East Lothian Play Therapy
Play Therapy for development, stress reduction & trauma recovery
When your child is struggling repeatedly with something, you can feel helpless and afraid for them. Parenting children who are frustrated, angry and aggressive, or anxious and fearful of the world is emotional. It is painful to watch their daily struggles. Sometimes it feels as if the support you are offering as a parent is not enough. Working together, we will make sense of what is happening for your child and plan what will help.
My name is Helen Forrester. I offer effective support to children building on their strengths. After qualifying in 1997 I trained further in Filial Therapy and Child & Parent Relationship Therapy.
Lill Snowden is joining me. For the last 23 years she has worked extensively to support children and young people’s growth and emotional needs, most recently as a BAPT qualified play therapist. She has also trained in AutPlay® Therapy which is an integrative family play therapy framework designed for meeting the needs of neurodivergent children.
Play therapy is a children’s therapy that allows them to show how they see the world, then work through play to make sense of this and develop skills to manage their days with more confidence and enjoyment. Play therapy can be helpful for children with autism and ADHD as well as children who have lived through trauma or who are overwhelmed by anger or anxious feelings.
Play therapy harnesses children’s natural instinct to play. Children develop social skills, emotional understanding, and build their confidence and self-esteem. They learn to regulate their feelings and make sense of what happens in their world. Play brings about growth and change in every child but is particularly helpful for children who are distressed or struggling.
Our playroom is in Cockenzie House & Gardens. There is a waiting area just outside the playroom for parents & carers. There is also a cafe open between 10am and 4pm and gardens to explore.
We offer a free initial phone, video or in-person meeting to talk through whether play therapy is right for your child. You can book this or request more information on the contact page.