Soar Play Therapy

Offering play therapy services in and around
Sussex, East Surrey and West Kent.

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In England, it is estimated that one in eight children, aged between 5 and 19 years, have a diagnosable mental health condition (NHS Digital, 2017). That means that in every classroom there are approximately three children with a diagnosable mental health difficulty. However, many more children are struggling with issues, which do not meet a diagnostic criterion, but still impacts on their learning and happiness. 

For many children, the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic has not helped with their mental well-being.  Children have had to cope with considerable changes in the world around them, most notably at school and the ability to freely socialise and play with others.  The effects of this may be long lasting, even when Coronavirus has ended. It is now, more than ever, that children may require qualified support from a professional.

Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy designed to help children with a range of emotional and/or behavioural issues, as children use toys to process their difficulties in the same way that adults use words.  Soar Play Therapy aims to help children, by connecting to them, by understanding their world through their play and helping them to process their difficulties. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be understood and supported and to soar to their potential.

Testimonials

Amanda has worked with children across our school.

Amanda’s calm, caring and thorough approach have had a profound impact on the well-being and development of the children she has worked with. She has built trusting relationships with both children and parents, which have enabled children to work through their challenges and find themselves in a better place. 

Amanda has delivered training to our staff on attachment, the role of play therapy and, in response to COVID 19, supporting positive transitions back to school. Staff have appreciated the depth of her knowledge and understanding and the practical advice to support children.

Primary SENCO, Haywards Heath

My 5 year old son has formed a bond of trust with Amanda very quickly. He has told me she is  a very good person to tell his worries to… and has lots of great toys/games to play with!

I have seen a significant improvement in my sons confidence and ability to manage his emotions since play therapy commenced. I feel the weekly sessions are invaluable to his mental health and overall well-being going forward . 

I hold complete faith in Amanda’s abilities and commitment to my son. 

Mother, 5-year old, Handcross


It has been amazing to see the transition from an angry and anxious to resilient and confident child through the support that my son has gotten from Amanda. The safe space that Amanda has provided for him to be able to learn to effectively communicate how he is feeling with both his teacher in school and his family at home has had a significant positive impact and as a mother I am extremely grateful.

Mother, 9-year old, Haywards Heath

Amanda has really helped our pre-schooler handle his big emotions. Even after a few sessions we saw a real change and it’s lovely to see how their relationship has grown.

Mother, 4-year old, East Grinstead

From the first session, Amanda put our son at ease and he has enjoyed attending play therapy each week ever since.  Our son’s confidence is gradually improving at school and with peers, and we look forward to seeing continued growth in months to come.

Mother, 4-year old, Haywards Heath

Helped with communication and understanding of the world. I also see improvement with emotions and how they are being dealt with on a daily basis.

Mother, 10- year old, Haywards Heath

Home

Play therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. It is the opportunity which is given to the child to ‘play out’ his feelings and problems, just as, in certain types of adult therapy, an individual ‘talks out’ his difficulties.

Virginia Axline, Psychologist and author of Play Therapy 

Toys are children’s words and play is their language.

Dr Gary Landreth, Founder of the Center for Play Therapy

Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register
Academy of Play and Child Therapy
BACP Professional Standards Authority

Contact

For further details about my services, availability and inquiry, please feel free to contact me.

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