Counselling
Westcountry Practice provides Child Counselling and play therapy as well as a range of other children’s services. From tutoring to counselling, we help children to achieve their potential. Our holistic approach means that we work very hard to ensure your child has tailored therapeutic support that gives them the best chance of a happier life.
We are professional and skilled in the areas of counselling and play therapy and will ensure your child feels calmer, can once again focus on their education and have better relationships with friends and family.
In times of need, child therapy is a way to provide children and young people help and support with various issues. We can provide children with the right tools to address anxiety, depression, self-harming, low-esteem, as well as any difficulties at school. Mental health can affect us all and if we address any issues earlier in life, the chances of happiness and success going forward are greatly increased.
About Pippa Bealing
Pippa Bealing (our primary Children’s Therapist) is registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She is also a member of the British Psychological Society (MBPs). Pippa works with children between the ages of 6-13 and with young people between the ages of 14-25.
Pippa has worked with many children and young people with successful results. From initial assessment, therapeutic treatment and family support Pippa is highly regarded in her field. Get in touch with Pippa today for an informal chat about the best way forward for you and/ or your child.
My name is Lisa Bridger, and I am a Certified Practitioner of Therapeutic Play. I trained for this role with PTUK after working for many years in schools with children who have Special Educational.
I trained first in Emotional Literacy Support with Dorset Psychology Service and then realised, through working in this field, the immense value of a child-centred approach for those experiencing emotional problems. This led to my pursuing a career in therapeutic work with primary-aged children.
Therapeutic Play has enormous benefits because it enables children to explore whatever is troubling them in a non-confrontational way. Through the use of sand play, clay, puppets, art and craft, role play and a variety of toys, children are able to express their difficulties metaphorically rather than directly, which can seem less scary for a child.
Therapeutic Play can be beneficial for children suffering many difficulties, including emotional regulation, anxiety, nightmares, friendship issues, peer group pressure, separation anxiety, parental separation and divorce, bedwetting and communication problems. It can also be helpful for children on the autistic spectrum who may be
struggling with sensory overload and self-expression.
My sessions are delivered one to one, using a mainly non-directive approach. I also use Creative Visualisation techniques and Therapeutic Stories if I think this is appropriate for the children I work with. The work is individualised to each child, allowing them to play in a non-judgmental environment where all feelings are welcomed and confidentiality is paramount.
If you feel that Therapeutic Play would be beneficial to your child, please feel free to get in touch to discuss their needs.
Hello, I’m Tanya Carter. I’m an Integrative Counsellor and I work with adults, children, and young people. I’m registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) This means the BACP has accredited my qualifications and that I abide by their professional code of practice. I practise in a variety of settings, including primary and secondary schools, mental health charities and in private practice. I see clients one-to-one, either in person, online or on the telephone.
My technique is primarily person-centred and I incorporate different theoretical modes in line with what my client wants. I work alongside clients to explore their concerns, worries and issues – safely and at their speed. My approach is relational; a trusting and equal bond, without judgement, is essential for good therapeutic outcomes.
I use creative and expressive tools to establish a nurturing space where all emotions can be expressed safely, and all questions are okay. I adapt my tools and techniques to best fit the needs of the client. With younger clients, this may include role play and storytelling through drawing, colouring, Play-Doh, and construction blocks. Older clients may prefer conversation, with or without board games, model-making, mindfulness exercises, thought pattern exercises and dreamwork exploration.
I can help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, as well as problems relating to sleep, friendships, worries, self-esteem, loss, and big life events such as moving, transitioning from primary to secondary school, parental separation/divorce, and difficulties at school. I work compassionately with clients – as they learn about and manage their feelings, discover who they are and build resilience.
Please get in touch if you’d like more information or to arrange a consultation.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy is one of the most effective therapies for anxiety, and anxiety related conditions. It works brilliantly in children and young people who are better attuned to a world of imagination than adults.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy can transform children’s lives through visualisation, hypnosis, and other imaginative methods, changing thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It is safe, rewarding and fast – good outcomes can be achieved in a relatively short period of time, and when a child or young person needs to get back on track, there is no time to waste.
Hypnotherapy is useful to help with exam phobia, school refusal, eating problems, phobias, fears, sleep and attachment issues and anxieties of all kinds.
Margaret Capon is a clinical hypnotherapist and a former teacher
Are you a child therapist?
Would you like to see your services added here?
We welcome qualified and registered child therapists to join our practice in Shaftesbury. Contact us for more information
- Next door to free carpark.
- 10-minute walk to town centre.
- Counselling and Therapy rooms for all ages.
- Confidential services.
- Waiting room for parents.
- Free Wi-Fi.