4 minute read
Juniper Play Therapy
Cathryn Hicks of Juniper Play Therapy
Cathryn Hicks is a Play Therapist and teacher who has recently founded Juniper Play Therapy in Peterborough. Cathryn initially worked in Primary Education, but has spent the last ten years teaching children with Special Educational Needs and has worked with children with Autism, ADHD and complex medical needs. In this issue we talk to Cathryn about her new business.
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Juniper Play Therapy help children understand muddled feelings and upsetting events. Rather than having to explain what is troubling them, children use play therapy to communicate at their own level and at their own pace, without feeling interrogated or threatened.
Q: What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapeutic intervention for children between three and fourteen, although it can be adapted for teenagers or older people with additional needs.
It supports children with their mental health and wellbeing by allowing them to process the traumas they've experienced in a developmentally appropriate way.
Play Therapy can be a long or short-term intervention dependent on the needs of the child.
There are many different reasons why a child may need Play Therapy to support them to process situations in their lives. For example - bereavement, family separation, anxiety, low selfesteem and early-life or medical trauma.
Q: Tell us about your business
I run Juniper Play Therapy, based at the Cambridgeshire Wellness Clinic in Werrington, Peterborough.
In the play room (below) there are different toys and materials, for example dolls, a sandtray, art equipment which all have a different therapeutic purpose.
I work non-directively, so the children are able to lead the play and be in control in the play room. If a child's emotions become dysregulated, I co-regulate to enable them to become calm and may on occasion set limits if necessary.
Q: What made you decide to set up your business?
I worked as a teacher for 16 years and had got to the point in my career where I fancied a change. I had been diagnosed with some health conditions and it was important that I started to look after myself, however I still wanted a career which I enjoyed.
I went back to university to study an MSc in Play Therapy at the University of South Wales with a view to becoming my own boss and being able to set my own hours.
I have always wanted to make a difference to the children I work with and through Play Therapy I can help children process difficult situations or experiences they have had or enable them to develop/improve coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety and stress.
The new Play Therapy room in Werrington, Peterborough
The new Play Therapy room in Werrington, Peterborough
Q: Why do you think your business is so successful?
I'd like to think it's because I do a good job. Parents of the children I have worked with comment on the differences in their children following their play therapy sessions.
Parents have mentioned improved self-esteem and self-confidence, greater emotional regulation and better relationships with the children once their child has finished their process.
Q: What or who has been your biggest influence?
The children I have worked with. As a teacher, and now play therapist, I have worked with a variety of children from all walks of life.
I have loved meeting every one of them and tried to understand and support them in the most appropriate way for them. The children taught me the most about how to be a good teacher and an empathic play therapist.
Q: What’s been your biggest challenge?
Without a doubt completing my Masters degree whilst still working!
Q: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your business?
When working with children in the play room and seeing their pride in being able to do something they didn't think they could do. It's priceless.
Q: What do you like to do to relax and switch off?
I like to spend time with family, friends and my two miniature schnauzers, Mabel and George. I also enjoy having therapeutic treatments to help me relax and unwind.
Q: What are your future plans?
I plan eventually to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC) to support families on low incomes access play therapy for their children.
My mum was a single parent and on a low income and would have struggled to provide such therapy for my brother and I when we were children, if it wasn't available on the NHS.
If you'd like to discuss whether Play Therapy may be right for your child then please contact Cathryn Call 07544 744153 • www.juniperplaytherapy.co.uk
There are many different reasons why Play Therapy may help a child:
• Making sense of new family situations
• Being adopted
• Trauma
• Bereavement
• Anxiety
• Coming to terms with terminal illnesses or medical conditions
• Family separations/dysfunction
• Abuse/neglect
• Challenging behaviour
