Nicola Allibone
Hello, I am Nicola, a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor for Adolescents and a Play Therapist. I work creatively with children and young people, using different mediums, to help them express themselves, explore their feelings and learn to make sense of their lives.
I believe that every person has the tools within them to be the person they want to be. Through this process and the therapeutic relationship, we work together to bring those tools to light. Everyone has the right to be heard and process parts of themselves and their lives, whatever difficulties there may be. Creative Therapy is a space for freedom and exploration, in a non judgemental, safe and trusting environment.
I have a keen interest in living well with chronic pain and self care for all.
Louise Davis
I can’t quite believe where the time has gone since I began my training as a play therapist back in 2011, which certainly shows how much I love my job. Everyday brings something new and inspiring and I feel privileged to work with each and every child, as they guide me into their world by means of play. As a self employed Play Therapist my work has placed me in many schools across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire, creating some strong and consistent partnerships that have benefited and continue to benefit many children and family’s. My desire to provide the best possible healing and empowering environment for children, ensures I am always seeking to expand my knowledge and understanding of children in ways I can best support them. Most recently I have completed a profound course using clay to consider the theme of ‘family’, as well as a course that explores working with children therapeutically in the outdoors. My next challenge is to complete my MA in Play Therapy. I hope to continue my work with children and families for many more years, providing them an avenue of possibility and support in times of need.
Yasmeen Floodgate
I worked in the field of Social Services, Legal and then specialising in Mental Health. I worked predominately in a National Hospital with Deaf adults, adolescents and children within the out and in – patients unit with a pool of interpreters and clinicians. During an assessment with a clinician I was asked if I would consider being a therapist due to my interaction with the young people and, so my journey began into Play Therapy. Where I am a registered accredited Play & Creative Arts therapist and a Clinical Supervisor.
I feel that the world has become quite a complex place with perhaps unclear guidelines and structures; there’s a constant need for speed, for targets and the next best thing… this I feel has an impact on our young people; our next generation. Their voice in a constructive way is missing all that is seen is the behaviour and not what is held within. I work creatively to enable them to explore and express their feelings. Giving them the tools and strategies, they need through Play & Creative Arts.
I work in several schools in Berkshire with a range of children and offer Parent Child Attachment Play sessions for parents who are struggling or just need some guidance.
I feel I have a sound balance of my work and hence never tire but ready to learn and develop new ideas and strategies.
Kelly Sawyer
My name is Kelly Sawyer and I am a Certified Play Therapist and a Certified Play and Creative Arts Counsellor for Children and Young People and I have been working with children and young people for over 16 years. I work in both Primary School and secondary school settings in the Oxfordshire area providing play therapy and counselling services to children to support and assist them in their emotional development. I am on the Accredited Register under the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care and I am a member of Play Therapy UK (PTUK).
Jennie Tyrrell
Throughout my life I have been drawn towards all things creative and working with children. I have studied Photography at college and the History of Art at university. I qualified as a teacher, specialising in Early Years as the child led, holistic approach really resonated with me, as did the nurturing element, creativity and, of course, the play! . I taught in Hong Kong in an Early Years kindergarten and on my return to the UK I knew I was looking for something more than teaching. I began work as an Outreach Worker at a children’s centre, working with more vulnerable families providing support and advice. It was through this work that I discovered Play Therapy and the difference it can make, so began my training with PTUK in 2016. I am so glad I did as I finally feel that I have found my calling. I am passionate about helping to change the lives of children through the power of play.
Namaste Wiles
My name is Namaste Wiles and I am a certified Therapeutic Play Practitioner. I also work in a Communication and Interaction Resource Base, in a Primary School and have two children of my own. I have always had a great interest in children and joy in working with them. I have had over 15 years of experience working with children (and their families) in school, home and play settings. I have worked with children from different cultures and backgrounds and with many different needs.
I have a Public Liability Insurance, an up to date Disclosure and Barring Service certificate, and I abide by Child Protection Policy and Procedures. I am on the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Alice Youngman
While studying a Psychology degree at Oxford Brookes University we covered modules linked to behaviour and child development which was something I was very keen to pursue. I have always been passionate about working with children so I worked as teaching assistant for several years in a small, specialised school with children who struggled in mainstream. I completed a PGCE then continued teaching at the same school; these were brilliant and rewarding years!
After spending many years in the class room teaching I realised the importance of play and the many wonderful therapeutic benefits it had to offer children. I knew I could do more to help children who were struggling emotionally and this was where my passion lay.
I completed my play therapy training with PTUK, affiliated with Leeds Beckett University and am now a certified Play Therapist.
In my free time I am happiest being active, preferably outside – climbing mountains, wild swimming, hill walking and keeping myself fit. I have a very good sense of humour, which I believe is important when working with children; I am patient, calm and fair and relate well to children who may struggle with life’s complexities.