"The changes in my son since starting play therapy are almost unbelievable. I never thought he would communicate in any way other than through expressing upset, hurting himself or others in frustration, or laughing sometimes seemingly for no reason. It has been transformative how he is beginning to express his emotions and engage in not only parallel play but also initiate play, games and even imaginative play. I cannot thank Joy enough for her patience, expertise and time. Joy has begun to change my son’s life, and meltdowns are now seldom as his ability to communicate verbally has begun. I hope this is just the beginning of my son’s realisation that two-way communication is beneficial, and that he continues to build on his ability to communicate effectively with a growing vocabulary.”

"This play therapy experience has been a beautiful journey for my 10 year old son who is autistic, Trusting others is something he struggles with deeply, but Joy met him with total acceptance. She never tried to change him, she just let him be himself, and he grew to trust her completely. In this safe haven, his confidence blossomed. Today, he is so much calmer and can express his emotions a lot better. Thank you for seeing my son for him , valuing him, and helping him thrive. Joy also provided myself with support, advice & different techniques on how to help my son at home, she even helped with how we would make my son aware that he has autism, we as a family will be forever grateful for everything Joy has done.”

"Joy was a bit of a godsend for us, she helped my daughter a lot by helping her gain confidence. She had a lot of separation anxiety and always needed me in the room with her, and found going to school very difficult, and by the time she had finished with Joy, she was getting out of the car and calling at the door of the centre independently, just giving me a wave when she was in. She also started going in through the front door at school without delay, whereas previously it had taken 15 minutes of shouting and crying at the classroom door. She also helped me massively by offering gentle insightful advice and support to help us navigate the challenges of parenting. But her help was always very respectful, kind and supportive. She really was an absolute Joy to have in our lives"

"My sons P1 teacher had recommended play therapy to me and he started at the beginning of P2. A formed a great bond with Joy and looked forward to his play therapy sessions each week. Always asking me "was it a Joy Day today". He was disappointed when I said "no not today son".  One of the biggest changes, was his confidence growing. Joy created a warm environment where he felt safe. Play therapy has done my son wonders. The feedback was second to none I am very grateful of the work, support and care and it is much appreciated"

“A formed a lovely bond with Joy and genuinely looked forward to her play therapy sessions. As a parent, one of the biggest changes I noticed was that she became much better at recognising and communicating her emotions rather than acting them out. At home, we saw a reduction in challenging behaviours, and her increased maturity in both her friendships and family relationships has been really noticeable. Joy created a warm, trusting environment where A felt safe, and I believe that relationship was fundamental to the progress she made. I truly believe play therapy had a positive impact on A’s emotional development, and I’m very grateful for the care, patience and support Joy showed her throughout the process.”

“My daughter absolutely loved her play therapy sessions with Joy, and I feel that she really benefited from them. I have noticed an improvement in H’s imaginative play in the past six months or so. I have also noticed that she seems to be finding ways to cope with regulation better on her own. ”

The testimonials above were shared by parents and carers of children Joy supported in school and other service settings. They describe individual experiences and are not a promise or guarantee of results. Every child is different, and their experience of play therapy will be unique.