How I can help your child
Lesley Wardrop
Child-centred therapist
At any age and stage of life we can experience a problem – sometimes we can sort them out on our own and sometimes we need some help.
I am Lesley Wardrop, I am a non-directive, child-centred therapist.
I have been working with children and families in a variety of settings throughout my career – as a nanny, on a maternity unit and special care baby unit, nursery settings, after-school, holiday clubs and a family support worker.
My decision to train as a play therapist in 2012 was driven by my desire to specialise in an area of child development that I have always felt needed valuing and supporting as children navigate their way through their school years and beyond.
My professional training has included:
- Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills – 2014
- A Post Graduate Diploma (Distinction) in Practice Based Play Therapy with PTUK 2015
- Post Qualifying Certificate in Clinical Supervision for Play and Creative Arts Therapists – PTUK 12.23
- Post Qualifying Certificate in Play and Creative Arts Counselling of Children and Young People – currently trainee
- Advanced diploma in Neuro-Dramatic Play – Dr Sue Jennings
- Certificate in Integrative Sandplay Studies – Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists – June 2017
- Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Studies – Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists – 2020
- ‘Family life in the Therapeutic Space’ – Advanced Practitoner Certificate achieved – Dr Lynne Souter-Anderson and Chris Wise MA – February 2020
My Approach
My on-going training has allowed me to evolve as a therapist in supporting children, young people and their families. This means my focus is on allowing the client the time, space and the opportunity to explore and discover aspects of themselves that may be creating uncomfortable feelings and/or behaviours both externally and internally.
The creative process encourages the client to consider possibilities and allows conversations to open up and ‘nudge’ the client to consider behaviours, feelings of being stuck and resolutions from different perspectives.
It is understood that play in all its forms from mud pies, building towers, painting, dancing, sport, singing, storytelling they all have the capacity to release hormones and chemicals that promote a sense of well-being, joy and have the capacity to heal the hurts that the child has experienced.
Initial parent/carer consultation is free of charge, to share presenting concerns and to determine if I am the right person to offer support to your child.
It is understood that play in all its forms from mud pies, building towers, painting, dancing, sport, singing, storytelling they all have the capacity to release hormones and chemicals that promote a sense of well-being, joy and have the capacity to heal the hurts that the child has experienced.
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”
George Bernard Shaw
What is the benefit of play and creative art therapy?
At any age and stage of life we can experience a problem – sometimes we can sort them out on our own and sometimes we need some help.
Children and young people don’t always have the ability or confidence to express themselves verbally. So by introducing play, creative materials, the use of stories including metaphors and symbols, these all allow the client a non-threatening vehicle to use to look at and explore difficult relationships, events and experiences from a safe perspective and a medium that gives the client autonomy within the therapeutic process of healing.
I am able to offer a safe, consistent, confidential space. The sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the age and developmental stage of the client.
If relevant I will share strategies to support the client but it is important for me to build trust and respect the confidentiality of the client.
Services
Contact
Please contact me for an informal chat about your child.
Email: lesleyjw982@gmail.com
Tel: 07773952136