How does children's therapy work?
Play Therapy with Gillian
When she’s not writing therapeutic storybooks, Gillian is a qualified and experienced children’s therapist, providing play and creative arts therapy sessions for young people.
While the Emotions at Play books are designed to be a “therapist in your pocket,” offering playful tools for emotional support at home, sometimes children need a little more—a gentle, helping hand from a trained professional to guide them through their feelings and experiences.
These sessions create a warm, supportive space for children to explore emotions, build confidence, and feel truly heard—using the language of play and creativity.
Children's therapy doesn’t rely on sitting and talking like adult therapy might. Instead, it allows children to express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable for them. Play therapy is a child-friendly form of counselling that uses creativity and play as a form of communication.
Therapists may incorporate a range of creative approaches, such as imaginative play, sand tray, art, storytelling, music, games, role play, and creative projects like comic-making or collage, all tailored to the child’s interests. As therapy progresses, there is space for gentle, age-appropriate psychoeducation and self-reflection to support wellbeing, but all sessions remain playful at heart and led by the young person.
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A play therapist has undertaken extensive academic and clinical training to support children in exploring their inner world at their own pace. During a session, children begin to recognise and make sense of their emotions, allowing for emotional growth and a deeper understanding.
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Therapy can help with:
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Anxiety, low mood or low self-esteem
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Emotional regulation and outbursts
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Grief, loss or big life changes
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Trauma and difficult past experiences
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Challenges with friendships, school, or identity
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Each session is held in a confidential and welcoming space, where the child is accepted just as they are. While sessions are private, parents and carers are always part of the wider process—we’ll work together to support your child’s emotional growth and well-being.
Through play and creativity, children learn to understand their feelings, find new ways to cope, and feel more confident navigating the world around them.
About Gillian
Gillian is a warm, creative, and experienced children’s therapist with a strong belief in the healing power of play. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play, and a BA (Hons) in Combined Psychology and Art.
Gillian takes an integrative therapeutic approach, and has further training in attachment-focused work, including therapeutic life story work, DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy), therapeutic parenting and extensive experience, supporting families via private practice, schools based services, charities, digital spaces and specialist organisations. She offers both in-person and online support—including creative therapy and therapeutic parenting sessions.
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Gillian is known for her playful, calming presence and ability to help children feel safe and understood. Through both therapy and her Emotions at Play books, she supports families to explore feelings, build connection, and grow together.
Gillian is a registered member of the BACP and engages in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure her work remains ethical, effective, and responsive to each child’s unique needs.
Make a therapy enquiry
Appointments available at locations across West & North Yorkshire and within a creative online space.
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Fees range from £55- £60 per session based on location.
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MBACP Registered member 392396