Lucy Bell
Play Therapist at POP Therapy
Who I Am
I’m Lucy; a teacher, a mum and of course, a play therapist. I started my training to become a play therapist with PTUK in 2022. I have been working with Mim at POP since July 2024. I have two daughters, a stepson and a wonderful husband who all help to keep me grounded.
If I were a toy in the playroom I would probably be a sailboat. I grew up by the sea and love the sense of adventure that a boat presents. I am a woman of balance; I love an adventure but I do also like to be tucked up in bed at a reasonable hour.
How I Found Play Therapy
Quite by chance really. I’ve been drawn to therapy for a long time and always assumed I’d go down the path of training to be a counsellor. But when in 2022, I started my search for a new career, I knew that I needed to continue to work with children. I got together with a couple of close friends and we mapped out all my thoughts and feelings until we had a plan! I discovered play therapy through a Google search, but it suits my skillset remarkably well. I was surprised that as a teacher with 15 years experience I had no idea what play therapy was. I am passionate about spreading awareness among teaching staff and demonstrating how transformative it is. As soon as I began my training, everything fell into place and I knew I was on the right path.
There are many children who inspired me towards my career in play therapy. I felt as a teacher I lacked the time and skills needed to be able to fully support children’s mental health. I saw first hand the impact on their learning and wanted to be able to step into that gap between supporting children with their mental health and helping them on their learning journey.
The Power of Play
I have had so many magical moments since becoming a play therapist. I really enjoy creating a safe space for children to come and be themselves, whatever that may be. In those small moments of connection, I remember why I decided to become a play therapist.
I particularly love the sand tray and find myself drawn to it. I love running my hands through the tiny little bits of rock and shell that have existed on our planet for billions of years. It brings a sense of connection to the Earth, to nature and to each other. As a girl I spent every summer playing on the beach and I ponder how sand is often a child’s only plaything.
Why I Am a Play Therapist
There’s something profoundly powerful about the way children express themselves—often, words fail to capture the depth of their emotions and experiences. As a play therapist, I have the privilege of witnessing how play, in all its forms, becomes a unique language of healing. Every day, I am reminded of the reason I chose this path, why I am a play therapist, and how essential this work is in helping children navigate their world.
Play isn’t just a pastime for children; it’s their natural medium for self-expression. It’s through play that children make sense of their world. As a play therapist, I’ve learned to harness this incredible tool, using it as a way to unlock their emotions, offer them a safe space to explore their feelings, and guide them toward healing. Play therapy allows me to step into their world, meet them where they are, and help them make sense of their internal struggles.
Beyond the Playroom
When I’m not working, you will find me at home curled up in a chair reading or playing video games with my kids. I also love going out for a roast or cocktails.
Final Thoughts
I love the sense of community that working for POP brings. Play therapy can feel like an intense responsibility at times and it helps to have like minded colleagues and friends that understand.
In the end, I am a play therapist because, through play, I get to see children grow into their fullest, most authentic selves. And there’s no greater gift than that.