This is a 'Because' story about how I found my way to becoming a play therapist, who can provide the support you need for your child. This is also a 'Because' story about how my business Changing Leaves came into being.
Because I went to a family wedding. When I was around 16 or so I went to a family wedding and I found myself spending most of the day as a children's' entertainer for the various little ones. I had so much fun looking after the children and seemed to take naturally to it. My older sister noticed how happy I was and how well the children had all taken to me and suggested I should do something working with children for a living, perhaps I could become a teacher.
Because of this idea a new passion and interest was sparked in me and it was a very easy decision to make to go to university to study Childhood Studies at Nottingham Trent University.
Because I went on a school placement. As I was nearing the end of my degree I was considering my options for further study or starting work. I had already been questioning whether a classroom learning environment would be one which suited me, and so throughout my placement in a primary school, I carefully observed the learning taking place. I wondered if there could be more room for elements of play to help support the children.
Because I learned about diverse counselling types. One of the lectures I attended in my third year was about different forms of counselling. This lightly touched on something called 'play therapy' and I became very interested in finding out more. I even decided to base my dissertation on the topic.
Because of the research I did for my dissertation. I learned about a training provider called Play Therapy UK and I contacted them for more information. However, their rules are that you must be 25-years old and over to attended the training and I was only 21. I was still very determined to work with children to help them grow and develop into happy, healthy people, so I became a teaching assistant.
Because of the children I encountered in schools. Whilst I was a teaching assistant, I wondered about how play therapy could help some of the students and I spoke with the school about my ambition to became a play therapist. The school also saw the potential of play therapy and we worked together to set up my attendance at the Play Therapy Diploma Summer School in France.
Because I qualified in 2020 during the COVID Pandemic. During the lockdowns I started creating my business Changing Leaves Play Therapy. I chose the name 'Changing Leaves' because I've always felt that trees have so much more to offer us than just shelter and food. They show us how we can lose everything and still come back stronger, as they do every winter. They go through phases throughout the seasons and trust they will keep growing. They communicate to each other through chemicals in the air to let other trees know if they are under attack by mould, disease and creatures, and tell each other they need to protect themselves. This sort of network and kindness in a community is what underpins my approach to child therapy. As adults we act as a support system around the child helping them to develop and grow with resilience as a key goal.
Because when children engage in play therapy, they will change for the better. A child's world view, personal view and understanding of their experiences can change through play therapy in a way which mirrors the trees around us.
Because the need for support was significant during the pandemic. During this time, I was keen to help the children and families seeking play therapy and I started working with children whilst wearing a face mask. Gradually, as restrictions eased my business has been able to continue going from strength to strength.
Because I believe in the power of family. My husband and I welcomed our son into the world two years ago and since I have returned to work after maternity leave, I have been working with children on Saturdays and starting to work freelance during the week.
Because being a therapist is my sole job, I am working hard to support as many children and families as I can.
Because play is the natural language of children, I will always endeavour to support children and their families.
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