About

A Little About Me…

I am Bettina, a child therapist accredited by Play Therapy UK (PTUK). I live in Fleet with my family and I am a proud mother of two boys. Being a parent has given me a deep understanding of the joys, challenges and everyday moments that shape a child’s world.

Through both my professional and personal experience, I have gained insight into the unique needs and strengths of each child, including those who are neurodivergent or facing emotional, social or behavioural challenges. I am passionate about creating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where children feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

As a therapist and a mother, I am committed to helping children build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, while supporting families with guidance and understanding tailored to their child’s individual journey. My goal is to empower children to thrive at their own pace, in their own way.

My Experience

I have many years of experience supporting children emotionally and educationally, having worked as a Family Support Worker, Learning Support Assistant, and After School Supervisor. In these roles, I supported children with a wide range of needs, including ADHD, autism, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties and social challenges. I provided one-to-one support, small group activities, and practical strategies to help children express themselves, develop coping skills and build confidence and resilience.

I worked closely with teachers, school staff, and families, believing that good communication and collaboration are key to helping children thrive. I have always approached my work with warmth, empathy and a genuine passion for supporting children, ensuring that each child feels understood, safe and valued.

These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my approach as a Play Therapist, giving me a deep understanding of children’s emotional and developmental needs. They have also reinforced my belief in the power of nurturing, child-led support and in creating spaces where children can be heard, feel safe and grow at their own pace.

My Qualifications

Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Certificate

Beacon House Trauma-Informed Practice Certificate

Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy – PTUK/APAC, Chichester University

Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills – PTUK/APAC, Leeds Beckett University

BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies, First Class – St Mary’s University

FdSc Psychology and Counselling – St Mary’s University

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care – West Thames College

These qualifications, combined with my professional experience, provide me with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding to support children’s emotional wellbeing through evidence-based, compassionate, and child-centred Play Therapy.

Membership and Professional Standards

I am a member of Play Therapy UK (PTUK), the professional governing body and standards authority for Play Therapists in the UK. PTUK sets high standards for practice, ethics and professional conduct, ensuring that children and families receive safe, effective, and evidence-based therapeutic support.

Being a PTUK-accredited therapist means that I adhere to rigorous professional requirements, including:

Ongoing professional supervision – I regularly meet with experienced supervisors to reflect on my practice, ensure high-quality care, and continuously develop my skills.

Ethical practice – I follow PTUK’s code of ethics, prioritising the best interests of the child in all aspects of therapy.

Continued professional development (CPD) – I engage in ongoing learning to keep up to date with the latest research, methods and approaches in Play Therapy.

Safeguarding and child protection – PTUK membership requires strict adherence to safeguarding procedures to ensure that children are safe and supported.

Membership of PTUK demonstrates my commitment to professional integrity, accountability, and high standards of care. It ensures that families can feel confident that their child is receiving therapy from a trained, qualified, and ethically responsible professional.

For more information about PTUK and its professional standards, you can visit their website here.