I am a qualified, PTUK registered Play Therapist, working to support children who have anxiety issues and have suffered trauma, helping them to heal and develop better emotional well-being and resilience. At the core of my principles is that children's emotional well-being and physical well-being and interwoven, and you cannot have one without the other.
I specialise in Sand tray therapy - a form of psychotherapy in which children are invited to create three-dimensional pictures and stories in sand trays using miniature objects or figures. It is an expressive, creative approach that can be non-verbal and can be used with people of all ages to enable healing.
"Sam worked with several children in our school who were struggling with understanding and regulating their emotions. She was well organised with all her own resources and cleaned up well after some very messy but fun sessions! We would definitely recommend her."
Imperial Avenue Infant School
“Sam was approachable, professional and offered an excellent service.”
K.C. Deputy Head/SENCO
Play Therapy is a child-centred therapeutic approach that uses play and creative expression as a natural way for children to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Unlike adults, children often find it difficult to put complex emotions into words. Play Therapy provides a safe, supportive space where they can express themselves through a range of creative media such as sand, art materials, storytelling, role play, and miniature figures. In this way, play becomes the child’s language, and the therapeutic relationship offers understanding and meaning.
A key aspect of Play Therapy is its strong connection to the creative arts. Children are encouraged to explore and create using materials such as paint, clay, music, movement, and imaginative play. These creative processes allow children to express emotions symbolically and at their own pace, without pressure to explain or justify what they are feeling. Through this form of expression, children can begin to process experiences, develop self-awareness, and explore new ways of coping with challenges.
The therapist’s role is to provide a consistent, accepting, and non-judgemental environment, where the child feels safe to explore their inner world. Rather than directing the play, the therapist follows the child’s lead, supporting their creative choices and gently helping them make sense of their experiences when appropriate. Over time, this trusting relationship enables the child to build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop a stronger sense of self.
Play Therapy is particularly effective because it meets children where they are—through creativity, imagination, and play. By engaging the whole child in this way, it supports emotional healing, personal growth, and the development of healthier relationships, laying strong foundations for future wellbeing.
Sand tray therapy is a gentle, creative way of helping children express what they are thinking and feeling. Instead of relying on words, the child is given a tray filled with sand and a collection of small objects or figures—such as people, animals, buildings, or natural items. The child can then build scenes in the sand, arranging these objects in whatever way feels right to them.
This process allows them to “show” their inner world rather than having to explain it.
For many children, especially younger ones, putting feelings into words can be difficult. Sand tray therapy offers a safe and contained space where they can explore emotions, experiences, and relationships through play. The therapist observes and gently supports the child, sometimes asking simple, open questions, but mostly allowing the child to lead. Over time, patterns and themes may emerge in the child’s play that reflect what they are going through.
This type of therapy can be particularly helpful for children who are dealing with anxiety, trauma, loss, or behavioural difficulties. By expressing themselves symbolically in the sand, children can begin to process difficult experiences at their own pace. It can also help them feel more in control, build emotional awareness, and develop healthier ways of coping.
Overall, sand tray therapy provides a calm, supportive environment where children can communicate in a natural and non-threatening way. Through play, they are able to make sense of their feelings, feel heard and understood, and gradually move toward healing and growth.
Please call me on 07849 619754, or email sam@samkelly.co.uk. Alternatively, use the form below to get in touch.