“Enter into children’s play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
— Virginia Axline
Sanctuary Play Therapy
Creative Counselling & Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents and Families
Play therapy is a type of counselling or pscyhotherapy for children and young people that helps them express their feelings, make sense of their experiences, and find pathways to healing, all through their natural language of play.
For many children, verbal communication may not be the most comfortable or accessible way to process emotions. In play therapy, toys become their words and play becomes their voice. A trained play therapist attunes to the child’s cues and follows their lead, creating a safe, predictable space where trust can grow and emotions can be explored without pressure.
Play Therapy uses a trauma-informed and neuroscience-affirming approach. This means we understand how early experiences shape the developing brain, and we work gently with the nervous system — not against it. We honour each child’s unique way of being in the world and offer support that is paced, respectful, and grounded in the latest understanding of how children grow, connect, and heal.
Meet Bryony - Play Therapist - Surrey
Hi, I’m Bryony, a qualified Play Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children and families. I hold a Master’s degree in Play Therapy from the University of Roehampton and am registered with The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT). I am deeply passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space where healing, growth, and connection can flourish.
I take a neuro-inclusive and child-centred approach, which means I adapt each session to meet the unique needs of the child in the room. I have experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), ADHD, Dyslexia, and other neurodivergent profiles, always working in a way that honours each child's way of being in the world.
Play therapy can be beneficial for children and adolescents navigating a wide range of challenges — including trauma, anxiety, bereavement, parental seperation, low self-esteem, social difficulties, or simply feeling overwhelmed by big emotions. I also offer support for parents, carers, and families, grounded in child development theory, attachment principles, and trauma-informed neurodevelopmental practice.
I believe in walking alongside young people as they navigate the bumps in the road, helping them build confidence, strengthen relationships, and grow into themselves with safety and trust.
Services
How I Work
I offer gentle, child-led one-to-one or group play therapy sessions for children and adolescents in the North Surrey area. I cover a wide area including (but not limited to) Weybridge, Walton, Chertsey, West Byfleet, Woking, Guildford, Addlestone, Esher, Walton-on-Thames and the surrounding communities.
I am currently operating as a mobile therapist, meaning I am able to provide sessions within a child’s school setting. This can make therapy more accessible and supportive for both the child and the school environment. I also offer group therapy sessions in schools, as well as teacher training to help staff feel more confident in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
If you are considering therapy for your child, we will begin with a free 15-minute consultation by phone or Zoom. This is an opportunity for us to talk through your family’s needs, explore the challenges you are facing, and think together about the best way forward. Sometimes, just a few small shifts can make a big difference, helping you feel more confident and supported in responding to your child’s emotional needs or challenging behaviours. Together, we look at ways to nurture connection, understanding, and co-regulation at home.
If we agree therapy is the best way forward, it is typically offered for a minimum of 12 weekly sessions (one school term), as building trust and creating a sense of safety takes time. Before we begin, I take a full developmental history to help me understand the whole picture, your child’s experiences, relationships, and needs. During the therapy process, I also meet with parents or carers every 6–8 weeks to share reflections, offer support, and ensure we’re working together in the best interests of your child.
If you would like to book a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your needs, please email or call me using the details under the contact tab.
