Hello and Welcome to Playing To Be! My name is Patricia, and I am a qualified Play Therapist.

Playing To Be is a Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for children age 4-13 in the Skipton, Yorkshire Dales, Keighley, Colne and Ilkley areas.

If your child is experiencing a difficult time and you are not sure what to do, then Play Therapy might help. Play Therapy is a form of psychotherapy and is an evidence based approach.

It is through the relationship with the therapist and the medium of play that the child works through their difficulties. Within this safe and confidential space the child will feel empowered to be who they authentically are. Over time, skills mastered in the play room (such as emotional regulation and increased self-awareness) will improve the child’s sense of wellbeing, often improving life at home and at school as a result.

Play Therapy can help a child reach their full potential.

Schools and classrooms can be a challenging environment for some children, making learning difficult. If a child is underperforming academically or needs extra support, existing school resources and experienced staff are often able to help. However, sometimes more time, support and specialist knowledge is needed to help the child with their problems and gain full access to the learning available to them. Play Therapy can help a child to work through deep-seated issues, resolve them and gain emotional control over them. Once a child is more settled within themselves and has become more integrated, their academic performance usually improves too.

I mainly work within school settings. If suitable, sessions can also be offered within your home, my home, or a rented space. I welcome private parent/carer as well as school and social care referrals. Please contact me for further information or to arrange an informal chat.