Heidi Sheppard

I am a qualified play therapist and work with children and young people either individually or in small groups.

I always knew that I would become a play therapist but I also knew that I needed to experience extensive work with children and young people before I could do this. My early career enabled me to gain an in depth knowledge and understanding through my work in private and state settings, with mainstream children and with children with special educational needs and learning difficulties. I also taught early years practitioners and teaching assistants.  Every step towards my goal was a privilege and enabled me to learn and develop.

What is play therapy?

Most of the time when adults face a difficulty, they use spoken language to help them make sense of their situation.  Although children also need to talk about their concerns, they prefer to use the language of play.

Play Therapy provides a confidential, safe place for children to use play to help them work through things that are bothering them, and to make sense of their life experiences.

Play Therapy aims to empower children by helping them to acknowledge their feelings in a constructive way and give them strategies for coping with the difficulties they face.

Play Therapy can help reduce anxiety and improve a child’s self-esteem. Though this can take time, a child may feel more confident to make positive changes in their life.

My role is to build a trusting relationship with the child, showing them a consistent warmth, empathy and respect.  I interact with them in their play, following their lead and helping them to make sense of their world.

Who is play therapy for?

Play Therapy is suitable for children aged from 3 years whose behaviour indicates that they are struggling in their lives.

This may show itself in the following:

• Has behavioural or communication delays or difficulties.
• Is not realising their full potential – academically or socially
• Has suffered trauma
• Is adopted or fostered
• Suffers from anxiety, stress or phobias
• Has suffered loss or bereavement
• Has extreme mood swings or inappropriate emotional responses
• Has difficulties forming relationships
• Is aggressive or withdrawn

This list is of course not exhaustive and I am happy to discuss individual concerns.

I am a member of PTUK (Play Therapy UK) and work according to their Ethical Framework.

I have regular clinical supervision and hold a current DBS.