All About Sophie

Hello!

My journey into therapeutic work began through creativity.

From a young age I was drawn to drama, storytelling, music and movement, fascinated by the way creativity allows people to express themselves in ways that words sometimes cannot. This passion led me to study Creative Expressive Therapies at the University of Derby, where I developed a deep interest in children's emotional wellbeing and the healing potential of creative expression.

Following university, I spent more than ten years working with children and young people across mainstream education, specialist settings, alternative provision, outreach services and the voluntary sector. Throughout these roles, I supported children experiencing a wide range of social, emotional and behavioural challenges, while working closely with families, schools and multi-agency professionals.

Although these experiences were incredibly rewarding, I increasingly found myself drawn to the emotional needs beneath children's behaviour. I wanted to move beyond managing difficulties and instead offer children a space where they felt deeply understood. This led me to retrain as a Play Therapist with Play Therapy UK.

Alongside my private practice, I continue to work therapeutically with children and families affected by domestic abuse through Bury St Edmunds Women's Aid. This work continually reminds me of the remarkable resilience children possess when they are offered safety, consistency and compassionate relationships.

It is a genuine privilege to be invited into a child's world through play, and I remain committed to providing thoughtful, ethical and compassionate therapeutic support for every child and family I work alongside.

"Sophie is a warm, compassionate and highly professional Play Therapist who has a natural ability to build trusting relationships with children. She creates a calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and understood. I have every confidence that she will make a positive difference to the lives of the children and families she supports."

— SENCo

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy (PTUK/APAC), University of Chichester

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play (PTUK/APAC), Leeds Beckett University

  • BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies, University of Derby

  • Professional Registration

  • Registered Play Therapist – Play Therapy UK (PTUK)

  • Accredited Register Member – Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

  • Enhanced DBS Certificate (Update Service)

  • Fully Insured

  • ICO Registered

  • Regular Clinical Supervision in accordance with PTUK professional standards

Professional Qualifications & Registrations
Additional Training & Qualifications

  • Developmental Trauma (Beacon House)

  • Working with Traumatised Children (Dr Margot Sunderland)

  • The Listening Stone® Programme

  • Drawing and Talking Practitioner (Foundation & Advanced)

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • Domestic Abuse Champion

  • Solution Focused Practice

  • Understanding Autism (Level 2)

  • Knowledge and Understanding Framework (KUF)

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Extensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Training