Willow Way Therapy

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22/08/2026

When anxiety looks like behaviour

As the new term approaches, anxiety may show up not in words, but in tummy aches, broken sleep, clinginess or meltdowns over seemingly small things. For some children, it becomes a strong reluctance - or refusal - to attend school.

School refusal is not simply ’bad behaviour‘. It may be a sign that school feels unsafe, overwhelming or unmanageable.

Start with curiosity: What is school feeling like for this child right now? Listen without rushing to fix, notice patterns, and share observations between home and school. If distress persists or grows, seek support early.

When adults work together before anxiety escalates, children are more likely to feel understood, supported and able to reconnect with learning.

20/08/2026

🌱 Back to school feelings can be complicated.

Excitement and worry can exist side by side.

For some children, those worries might show up as big emotions, clinginess, tummy aches, difficulty sleeping or suddenly not wanting to go back to school.

And sometimes, there may be no obvious signs at all.

As parents, we can’t always take away the worries, but we can create a safe space for our children to talk about them- without rushing to fix or reassure.

Sometimes the most helpful thing we can say is simply:

“Whatever you’re feeling is okay. I’m here to listen.” 💛

Children learn so much from watching the adults around them.When we allow ourselves to say “I’m feeling sad today”, “Tha...
19/08/2026

Children learn so much from watching the adults around them.

When we allow ourselves to say “I’m feeling sad today”, “That made me frustrated” or “I need a little time to calm down”, we are showing children that emotions aren’t something to be ashamed of or hidden away.

We’re teaching them:

🌱 My feelings are normal.
🌱 I’m allowed to express how I feel.
🌱 I can talk about difficult emotions.
🌱 Feelings can be managed, not feared.
🌱 I don’t have to have everything figured out all the time.

In play therapy, we understand that children often communicate feelings through their play long before they have the words to explain them. Creating an environment where emotions are welcomed and accepted can help children feel safe enough to explore what’s going on beneath the surface.

Perhaps one of the most powerful things we can do as adults is model what we hope to teach. 🫶🏻

In play therapy, children often use masks and role play to step into the shoes of someone, or something, else.A superher...
18/08/2026

In play therapy, children often use masks and role play to step into the shoes of someone, or something, else.

A superhero. A monster. A princess. A villain. An animal.

Bur often, when a child is playing as something other than themselves, they may actually be exploring aspects of themselves through that character.

Perhaps the brave superhero represents a part of them that wants to feel powerful.
Perhaps the angry monster gives expression to feelings that are difficult to put into words.
Perhaps the shy character explores a part of them that feels unseen or uncertain.

Because sometimes, it can feel safer to say “the monster feels scared” than “I feel scared.”

🎭 Through play, children can explore the many different parts of who they are safely, creatively and in their own time.

❤️

17/08/2026

I am so grateful to the families who have already booked their places at my Back to School Wellbeing Workshop. I’m so looking forward to welcoming you and spending some creative time together.

Behind the scenes, preparations are well underway! ✨

I’ve been busy getting resources ready for one of the therapeutic activities we’ll be exploring on the day. I’m keeping the finished activity under wraps for now… 👀 but I can’t wait to see how each child makes it their own.

For me, the magic is often in the process, creating a safe space for children to explore feelings, express themselves creatively and discover things that can help them feel more confident and supported.

🌿 Back to School Wellbeing Workshop
👧 Ages 5–12 + parent/carer
📍 Branston, Lincoln
✨ Limited places available

If you’d like to join us, you can book via the link in the comments.

14/08/2026

As a play and creative arts therapist, one of the things I hear most at this time of year is children worrying about new teachers, friendships or returning to school. That’s exactly why I created this workshop…

Link for tickets in comments! 🫶🏻

📚✏️

13/08/2026

A little creative play this morning with my son and niece! 💛

Homemade play dough, lots of imagination and plenty of opportunities for connection, creativity and fun!

I’m currently perfecting my play dough recipe ready for my Back to School Wellbeing Workshop in a few weeks’ time. So naturally, I needed some little testers! 😄 They gave me some very honest feedback! 😬😂

There’s something so simple yet powerful about creating together. Play gives children space to explore, express themselves and simply be.

I can’t wait to share this activity with families at the workshop! 🌿✨

Sometimes “Can I show you something?” really means…“I want to connect with you.” ❤️For children, play is often their lan...
12/08/2026

Sometimes “Can I show you something?” really means…

“I want to connect with you.” ❤️

For children, play is often their language. So when they invite you into their world, try to pause, follow their lead and join them.

Those little moments can mean so much. 🫶🏻

❤️

11/08/2026

Yesterday we visited Zoo Town at London Zoo and it was so lovely watching my boys and niece become completely immersed in their play.

Despite their differences in age, they were happily role-playing together, moving between the different areas and taking on different roles. ❤️

It reminded me just how powerful role play and nurturing play can be.

In play therapy, children and young people might use role play to explore relationships, family life, caring and nurturing, worries and fears, power and control, conflict, boundaries, confidence and so much more!!

Play gives children a safe way to make sense of their experiences, better understand the world and explore feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words!

10/08/2026

A weekend walk, the sound of running water, sunshine on your face and sunflowers in full bloom.

Sometimes the simplest moments in nature give our minds the space to slow down, reset and breathe.

A little reminder that connection, calm and wellbeing can be found in the world around us. 💛

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Branston

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5am
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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