I’m Maria, and I’m a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist.
Let me tell you a little bit about me.
I have well over 20 years of experience working with children aged 4-17 in three countries: the UK, Spain and Germany.
I have two teenage children of my own who keep me very busy. Sometimes I joke about being an ‘Uber mummy’!
Since I was a very young age, I have had a very strong vocation to work with children and to try to help. In fact, I started tutoring primary school-aged children when I was just 15!
Before becoming a Play Therapist, I worked in education. I am a qualified teacher, and I have worked in primary and secondary schools for Buckinghamshire County Council for over 13 years.
After 22 years in the teaching profession, I decided to return to university to re-train as a Play and Creative Arts Therapist. I can confidently say that it has been the most important, positive and transformative professional career choice I could have ever made!
In my free time, I love spending time with my loved ones, walking my dog in the woods, listening to music, painting using watercolours (I paint as a form of meditation, it helps me connect with myself and relax), reading, learning (I got a passion for it) and travelling. I’m fascinated by different cultures and languages.
I also have a sponsored child in Guatemala with whom I have regular contact via letters.
My training:
Apart from my teaching background and holding a Level 7 degree as a Play Therapist, I am an approved Play Therapy provider at Buckinghamshire Council Adoption Team. I offer Play and Creative Arts Therapy sessions to Adopted children, Looked After Children (LAC), and children cared under Special Guardianship (SGO).
I am qualified to provide Parent-Child Attachment Play (PCAP) sessions.
I am also a Registered SandStory Therapist working with children 8+, adolescents and adults.
Currently, I’m finishing the Certificate in Child and Adolescent Counselling Skills by the Institute for Arts in Therapy & Education in collaboration with the Centre for Child Mental Health (CCMH).
Additionally, I am trained in:
- Developmental Trauma
- Adoption Informed Therapist Programme
- Applying the Polyvagal Theory to Child Therapy
- Self-harming in children and teens
- Building Emotional Regulation Skills in Young People
My next training goals are to become a Certified AutPlay Therapist (specialised Play Therapy for neurodivergent children) and a Clinical Supervisor.
Why Play Therapy?
Children can benefit greatly from play therapy while they are going through challenging feelings or situations. It provides a safe, creative and accepting environment for children and teens who have trouble expressing themselves verbally to explore their emotions or worries.
We cannot forget that children communicate most naturally through play. Play therapy assists them in managing their emotions, processing trauma, and healing at their own pace.
Play Therapy is a very meaningful way to support children through difficult emotions or experiences.
I have always thought of Play Therapy as a lighthouse that helps children navigate their sea of emotions. Lighthouses are always there, present. They represent guidance, resilience, hope and safety.
I love working for POP and I profoundly share their vision to support children, young people and their families. I love being part of a team of likeminded people and professionals who I can chat and discuss my journey as a Play Therapist and support each other.
Being a Play Therapist is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.
I truly believe I have the best job in the world!
