Play & Fly - Play Therapy

Play & Fly - Play Therapy 1-1 psychotherapy sessions for children experiencing emotional and behavioural issues

Moments like this remind me why I love the work I do. šŸ’œRecently, at the end of a child's therapeutic journey, I was give...
01/06/2026

Moments like this remind me why I love the work I do. šŸ’œ

Recently, at the end of a child's therapeutic journey, I was given some beautiful flowers, a thoughtful card, gift and a toy to keep in the playroom.

What touched me most was not the gifts themselves, but what they represented.

The child chose to leave a toy behind for other children to play with. In many ways, it felt symbolic of the journey they have been on – leaving a small part of themselves in a space that helped them feel understood, accepted and safe. A gift to future children who may walk a similar path.

The words written in the card were incredibly moving. To hear that a child now feels safer, more able to understand their feelings, and more confident in themselves is a powerful reminder of what can happen when children are given a consistent, trusting space to express themselves through play.

Play therapy is rarely about "fixing" a child. It is about creating the conditions where healing, understanding, resilience and growth can emerge.

I feel privileged to have been part of this young person's story and grateful to the family for allowing me to walk alongside them for a while.

As always, confidentiality is paramount, so all identifying details have been removed and shared with permission.

šŸ’œ Every toy, drawing, story and moment of connection matters.

09/05/2026

Reminder for SATs Week šŸ“

As we head into SATs week, let’s take a collective deep breath. It’s easy for children (and parents!) to feel the pressure of these exams, but here is the play therapy perspective:
SATs are designed to measure school performance and teaching metrics, not the soul, spirit, or potential of your child.
A test cannot measure:
How creative they are
How kind they are to their friends
The way they light up when they talk about their hobbies
Their emotional intelligence and resilience

To the children:
You are already enough.
These papers are just a moment in time, but your sparkle is forever.

To the parents: Your job this week isn't to help them "pass" it's to help them feel safe, loved, and regulated.
Lots of play, early nights, and reminders that no matter what happens on that paper, they are amazing.
Good luck to all the Year 2s and Year 6s! You’ve got this.ā¤ļø



12/04/2026

Love this from Lisa Dion, Synergetic Play Therapy.
Remembering, to be kind to ourselves and know we are not perfect but care. ā¤ļø

The Invitation: Aim for Human, Not Perfect šŸ’œ There’s something I’ve noticed over the years about therapists…

We hold the bar really, really high for ourselves.
šŸ”¹ We pressure ourselves to know it all.
šŸ”¹ We expect ourselves to always do it right.
šŸ”¹ We carry the weight of showing up in a particular way—flawless, steady, in control.

But here’s the reality—we’re human.

And life happens.

Some days, we’re more tender. More raw. More exhausted. Our inner critic speaks a little louder. Our self-doubt sneaks in a little more.

And on those days, that impossible bar we set for ourselves becomes even heavier.

Can We Give Ourselves Permission to Be Human?

What if, instead of holding ourselves to an unachievable standard, we lowered the bar—not in a way that dismisses our accountability, but in a way that honors our humanness?

🌿 What if it’s okay to show up with a little less energy?
🌿 What if it’s okay to not have all the answers?
🌿 What if it’s okay to be fully ourselves, as we are, in any given moment?

Modeling Self-Compassion for Our Clients

Here’s the other beautiful truth—our clients struggle with this, too.

They also set impossible standards for themselves. They also believe they have to be more, do more, or know more in order to be ā€œenough.ā€

And when they sit across from a therapist who is allowing themselves to be fully human—not performing perfection, but embracing their own imperfections—it gives them permission to do the same.

✨ Our willingness to be real teaches them that real is enough. ✨

The Invitation: Let’s Aim for Human, Not Perfect

So next time you hear yourself thinking, I should be more like this… I should know more… I should do this better…—pause.

šŸ’” Can you weave in a little more grace?
šŸ’” Can you soften the expectation just a little?
šŸ’” Can you give yourself permission to show up as you are, rather than who you think you should be?

Because in the end, perfection isn’t what connects us.

Our humanness is.

22/02/2026
22/02/2026

I got over 10 reactions on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! šŸŽ‰

03/02/2026

Happy Play Therapy Week! 🧸✨
From February 1st–7th, we’re celebrating the fact that for children, play is their work and toys are their words.
Play therapy provides a safe space for children to express what they might not have the vocabulary for yet. Whether it’s through puppets, sand trays, or art, play helps bridge the gap between big feelings and healing.
Join us this week in honoring the incredible Play Therapy UK (PTUK) professionals and the power of play to help our littlest ones find their voices! šŸŽØšŸ§©
Here if anyone needs advice or support

As we step into a new year, I just want to remind you that you don’t have to do it alone. Whether your child is struggli...
31/12/2025

As we step into a new year, I just want to remind you that you don’t have to do it alone. Whether your child is struggling, your family feels overwhelmed, or you’re simply looking for support, I’m here to help. Wishing you a year filled with growth, healing, and moments of hope.

13/10/2025

ā€œThe sandtray becomes a safe world — where what is hidden finds its way into the light.ā€
— Inspired by Dora M. Kalff

ā¤ļø

13/10/2025

🌿 A gentle space for children to grow through play 🌿

In my play therapy practice, I’ve seen how play can open doors words sometimes can’t. Through play, children find their voice, process big feelings, and begin to heal in their own unique way. šŸ’›

My goal is to create a safe, caring space where kids can just be themselves — exploring, expressing, and discovering their inner strength at their own pace.

If you’ve noticed your child struggling with emotions, anxiety, or changes at home or school, play therapy might be a beautiful way to help them feel understood and supported.

You’re always welcome to reach out — I’m happy to chat about how play therapy works and how it might help your child. 🌈

✨Today I was surprised with a thoughtful gift from one of my play therapy clients. Moments like this remind me how meani...
30/09/2025

✨Today I was surprised with a thoughtful gift from one of my play therapy clients. Moments like this remind me how meaningful the therapeutic journey can be-not just for the children and families, but for me as well šŸ’™
I’m so grateful for the trust parents and children place in me. Every session is a privilege, and little gestures like this make the work even more special 🌈

Address

21 Union Street, Ramsbottom
Bury
BL09AN

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3pm
Tuesday 8am - 3pm
Wednesday 8am - 3pm
Friday 7am - 4pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Play & Fly - Play Therapy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Play & Fly - Play Therapy:

Shortcuts

Share