Empowering Children Through Play
How I work
I practise as an integrative therapist, meaning I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches and adapt my work to meet each child’s needs. My goal is simple: to offer your child a safe, accepting place to explore who they are and what they feel — without judgement, pressure, or expectation. With time and support, therapy can help your child understand their emotions, strengthen relationships and grow into a more confident, connected version of themselves.
Sessions may include:
Art – drawing, painting or making to express feelings visually.
Play therapy – using toys, stories and role-play to explore emotions.
Sand tray therapy – creating scenes and stories to express the inner world.
Music & movement – using rhythm and the body to release and regulate emotion.
Talking therapy – gentle, age-appropriate conversations as trust develops.
These tools help children express thoughts and emotions that may be too complex or overwhelming to put into words — especially for younger children or those who communicate differently.
A Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Based Approach
At Little Lighthouse Therapy, I take a trauma-informed and relationship-focused approach, seeing each child with compassion, curiosity and care. I believe that behaviour always tells a story — what may look like anger, anxiety or defiance is often a sign of past experiences that were confusing or overwhelming.
Therapy moves at your child’s pace. I build trust gently, always offering choice and emotional safety. As Bowlby reminded us, “the earliest bonds have a lasting impact” — which is why I place the therapeutic relationship at the heart of my work.
Inspired by Daniel Hughes’ PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy), I help children feel seen, heard, and accepted just as they are. From this place of safety, they can begin to explore and heal — developing emotional regulation, self-worth, and a more hopeful sense of self.
Supporting the Child’s Nervous System
At Little Lighthouse Therapy, I work with the body as well as the mind — helping children understand how their nervous system responds to stress, fear, and safety.
Behaviours like anger, withdrawal or constant anxiety are often signs that a child’s nervous system feels unsafe, even if there’s no clear threat. These responses aren’t conscious choices — they’re the body’s way of protecting itself.
Through gentle connection and emotional consistency, I support children in moving towards a more regulated, calm and connected state. As Winnicott said, “It is a joy to be hidden, but a disaster not to be found.” My work is about truly finding the child — meeting them where they are, and helping them feel emotionally safe, seen and supported.