ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Helen. I passionately believe in the power of play therapy to help children learn to deal with their emotions and process events in their lives. This allows them to thrive emotionally, socially and academically. I have witnessed how play therapy can open up a way of communicating for children in a wide range of circumstances and enjoy supporting them in this process.
I am a Certified Play Therapist, having completed my certificate and diploma through APAC (Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy), the training arm of PTUK (Play Therapy UK). Prior to this, I worked as a teacher for 22 years, so have extensive experience working with children.
I am on the PTUK register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists, which is a PSA (Professional Standards Authority) accredited register, have a full DBS check and work within the PTUK ethical framework. Click here to find out more on the PTUK website.
To find out more about play therapy and what to expect, please check out my ‘What is Play Therapy?’ section.
Where and how I work
Hummingbird Play Therapy is based near Royston on the border of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. I work within schools and at Outside Of The Box CIC in Royston, where I am able to offer private sessions ( www.outsideofthebox.uk ). I am also registered with Hertfordshire County Council adoption services as a provider of therapeutic services.
Play therapy sessions are 1 to 1 sessions that take place weekly for 40 minutes. I can work with children aged 4 and above and recommend a period of at least 15 sessions. Many children need longer than this.
Why Hummingbird?
I love hummingbirds for their energy, beauty and delicacy. When choosing a name for my play therapy business, I came across a quote about hummingbirds.
“While they are tiny beings, hummingbirds pack a lot of powerful, positive energy” *
This, to me, describes the incredible potential of all children. They may be tiny, but within every child is the potential for growth, positivity and energy, when given the right environment in which to thrive. Play therapy helps children to process things that have happened in their lives and their emotions, enabling them to uncover this potential inside themselves.
* Quote taken from: www.uniguide.com