Hello, and welcome to Creative Minds Play Therapy.

My name is Ciara Rossiter, and I am a qualified Play Therapist and experienced early years educator with over 16 years of experience supporting children and families across a variety of early years and therapeutic settings.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children of all ages, supporting their emotional wellbeing, social development, and learning needs. My background in early years education has given me a deep understanding of child development and the challenges that children can face both at home and within school environments. Over the years, I have seen first-hand how emotional difficulties can impact a child's confidence, relationships, behaviour, and ability to engage fully with the world around them.

This passion for supporting children's emotional wellbeing led me to train as a play therapist.

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Why I Became a Play Therapist

As an early years educator, I often worked with children who found it difficult to express their feelings through words alone. I saw children struggling with anxiety, loss, family changes, friendships, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. While many of these children were capable, and resilient, they needed a safe space where they could process their experiences in a way that felt natural to them.

Play therapy offers children exactly that.

Children communicate through play in the same way that adults communicate through conversation. Through play, creativity, storytelling, art, and imagination, children can explore feelings, experiences, and challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

Becoming a play therapist allowed me to combine my experience in education with my passion for helping children build emotional resilience, confidence, and self-understanding. It is a privilege to walk alongside children and families during difficult times and to support positive emotional growth and healing.

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My Qualifications and Professional Memberships

I am a qualified play therapist and maintain ongoing professional development to ensure I provide the highest standard of therapeutic support.

My professional qualifications and memberships include:

• Qualified Play Therapist

• Registered member of PTUK (Play Therapy UK)

• Adherent to PTUK's Ethical Framework and Professional Standards

• Fully insured

• Enhanced DBS checked

• Regular clinical supervision

• Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

I am committed to providing a safe, ethical, and child-centred service for every child and family I work with.

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My Therapeutic Approach

My approach is warm, compassionate, and child-centred.

I believe that every child has an innate capacity for growth, healing, and resilience when provided with a safe, accepting, and supportive environment. Within the therapeutic relationship, children are free to explore their feelings, experiences, and challenges at their own pace.

I draw upon evidence-based play therapy approaches while tailoring each intervention to meet the unique needs of the child. I work collaboratively with parents, carers, schools, and other professionals to ensure children receive consistent and holistic support.

Above all, I strive to create a space where children feel seen, heard, valued, and understood.

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Supporting Children and Families

I understand that seeking support for your child can feel overwhelming. My aim is to make the process as welcoming and supportive as possible for both children and parents.

Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, low confidence, bereavement, family change, school-related challenges, or simply needs additional emotional support, I am here to support.

If you would like to discuss your child's needs or learn more about how play therapy may help, please feel free to get in touch. I would be delighted to hear from you.

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How Play Therapy Helps

Using a variety of therapeutic play materials, creative activities, storytelling, art, and imaginative play, children can express feelings that they may not yet have the words to describe. Through the therapeutic relationship, children develop emotional awareness, resilience, confidence, and healthy coping strategies.

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The Therapeutic Process

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The journey begins with an initial consultation with parents or carers to discuss your child's needs and determine whether play therapy is the most appropriate support. Sessions are typically held weekly and are tailored to meet each child's individual needs.

Play therapy is a gradual process that allows children to build trust, feel safe, and explore their experiences at their own pace. Every child's journey is unique, and progress is regularly reviewed throughout the intervention.

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Confidentiality

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Creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment is essential. What a child shares during sessions remains confidential, except where there are concerns about the child's safety or the safety of others. This confidentiality helps children feel secure and supports honest emotional expression.

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Parent Reviews and Support

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Parents and carers play an important role in the therapeutic process. Regular review meetings provide opportunities to discuss progress, share observations, and explore ways to support your child's emotional wellbeing at home. These meetings ensure that therapy remains collaborative while respecting the child's therapeutic space.

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How Long Does Play Therapy Last?

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The length of intervention varies depending on the individual needs of the child. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may require a longer therapeutic process. Recommendations are made following assessment and reviewed regularly throughout the intervention.

Play therapy can support children experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, bereavement, family change, low self-esteem, social challenges, trauma, and many other emotional and behavioural difficulties. By providing a safe space to explore their inner world, children can develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing needed to thrive.