About Eleanor
Lion and Bear Play Therapy
Eleanor is a dedicated child therapist, with a passion for helping young minds navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. Drawing on years of experience, specialised training and a compassionate approach, she provides a safe, confidential space for children to express themselves. Eleanor believes in the power of play therapy and personalised strategies to promote resilience and growth. Her commitment to each child's unique path makes her a trusted ally for families seeking guidance and support.
Child Therapy Services
Play Therapy helps the child to:
Understand relationships.
Experience and identify emotions.
Act out troublesome issues.
Practise roles.
Explore situations.
Learn, relax, have fun.
Develop physical skills.
Find out what is “me” and “not me”.
The therapeutic experience is:
Non Judgmental
Non Directive
Non Interpretative
Working in Schools
I primarily offer play therapy in schools, supporting students facing challenges both at home and within the school environment. Services are typically funded by schools or available through individual pupil funding.
Private Sessions
I am also able to offer private play therapy sessions outside of school, with a minimum of 12 sessions recommended, though additional sessions may be beneficial.
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So what are the costs involved?
If my services are provided through your child's school, the cost will be covered by the school or your child's individual funding, if available. For private sessions the fee is £45 per 40 minute session.
What will I get for my money?
The equipment offered during each session would be:
· A sand tray with dry sand and if there is room another tray with wet sand,
· A selection of symbols that will enable the child to create any story in the sand tray, on the floor or table,
· Puppets,
· Clay,
· Art & drawing materials – paints, glue and glitter, collage etc.
· Small world play equipment like dolls houses, garage, fort etc.
· Movement equipment,
· Musical instruments,
· Dolls and caring equipment.
Benefits of Therapy
Empowering young minds
Enhanced emotional growth
•Play therapy aids the different parts of the brain in working together.
•As children play they create new neural pathways leading to the ability to gain new thought patterns.
•This brain plasticity allows for positive changes.
•Play also increases the release of opioids and oxytocin which leads to a reduction in stress and aggression and an increase in feelings of safety and well being.
Improved school performance
•Play Therapy is a type of therapy where play and art materials are used as the main way for people to express themselves (PTUK, 2022).
•The purpose of play therapy in schools is to help the children benefit from teaching (PTUK, 2022).
The PTUK Approach
PTUK use an Integrative Holistic model of Play Therapy. They introduced this in 2002. It is validated by the PTUK clinical evidence base. This model incorporates the therapeutic use of a vast range of creative arts media, this is referred to as the Play Therapy Tool-Kit. It aims to work with the unconscious as well as conscious processes by using non-directive and directive approaches and integrating research with practice.
PTUK have grown to be the largest and most progressive Play Therapy professional organisation in the UK through their high standards and programme of continual innovation.
Healthy development
These are some of the benefits of therapeutic play identified by KENT teaching staff (PTUK, 2022):
•Participation in group work
•Communication with others
•Listening skills
•Concentration on work
•Reduction in exclusions
•Improved attendance rates