Play Therapist
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul” Friedrich Frobel
My name is Steph Smout and I am a Certified Play Therapist. I have provided therapeutic support within Educational and Social Care settings since 2015 and have over 15 years’ experience working with children and their families.
I am a member of Play Therapy UK (PTUK), following their code of ethics and having regular clinical supervision to ensure safe practice. I am fully compliant on the PTUK Register, regulated under the UK Government’s Professional Standards Agency (PSA).
For prices and further information please contact me on Stephsmout@gmail.com
Services I provide include:
What is play therapy?
Play therapy works particularly well with children and young people, through their natural communication of play. Adults use words - children play.
Play therapy can help children to identify, play out and resolve any issues or problems they might be having, without them needing the words for it. This is at the child’s level and pace, where they can explore their feelings in a safe and accepting environment. The therapist guides the child through the process, including how to cope with their thoughts and feelings through play. Sessions can take place in a variety of settings, including School and Children’s Centres.
What Other People Say
“Children benefit enormously from play therapy sessions with Steph Smout. She builds trust with the most complex and challenging of children and they come back from the sessions calmer and visibly more relaxed. They know they are listened to and can speak freely and they return to class more equipped to face the challenges of their day.”
Special Needs Teacher
“I’d just like to thank Steph. My son is less anxious and is more confident now.”
Parent
“Play therapy has improved outcomes for our children tremendously. Not only in allowing them to deal with emotions and equipping them with positive life skills but academically, as they return to a positive outlook on life and a skip in their step. They are happier, more settled and motivated to achieve in ALL areas of their life. Fantastic.”
SENCO
- 1:1 play therapy for children, who may be referred for a range of reasons, such as anxiety, anger, loss and bereavement, attachment and relational difficulties, ASD, ADHD and Looked After Children
- Parent – Child Attachment Play and Heart to Heart workshops – empowering parents and carers to promote healthy attachments through play
- Small therapeutic groups for specific issues, such as self-esteem, managing anxiety and developing social skills.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy works particularly well with children and young people, through their natural communication of play. Adults use words - children play.
Play therapy can help children to identify, play out and resolve any issues or problems they might be having, without them needing the words for it. This is at the child’s level and pace, where they can explore their feelings in a safe and accepting environment. The therapist guides the child through the process, including how to cope with their thoughts and feelings through play. Sessions can take place in a variety of settings, including School and Children’s Centres.
What Other People Say
“Children benefit enormously from play therapy sessions with Steph Smout. She builds trust with the most complex and challenging of children and they come back from the sessions calmer and visibly more relaxed. They know they are listened to and can speak freely and they return to class more equipped to face the challenges of their day.”
Special Needs Teacher
“I’d just like to thank Steph. My son is less anxious and is more confident now.”
Parent
“Play therapy has improved outcomes for our children tremendously. Not only in allowing them to deal with emotions and equipping them with positive life skills but academically, as they return to a positive outlook on life and a skip in their step. They are happier, more settled and motivated to achieve in ALL areas of their life. Fantastic.”
SENCO