Samantha Stephenson

I am an Accredited Play Therapist and DDP Informed Practitioner (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy).  I love that play therapy enables children to explore their feelings and experiences through the language they know best, play.  Play therapy is child-led; it encourages children to express what they cannot verbalise, provides a space to process and make sense of difficult life experiences, and helps children to find their voice and connect with themselves.  I endeavour to offer a supportive, caring and confidential place within the safety of the therapeutic relationship; integral for processing and healing to begin.  I strive to see the whole person, taking a systemic view, and not just the difficulties or trauma being faced.

I work as an Integrative Play Therapist, using non-directive and directive approaches.  My practice is holistic and underpinned by a variety of psychological theories.  I am also trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Level One and Two, utilising this relational and attachment-based approach to support familial relationships. 

For much of my career, I have worked with fostered and adopted children and their families.  I previously worked as a social worker, experienced in supporting children and families in local authority, charity, and school settings, including completing Life Story Work and supporting carers and adoptive parents.  I am registered with Play Therapy UK (PTUK) and Social Work England (SWE); both accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

My academic background:

Post-Graduate Diploma Play Therapy (PTUK), MA Social Work (University of East Anglia), BSc (Hons) Human Psychology (De Montfort University), Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Communication with Children (Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust).