From a Bud of an Idea to a Blooming Business: My Journey into Setting up my Own Practice

I qualified as a children and families social worker in 2002.  I quickly realised that what I enjoyed most was the direct work with the children and their families, where I felt I could get to know them and find out what was really going to make a difference in their lives.  Unfortunately a large amount of time is needed for report writing and meetings, and after a few years I was managing a team, therefore able to engage in very little direct work.  So I made the decision to find a more therapeutic path.  

I had already undertaken a Theraplay training course.  Theraplay is an attachment based play therapy that focuses on building the relationship between the child/young person and their care giver.  I fell in love with this work and was lucky enough to be offered an internship by one of the Theraplay trainers, at The Theraplay Institute based in Chicago.  

Myself and my husband were ready for adventure so we went for it!  Sadly visa issues meant work in the US would be tricky so we rediverted to Canada and a wonderful private play therapy practice run by the Director of The Canadian Association of Play Therapy, Lorie Walton.    I worked as an intern for the next two years and during this time built up my hours and attended the courses to become a Certified Theraplay Therapist as well as Certified Play Therapist.  

After two years it was time to return to family, old buildings & narrow lanes!  

Back in Kent I worked as a Therapist / Social Worker at a private fostering agency and then at Barnardo's Chilston Service in Tunbridge Wells (a service that specialised in working with children who had displayed harmful sexual behaviour).  

I also provided Theraplay for private clients and adoptive families, with funding from Local Authority Adoption Teams, going into families homes to provide this support.   As well as carrying out training on Theraplay courses.

Over the years my husband suggested I set up on my own, an idea I dismissed until a cold yet bright and sunny walk with my 6 year old daughter, 10 years after our return  in 2019.  "Mummy, why don't you set up your work in the house at the bottom of the garden.  I could help with cups of teas and ...", and that was it.  I bit the bullet, or more accurately, I hired a digger!  We dug a pathway to the shed, which we then transformed into a warm, welcoming therapy space — my very own room for healing and growth.   The best work decision I've ever made.  Thanks for the push, E!  

Building this business has reminded me that even the most daunting dreams can grow into something beautiful.
I am proud of what I have built. And I look forward to continuing this journey — helping children and families bloom for many years to come.

—
Thank you for being here. Whether you're a fellow parent, a potential client, or someone curious about play therapy.