About Me
Hello I'm Rachel, a Play Therapist based in Oxfordshire. I am a qualified Child-Centred Play Therapist and SandStory® Therapist, holding a Master's degree (Distinction) in Play Therapy and a SandStory® Level 1 certification. I am a registered member of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) and the International Sandstory Association (ISA).
My approach to therapy is child-centred, grounded in the belief that children have an innate capacity for growth and healing when they are supported within a safe, accepting and empathic therapeutic relationship. As part of this approach, children are respected as individuals and supported to lead their own therapeutic process where they move at their own pace to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels safe and empowering. My practice is trauma-informed, recognising the impact that trauma and other adverse experiences can have on a child's developing brain and nervous system. At Sandcastle Play Therapy, I prioritise creating a therapeutic space that supports nervous system regulation, helps children make sense of their experiences and gradually rebuilds confidence, self-control, and emotional resilience.
Before training as a Play Therapist, I worked as a Primary School Teacher, a SEND Tutor and SENDco. These experiences have informed my neuro-inclusive approach to working with children in Play Therapy, enabling me to tailor my practice to suit each child's individual needs. I hold an enhanced DBS check, am fully insured and work under regular clinical supervision to ensure safe, ethical and effective therapeutic practice. I am passionate about working collaboratively with families and schools to create meaningful therapeutic change that supports the whole child to reach their full potential.
Find me on the official BAPT and SandStory® Registers:
https://www.sandstory.org/register-sandstorytherapists
Why choose a BAPT registered Play Therapist®?
In the UK, Play Therapist is not a protected professional title. This means that by law, any individual can call themselves a play therapist, regardless of whether they have undergone extensive training, a short online course, or no training at all. For this reason, it is important to check that the professional supporting your child is registered with a recognised governing body and trained to an appropriate clinical level.
A BAPT Registered Play Therapist® is a qualified mental health professional who has completed intensive university-based and clinical training accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT). This specialist MA-level training integrates theory, research, and extensive hands-on clinical practice, including direct therapeutic work with children, infant observation, personal therapy, and clinical supervision. BAPT is regulated by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), ensuring that registered play therapists meet nationally recognised professional and ethical standards. Members are required to engage in ongoing supervision and continuing professional development, ensuring consistently high standards of practice. Choosing a BAPT Registered Play Therapist® means choosing a highly trained, well-supported and professionally accountable practitioner who is committed to providing safe, effective, and ethical therapeutic support for children and families.
Get in touch
Please fill out the form below to make an enquiry and include your telephone number and 2-3 days and times you would be available for a 20-minute phone consultation. I will get back to you as soon as possible with confirmation.
