About Emma
My Story
I’ve been a play therapist since 2012. Before that I was a primary school teacher specialising in art. I felt like something was missing from teaching and knew that I wanted to somehow focus on relationships, as that was my favourite bit of my teaching job.
After some research I found Play Therapy UK and signed up for their play therapy training. The training really changed the way I thought about children and it gave me new insight into teaching. I did both jobs for ten years, working as a teacher in Tower Hamlets and a play therapist in Newham. During this time a lot of the play therapy work I did was with children who had experienced domestic abuse, or who were on a child protection plan. I also worked with a lot of neurodivergent children who were struggling to meet the demands of day to day school life. A lot of these children were acting out in class, falling out with their friends or finding it difficult to ask for help. Some of them were finding it impossible to settle down to their learning. Play therapy really supports these children, helping them to feel calmer, speak up if something is bothering them, and giving them the confidence to bounce back after making mistakes. I also worked with parents and foster carers helping them to understand why their children behaved the way they did and supporting them.
In 2020 I became a creative clinical supervisor. I absolutely love supporting trainee and qualified play therapists and other people working with vulnerable children: this is an impactful job and sharing knowledge and supporting one another is both vital and enriching.
In 2022 I decided it was time to leave the classroom as a teacher and since then alongside my play therapy work I've worked as a play therapy course director, written INSET, parent and CPD trainings and more recently a supervision course for the School of Play and Creative Arts Therapies. I also have a book outline sitting on my hard drive that I plan to get around to sooner or later! I’ve undertaken additional training in working with Autistic people, young people and parents. When I'm not working I like to visit art galleries, go out dancing Lindy Hop or read books, but my absolute favourite pastime is probably napping!
This year I have decided that it is time to step out of the comfort zone of working within schools and to begin working in private practice. I'm now working with Heathwell in Blackheath as well as from home in Abbey Wood and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in working with me then book your free 15 minute call or get in touch via the contact form below.