Welcome
Maple Green Play Therapy provides a therapeutic space in Manchester for children to safely explore feelings, emotions and experiences through nature, creative arts and play.
The Importance of Play
Play is a child’s natural way to communicate, experiment and learn about their world, contributing to their quality of life, sense of well-being, physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. It provides a sense of mastery and control and is crucial for healthy brain development, strengthening networks of brain connections.
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in the child’s soul.” – Friedrich Froebel.
What is Play Therapy?
It can be difficult to understand and talk about our feelings. Children may find it particularly difficult to describe how they are feeling or understand why they may be behaving as they are. Play therapy uses a creative toolkit to encourage and assist children to explore emotions in creative and dynamic ways. It may feel safer and more accessible for children to explore feelings and experiences through play, encouraging self-expression and self-healing.
Play therapy sessions take place weekly and are completely confidential. The play therapy kit includes therapeutic and creative tools such as books, paint, art and craft materials, puppets, role play resources, clay, sand, music and small world miniatures. Play therapy is child-led and therefore children are free to choose what to use and how to play.
What is Nature-Based Play Therapy?
Outdoor play therapy joins the healing properties of play therapy with the powerful therapeutic benefits of being in nature, using the natural elements of earth, fire, water, air and ether. Research shows that spending time in nature lifts mood, reduces emotional reactivity, decreases symptoms of physical pain and calms a dysregulated nervous system.
Regardless of whether play therapy takes place indoors, or outdoors and in nature, emphasis is placed on the significance of a strong therapeutic relationship between the child and play therapist, and the power of emotional attunement.
“When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength.” – Maria Montessori
What Can Play Therapy Help With?
Play therapy can help with a wide range of situations and experiences, including:
Emotional, physical or sexual abuse
Adopted or looked after children
Separation of parents
Loss, bereavement
Attachment disruptions
Appear withdrawn or unhappy
Long-term illness
Friendship difficulties
Low self-confidence/low self-esteem
Frequent outbursts/anger
Bullying
Nightmares/disturbed sleep
Inappropriate behaviour
Stress, anxiety or phobias
Neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD)
Hyperactivity
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott
About Me
I am a certified Play Therapist and Therapeutic Play Practitioner, trained and registered with Play Therapy UK (PTUK). With over 13 years working with children, I also have a BA degree in Early Childhood and Education, training in childhood trauma and outdoor, nature-based play therapy. In addition, I have current Safeguarding training, am fully GDPR compliant and have up to date paediatric first aid training.
I work within primary schools in the Greater Manchester area. I also have a base in Whalley Range from which I offer both indoor play therapy and outdoor nature-based play therapy.
I use a holistic, non-directive play therapy approach in which the child leads and the therapist follows. I am passionate about providing a space to support emotional balance, improve relationships, self-esteem and confidence. I believe all children have the right to discover their potential, develop a growth mindset and feel fantastic about themselves.
Get in touch
“Every child has the capacity to be everything.” – Doris Lessing
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how play therapy works, or to arrange an initial consultation. This allows us to discuss your reasons for considering play therapy, explore how it may benefit your child, and determine if I am the right therapist to support you.
You can also call me on +44 7966 373519 if you prefer to leave a message or speak with me directly. I am available to discuss any queries or questions you may have before scheduling an initial meeting.
All contact is strictly confidential.