Easterbrook Counselling MBACP (Accred), MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Julie Easterbrook Counselling MBACP (Accred)
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Finchampstead RG40
By combining my therapeutic models, I am able to provide a unique approach for each client which will help you to gain insight into your issue, enabling you to bring about change. The therapy lies in the realationship between the client and counsellor, where trust and respect is developed and at the centre of each session, and is integral in the way I work. I have experience working with adults and young people, helping with a wide range of issues. Therapy offered can be either short or long term at flexible times during the day and evening depending on the needs/requirements for each client.
By combining my therapeutic models, I am able to provide a unique approach for each client which will help you to gain insight into your issue, enabling you to bring about change. The therapy lies in the realationship between the client and counsellor, where trust and respect is developed and at the centre of each session, and is integral in the way I work. I have experience working with adults and young people, helping with a wide range of issues. Therapy offered can be either short or long term at flexible times during the day and evening depending on the needs/requirements for each client.
01344 231642 View 01344 231642

Online Therapists

Photo of Sally Todd, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sally Todd
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Burton-on-Trent DE14
I empower families to play an active role in their child's healing journey, offering guidance, education, and strategies to create a harmonious home environment that supports the child's emotional growth.
I am a kind and creative Child Therapist with an unwavering Passion for helping children and adolescents deal with life's crises. With a profound love for nature and a heart full of Patience, I feel I have a rich background as a teacher for primary school-aged children, a nursery and theatre school owner, and a counsellor specialising in supporting individuals through various challenges. I have a particular affinity for working with children who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those with attachment issues.
I empower families to play an active role in their child's healing journey, offering guidance, education, and strategies to create a harmonious home environment that supports the child's emotional growth.
I am a kind and creative Child Therapist with an unwavering Passion for helping children and adolescents deal with life's crises. With a profound love for nature and a heart full of Patience, I feel I have a rich background as a teacher for primary school-aged children, a nursery and theatre school owner, and a counsellor specialising in supporting individuals through various challenges. I have a particular affinity for working with children who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those with attachment issues.
01283 387281 View 01283 387281
Photo of Karine Harber, MSc, Psychotherapist
Karine Harber
Psychotherapist, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Earlswood B94
In my therapeutic practice, I combine person-centred approaches with developmental and attachment theories. I specialise in working with children who have limited verbal communication skills and in some cases therapy for non-verbal children. I integrate art, play, movement, role play, and storytelling into my work with young people and children. By employing a wide range of creative techniques, I aim to engage and connect with each child individually, fostering their personal growth and self-expression. My passion lies in helping and supporting children in their journey to become the best versions of themselves. .
In my therapeutic practice, I combine person-centred approaches with developmental and attachment theories. I specialise in working with children who have limited verbal communication skills and in some cases therapy for non-verbal children. I integrate art, play, movement, role play, and storytelling into my work with young people and children. By employing a wide range of creative techniques, I aim to engage and connect with each child individually, fostering their personal growth and self-expression. My passion lies in helping and supporting children in their journey to become the best versions of themselves. .
0117 463 2156 View 0117 463 2156
Photo of Sophie Spiegler, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Sophie Spiegler
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London N3
I'm a trauma psychotherapist, breathwork facilitator, trainer, group holder 7 play therapist with over 17 years experience. Working somatically, relationally and collaboratively I support you to find balance between building trust & safety, whilst providing enough challenge to find deep lasting change from long standing painful relational patterns. Specialising in trauma, including relational trauma, family dysfunction, childhood and adult sexual trauma. Working with mind, body, soul and spirit, I view the human experience through a holistic lens - you are not a person who needs to be fixed, but have wounds that need attending to.
I'm a trauma psychotherapist, breathwork facilitator, trainer, group holder 7 play therapist with over 17 years experience. Working somatically, relationally and collaboratively I support you to find balance between building trust & safety, whilst providing enough challenge to find deep lasting change from long standing painful relational patterns. Specialising in trauma, including relational trauma, family dysfunction, childhood and adult sexual trauma. Working with mind, body, soul and spirit, I view the human experience through a holistic lens - you are not a person who needs to be fixed, but have wounds that need attending to.
020 3909 9880 View 020 3909 9880

See more therapy options for Reading

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.