Innerventure Play Therapy (Carolina Critchley)
Carolina Critchley is a PTUK / PSA accredited Play and Creative Arts Therapist and Clinical Supervisor based in Ashford. Delivers universal, targeted and specialist play therapy provisions in schools and private practice with an integrative, trauma-informed approach for anxious, angry, depressed and dysregulated young people.
Location: Ashford
Areas covered: Ashford, Kent
About Play Therapy Services
Play therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses play as the primary means of communication and expression for children. Qualified play therapists create a safe, supportive environment where children can explore their feelings, make sense of difficult experiences, and develop coping strategies through the natural language of play.
Play therapy can be particularly beneficial for children who find it difficult to express their emotions verbally. It is used to support children dealing with anxiety, bereavement, family change, trauma, attachment difficulties, and behavioural challenges. For children with SEND, play therapy can complement other interventions by addressing the emotional and social aspects of their experience.
Sessions typically last 30-50 minutes and take place weekly over a period of several weeks or months. The therapist provides a range of carefully selected play materials and follows the child's lead, using therapeutic techniques to support emotional processing and growth. Play therapists may work in schools, private clinics, or in community settings, and regular reviews with parents are an important part of the process.
Areas Served
- Ashford
- Kent
Specialisms
- trauma -- Trauma-informed therapeutic support for children and young people
- anxiety -- Therapeutic support for children and young people with anxiety
- sensory processing -- Assessment and support for sensory processing differences
- attachment -- Therapeutic support for children with attachment difficulties
- school-based therapy -- Therapy delivered within the child's school environment
Before Your First Appointment
To get the most from your initial consultation, here are some things to consider:
- Bring relevant documents -- gather any previous reports (e.g. from school, NHS, or other professionals), letters from your child's SENCO, and any diary notes you have kept about your child's development or behaviour.
- Know what to expect -- most first appointments involve an initial assessment or consultation. The professional will want to understand your child's history, current difficulties, and what you hope to achieve. A written report with recommendations typically follows.
- Prepare your child -- explain in age-appropriate terms that they are going to meet someone who will play with them or talk to them, and that this person is there to help. Reassure them that it is not a test they can fail.
- Questions to consider asking -- How long is the assessment process? What will the report include? How many sessions might be needed? Can you provide strategies for home and school? What are the costs and are there any funding options available?
Helpful Resources
These SENDPath guides may be useful as you explore your options:
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range is play therapy suitable for?
Play therapy is most commonly used with children aged 3-12, though some play therapists also work with older children and teenagers using adapted approaches. The technique is particularly effective for children who are not yet able to express their feelings through words alone, and can benefit children across a wide range of needs and experiences.
How is play therapy different from ordinary play?
Unlike everyday play, play therapy takes place in a carefully structured environment with a trained therapist who uses specific therapeutic techniques. The therapist observes themes and patterns in the child's play, reflects feelings, and creates conditions for emotional processing and growth. The play materials are specifically chosen for their therapeutic properties.
How many sessions of play therapy will my child need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the child's needs and circumstances. Many children benefit from a block of 12 weekly sessions, while others may need longer-term support. Play therapists usually conduct regular reviews with parents to discuss progress and agree how many sessions are needed.
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