Play and Creative Arts Therapy for Children, Young People and Families

“Birds fly, fish swim and children play.” Gary Landreth

What is Play Therapy?

“Play therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self expression….the child can ‘play out’ their feelings… just as in certain adult therapy, an individual will ‘talk out’ .” Virginia Axline

Benefits of Play Therapy

I provide a variety of media or a ‘tool kit’ of art materials and toys for the child or young person to choose from. Following the child or young person’s pace, a trusted and therapeutic relationship will build. It is from this safe and trusted place the therapy begins and from which healing and change can occur.

Children come to therapy for many different reasons. Often children won’t be able to articulate why they feel a certain way. Some might understand that they feel ‘muddly’ inside or their behaviours feel out of control and this upsets them.

Some reasons for choosing therapy as an option to support yourself or your child or young person:

Bereavement

Your child seems withdrawn and sad

Difficulty making and maintaining friendships

Lack of concentration

Behind in school

Lots of anger, impulsive and disruptive behaviours

Lots of worries

Frequent headaches, tummy aches

Doesn’t play

Difficulty sharing and co-operating

Selective mute or mute (not speaking)

Self-harming

Adoption or in foster care

To process a significant life change e.g. parents divorce, relocating

Domestic violence

Chronic health conditions (and the siblings of those with chronic health conditions)

(the list could continue, play therapy can help with any number of challenges)

Sessions are weekly, for 40 minutes with regular parent reviews. There will be no fewer than 12 sessions.

How it Works

I warmly welcome you to get in touch, book a free discovery call, or go straight to booking a session—whatever feels right for you. Sessions are held online via Zoom or in person in Fishponds, Bristol

Investment

£0 for the first no obligation phone call

£70 per 40 minute session.

£70 for each parent review (1 hour)

I offer a free, no obligation chat to find out more

Book a Free 30-minute Discovery Call

Book Play Therapy Sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a gentle, child-led way of helping children express and process their thoughts and feelings.

Children don’t always have the words to explain what’s going on inside them - but they can show us through play. Using toys, creative materials, and imagination, I support children to explore emotions safely and at their own pace.

What age range do you work with?

I work with:

🌿 babies and young children

🌿 primary and secondary school-aged children

🌿teenagers

🌿 adults and families

Each session is adapted to suit the age, needs, and personality of the individual.

What kinds of things can you help with?

I support children, young people and adults with a wide range of challenges, including:

anxiety and overwhelm

big emotions or behavioural difficulties

loss, grief or change

low confidence or self-esteem

trauma or difficult experiences

relationship or family challenges

If you're unsure whether therapy is right, we can always talk it through.

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s completely okay. We can figure it out together.

Hi, I'm Melanie...

I have 25 years’ experience working therapeutically to support individuals, families, mothers and babies

I work with a person-centred approach and draw on my lived experiences, including the many methods and tools I have to gathered over many years.

I aim to create the environment and conditions for my clients to fully relax and build trust.

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The Right Therapist Changed Everything

“After 10 years of struggling with anxiety, I didn’t believe it could ever improve - until I worked with Melanie.

I’d been in therapy before, but nothing really changed - my anxiety felt too deeply rooted. I started seeing Melanie to process a personal loss, not expecting anything more. But over the past year and a half, everything shifted.

She helped me challenge long-held beliefs, care for the anxious part of myself, and make real progress with both social anxiety and people-pleasing.

Melanie’s support was compassionate, insightful, and truly life-changing. I finally feel like myself again.”

Melissa Crisp, Counselling Client (September 2024)

A Therapist Who Truly Cares

“Melanie has been working with my 11-year-old daughter for some months now. She is always welcoming, compassionate, and warm, creating a space that feels safe and accepting.

My daughter feels seen and heard without judgement, and really values her sessions.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Melanie if you're looking for a therapist who is genuinely passionate about her work and deeply cares for her clients.”

Parent of Child Client (March 2023)

A Truly Unique Support for Children

“Mel makes a difference. Her training, wide experience with children from diverse backgrounds, and natural compassion make her a truly unique support.

Children thrive in therapy with Mel - they feel safe, look forward to their sessions, and are given the space to express themselves and overcome challenges.

Their wellbeing and behaviour improve, and the impact often extends to their families too.

Even staff at school would say, ‘I feel better after speaking to Mel.’

A professional, dedicated therapist committed to changing lives.”

Fiona Meek, Deputy Head & Safeguarding Lead, St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary School, Bristol