Helping children to reach their full potential

Growing up is tough and often children need a little bit of help.


Most children and young people will struggle with their mental health at some point. As a parent it can be difficult to know what to do or how to support them. 


As an accredited play therapist I can help. 


I support many children on a weekly basis from my therapy space in the lovely village of Bromley Cross, Bolton. If you are a parent seeking support for your child I welcome you to get in touch if you have any questions.


Get in touch

CONTACT US

We’d love to hear from you.
Just choose the most convenient method and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

469 Darwen Road

Bromley Cross,

Bolton.

BL7 9DZ

r_dootsontherapy@hotmail.com

Contact us

Robyn Dootson

Accredited Play Therapist

Throughout my studies and subsequent career as an accredited Play Therapist I have helped children with a range of complex needs and have gained knowledge and experience in all areas of play therapy, developing a particular interest in traumatic grief.


During sessions I offer a non-judgmental space to help each child lead the way and enter upon a journey of healing and discovery using the play room and mediums that are most pertinent to them. Through the creation of a warm therapeutic relationship children are able to make sense of their internal conflicts, feelings and accompanying reactions in order to build and strengthen their ability to handle any situation helping them in many aspects of their lives. It is both and honor and pleasure to witness the transformation of each child once they realise that they are not only able to reach their full potential socially and academically but are capable of just about anything they put their minds to!!


As a professional member of PTUK my work is underpinned by their code of ethics and ethical framework in order to keep both myself and the children that enter my play room safe and free from harm. Their standards ensure that the therapy I provide is of the highest quality and most importantly has the child’s needs and welfare firmly at the centre of each session.

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • What is Play Therapy?

    Play therapy utilises a child’s first language of play and metaphor to help explore their inner world.


    It is a developmentally sensitive approach that enables children to re-enact or play out their life experiences to bring about understanding and change. Sometimes children experience problems with behaviour and feelings that cause a disruption in their lives and limit their ability to fulfil their full potential. Play Therapy helps children to understand confusing and upsetting events and feelings they haven’t yet had the opportunity to face.

  • How does Play Therapy work?

    A play therapist is trained in many areas such as child development, trauma and attachment and will communicate with your child through play in a developmentally sensitive manner.


    Play therapy facilitates healing through the creation of a therapeutic relationship to allow your child to be seen, heard, and accepted as they are. This type of trusting therapeutic environment is crucial to allow your child to feel safe, comfortable and understood.

  • What will happen in my child’s Play Therapy sessions?

    Your child will have access to a large selection of mediums knows as the Tool Kit. This includes craft materials, sand, dressing up, puppets, creative visualisations and stories. 


    A play therapist uses these tools and metaphor to communicate with your child using their natural form of communication and expression in a safe and secure manner to allow your child self exploration and mastery.

  • Who can benefit from Play Therapy?

    Play therapy is useful for any child that isn’t currently reaching their full potential socially, emotionally, or academically. This can be down to a range of factors and experiences including:

    • Trauma
    • Loss/Bereavement
    • Behavioural Difficulties
    • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
    • Bullying
    • Abuse
    • Anxiety
    • Parental Separation
    • Emotional Difficulties
    • Intrusive Thoughts
    • Peer Relationship

  • What are the proven benefits of Play Therapy?

    Giving your child a free space to explore their inner world has been proved to help them;

    • Develop problem solving skills
    • Learn to experience and express emotions
    • Build resilience, confidence and self esteem
    • Process trauma
    • Develop respect for others and the self
    • Cultivate empathy and respect for others

  • How many sessions will my Child need?

    Typically, the length of a play therapy episode is dependent on the initial assessment conversations and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire scores. After a few sessions of getting to know your child I will advise you on how many sessions I believe your child will need. However, the number of sessions initially advised is flexible dependant on a review period at 8-10 sessions. Here your child’s needs will be discussed, and the number of sessions will be revisited to ensure that the episode length is adequate to allow the hope for therapeutic outcomes to be suitably targeted.


    A short term episode is 12 sessions in length, anything more is considered long term.


    Some children respond to short term interventions, however if problems are persistent or have been evident for a long time a longer term intervention will be required.


    Sessions are once a week at the same time on the same day to foster an element of security around the episode. Interruptions and unplanned missed sessions may disrupt the therapeutic process and subsequent progress.

  • Confidentiality

    Information that you share is treated as confidential. Information shared with other professionals will be done so with your consent and with the best interests of your child and you at the centre of every decision.


    I will remain in contact with you to discuss any changes you witness at home throughout your child’s episode. To maintain confidentiality, I will not disclose specific details of sessions themselves. Themes and anything essential for you to know in the best interests of your child’s welfare will be shared. This is to maintain the trust of your child. Your child will know this but will also be aware that should they like to share the contents of their sessions with you as his/her parent then this is their choice.