The Science–Heart Play Therapist Helping Children Grow From the Inside Out

Parents often tell me the same thing when they walk into my practice for the first time:

“I can feel this space is different.”

And it is — because my entire therapeutic approach was built from both deep scientific understanding and deep human connection.

This is my story, my philosophy, and why I do the work that I do.

Where science meets childhood: My unusual path into Play Therapy

My journey into helping children wasn’t linear — it grew from a unique com/bination of disciplines that all eventually wove together into the work I do today.

Genetics – the science of how we’re wired

My early academic background in genetics taught me something profound:
Every child is born with a unique blueprint — strengths, challenges, sensitivities, temperament.

This foundation helps me understand children on a biological and developmental level:
why they respond the way they do,
why some behaviours are not “naughty”,
and why com/passion must always com/e before correction.

Psychology – understanding the inner world

My training in psychology added the rich understanding of the mind, behaviour, attachment, trauma, resilience, and emotional development.

This is where I learned the incredible truth that children don’t misbehave — they com/municate.

Montessori teaching – following the child

Montessori shaped how I see children.
I learned the power of child-led learning, sensory exploration, independence, and respect for a child’s inner teacher.

It taught me to slow down, observe, and trust the child’s pace — all of which are essential in Play Therapy.

Play Therapy – where it all com/es together

Finally, I discovered Play Therapy — and everything clicked.

Here was a field that honoured the child’s natural way of com/municating, held space for emotions, and used symbolic play to unlock healing.
It allowed me to bring all my backgrounds together:

• Science (how the brain develops)
• Psychology (how emotions are processed)
• Montessori (child-led respect and independence)
• Creativity (the language of childhood)

This is the blend that makes my approach different.

My Play Therapy approach: gentle, grounded, guided

Every child is different — and so every therapeutic journey is uniquely crafted.

I use a com/bination of:

• Non-directive Play Therapy: The child leads, expresses, explores.
• Directive Play Therapy: I gently guide when a child needs structure, coping tools, or emotional scaffolding.
• Sand Tray Therapy: A powerful medium for safely expressing internal worlds.
• Picture Analysis: Observing themes, symbols, and emotional narratives.
• Dollhouse & Miniatures: Processing family dynamics and relationships.
• Art & Craft Therapy: Externalising emotions creatively.
• Role-Play Toys (doctor kits, shopping toys, dolls): Practising real-life experiences and emotional challenges.

I create a sacred “world of play” where children don’t have to talk to be heard.

My work doesn’t end with the child — it includes the family

Children heal faster when parents are supported too.
That’s why I include:

• Parent coaching based on Play Therapy principles
• Personalised feedback every 4 sessions
• Home strategies aligned with your child’s needs and temperament
• Gentle guidance for behaviour, anxiety, emotional regulation, and connection

You’re not just dropping your child at therapy —
you’re becom/ing part of the healing team.

What I believe — and what guides my work

1. Children com/municate through behaviour
   The goal is to understand the message beneath the behaviour.
2. Every child wants to do well
   When they can, they will. When they can’t, they need help.
3. Safety is the foundation of growth
   Connection is more important than correction.
4. Emotional skills matter more than academic skills
   Children who learn to regulate, express, and connect becom/e resilient adults.
5. Healing happens in tiny moments, not big events
   The playroom is where these moments naturally unfold.

Why Parents Choose Me

Parents often tell me they appreciate my com/bination of:

• Warmth
• Evidence-based methods
• Deep child development knowledge
• Creative therapeutic tools
• Clear, practical parent feedback
• A holistic, whole-child approach
• Strong insight into both behaviour and emotional needs
• The blend of Montessori, psychology, genetics, and play

I help children understand themselves — and help parents understand their children.

A Final Note From Me to You

If you’re reading this because your child is struggling, overwhelmed, anxious, acting out, or sensitive, I want you to know something important:

There is nothing “wrong” with your child.
There is only something inside them that needs safety, understanding, and support.

And that is exactly what I’m here to offer.

If you’d like to book an intake session or learn more, I’d be honoured to walk this journey with you.