Finding it hard to enjoy family time together? Confused why your child’s behaviours are changing? Or perhaps your child has been through something big but you aren’t sure where to go for help.
At POP, we believe in the healing power of play. Through our range of play therapy services below, we can help your family process their experiences, build stronger relationships, and develop the skills they need to flourish. Whether your child needs support at school, in our welcoming clinic spaces, or through family-centered approaches, we're here to walk alongside you.
We understand that every family's situation is unique, which is why we offer flexible options to meet your child exactly where they are. From individual play therapy sessions to coaching that empowers you as a parent, our goal is simple: to help your family feel more connected, confident, and hopeful about the future.
Every child deserves to feel understood, supported, and free to express themselves. If your child is facing challenges with emotions, behaviour, or life transitions, you're not alone in wanting to help them thrive.
WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?
Play Therapy is at the heart of what we do at POP Therapy. Using the power of play which is a child’s natural language, we create a safe space where children can express themselves, heal from difficult experiences, and rediscover joy. Grounded in the latest neuroscience, our approach supports long-term emotional growth and resilience, not just short-term fixes.
Who It's For?
Children and young people who may be experiencing:
- Bereavement or loss
- Parental separation or family change
- Trauma (including medical trauma)
- Anxiety, low mood, or difficulties regulating behaviour
- Struggles with friendships or school life
- Loss of joy or difficulty expressing themselves
- ASD, ADHD, PDA diagnosed or on the pathway for diagnosis.
What's Involved?
- Weekly sessions during term time, 40 minutes for primary-aged children and 50 minutes for secondary-aged young people.
- Non-directive approach: children choose how to play — clay, sandtray, paint, LEGO, messy play, storytelling, music, movement, puppets, role play or simply talking.
- Parents/carers take part in a pre-therapy interview and reviews after 8 weeks of support.
- We use Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and set clear goals to measure progress.
- Minimum of 16 sessions recommended. Many children benefit from longer-term support to achieve lasting change.
Benefits / Outcomes
- A safe and creative way for children to express big feelings.
- Reduced anxiety and improved self-regulation, supported by neuroscience-informed practice.
- Strengthened relationships and communication between home, therapy and school.
- Rediscovering joy and confidence in daily life.
- Long-term emotional resilience for lasting change.
Practical Details
- Locations: Aylesbury Vineyard and King’s Church Chesham.
- Cost: £65–£75 + VAT per session, depending on therapist experience.
- Minimum of 16 sessions recommended to support long-term change.
- All therapists are Level 7 qualified, PTUK trained, and PSA registered.
Referral Process
- Book a discovery chat with us.
- Complete referral forms and sign the therapy agreement.
- Agree day and times of sessions.
- Pre-therapy interview with parents/carers to set goals and create a shared plan with your child’s play therapist.
- Set date for first Play Therapy Session
Play Therapy Clinic
Our therapy clinics in Aylesbury Vineyard and King’s Church Chesham provide safe, welcoming spaces for children to explore their feelings through play
Who It's For?
- Families who prefer sessions away from the school environment.
- Children who would benefit from a dedicated, private therapy space.
- Parents who want consistency in location and the full choice of play resources.
- After school sessions are available (limited supply).
What's Involved?
- Play Therapy sessions run weekly, lasting 40 minutes for primary-aged children and 50 minutes for secondary-aged young people.
- Sessions are non-directive — children choose how they’d like to use the space and materials, while the therapist supports them towards agreed therapeutic goals.
Benefits / Outcomes
- A calm, consistent space designed specifically for therapy.
- Full access to the complete play therapy toolkit.
- Clear boundaries between school, home, and therapy time.
- A safe environment where children can rediscover joy and build resilience.
Practical Details
- Locations: Aylesbury Vineyard and King’s Church Chesham.
- Cost: £70=£80 + VAT per session, depending on therapist experience.
- Minimum of 16 sessions recommended to support long-term change.
- All therapists are Level 7 qualified, PTUK trained, and PSA registered.
Referral Process
- Book a discovery chat with us.
- Complete referral forms and sign the therapy agreement.
- Agree day and times of sessions.
- Pre-therapy interview with parents/carers to set goals and create a shared plan with your child’s play therapist.
- Set date for first Play Therapy Session
If you’d like your child to begin Play Therapy in one of our clinic spaces, book a free discovery chat with us today to find out more.
Play Therapy in Schools
If you’d prefer your child to have Play Therapy at school — whether to reduce time lost from learning or for more convenience for your family — we can partner with your child’s school to create a safe and confidential space during the school day.
Who It's For?
- Families who feel school is a more convenient or neutral setting than home or clinic.
- Children who may find it easier to access therapy during the school day.
- Parents wanting to reduce the disruption of missed lessons or travel time.
What's Involved?
- Play Therapy sessions run in the same way as our clinic sessions, lasting 40–50 minutes once a week.
- The therapist will bring a portable play kit with carefully chosen resources (e.g. creative materials, sandtray, puppets, small toys, art materials).
- Although the kit is smaller than in our clinic, it still offers a wide range of activities for therapeutic play.
- We work closely with the school to ensure a private, consistent space is available each week.
Benefits / Outcomes
- Easier access for children without needing parents to travel.
- Less missed learning time and disruption to routine.
- Neutral ground for children who may find home or clinic settings difficult.
- Stronger partnership between family, school, and therapist.
Practical Details
- Requires agreement from the school, who must provide a confidential space for sessions.
- Additional costs may apply for therapist travel.
- Sessions remain confidential between therapist, child, and family, with only necessary safeguarding/liaison shared with the school.
Referral Process
- Book a discovery chat with us.
- Complete referral forms and sign the therapy agreement.
- Pass to POP School details.
- POP, parents and School to communicate and make an agreement
- Agree day and times of sessions.
- Pre-therapy interview with parents/carers to set goals and create a shared plan with your child’s play therapist.
- (Optional) School pre-therapy interview
- Set date for first Play Therapy Session
If you’d like your child to begin Play Therapy in one of our clinic spaces, book a free discovery chat with us today to find out more.
Creative Arts Counselling
If your child is aged 11–18 and prefers talking over play, our Creative Arts Counselling offers a safe space to express feelings through conversation and creative activities. It’s a supportive option for older children who may not engage with non-directive play therapy.
Who It's For?
- Families who prefer sessions outside the school environment
- Children who benefit from a consisten, private therapy space
- Parents who value access to the full range of play and creative resources
- Older children (11-18) who may prefer talking and creative arts alongside therapy
- Families seeking after-school appointments (limited availability)
What's Involved?
- Creative Arts Counselling sessions run in the same way as our clinic sessions, lasting 40–50 minutes once a week.
- The therapist applies a mix of non-directive approach with optional creative activities
Benefits / Outcomes
- A calm, consistent space designed specifically for therapy.
- Full access to the complete play therapy toolkit.
- Clear boundaries between school, home, and therapy time.
- A safe environment where children can rediscover joy and build resilience.
Practical Details
- Locations: Aylesbury Vineyard and King’s Church Chesham.
- Cost: £65–£75 + VAT per session, depending on therapist experience.
- Minimum of 16 sessions recommended to support long-term change.
- All therapists are Level 7 qualified, PTUK trained, and PSA registered.
- Involves Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) Assessment along with the Goodman’s Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
Referral Process
- Book a discovery chat with us.
- Complete referral forms and sign the therapy agreement.
- Pass to POP School details.
- POP, parents and School to communicate and make an agreement
- Agree day and times of sessions.
- Pre-therapy interview with parents/carers to set goals and create a shared plan with your child’s play therapist.
- (Optional) School pre-therapy interview
- Set date for first Play Therapy Session
If you’d like your child to begin Play Therapy in one of our clinic spaces, book a free discovery chat with us today to find out more.
DIR Floortime
DIR Floortime looks at a child’s Development, their Individual differences, and the Relationships that support their growth. It is designed to support neurodivergent children and those with social-emotional needs. With regular reflective sessions with parents, this work helps children regulate, engage, communicate, and build emotional resilience.
Who It's For?
- Neurodivergent children, including those on the autistic spectrum.
- Children needing support with emotional regulation, stress, or early emotional trauma.
- Children with social-communication or engagement difficulties who struggle to connect or interact.
- Children with sensory processing differences that affect how they relate to the world.
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Families wanting to strengthen connection and better understand their child’s unique developmental needs.
What's Involved?
- A six-week assessment period, followed by an agreed therapeutic plan.
- Weekly sessions, usually long-term, with regular reviews.
- Child-led Floortime play tailored to your child’s interests and needs.
- Active parent involvement through in-session participation or reflective parenting sessions.
- Observations and occasional video reviews to understand your child’s development and sensory profile.
Benefits / Outcomes
- Supports children to regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and experience more joy.
- Strengthens a child’s capacity to engage, communicate and build meaningful relationships.
- Helps children develop social-emotional skills, symbolic play and flexible, logical thinking.
- Builds a healthier sense of self, confidence, and emotional resilience.
- Gives parents deeper understanding of their child, with practical ways to connect and support development at home.
Practical Details
- Sessions are availabable at Aylesbury Vineyard or at your own home.
- Sessions are 50 minutes long.
- Suitable for families with children of different ages.
- Online or face-to-face reflective sessions with parents.
- Sessions are done by Child Psychotherapist who are Level 7 qualified and BACP registered.
Referral Process
- Book a discovery chat with us.
- Complete referral forms and sign the therapy agreement.
- Agree day and times of sessions.
- Initial consultation with parents/carers to set goals and create a shared plan with your child’s psychotherapist.
- Set date for first DIR Floortime Session.
Bring joy and connection into your week — book a POP Play Session course today. Contact us to find your nearest facilitator or to join our online programme.
POP Play Sessions
POP Play Sessions are a 6-week programme designed to bring joy and strengthen relationships between parents/carers and children through the power of play. Each session introduces fun, simple activities chosen with the latest neuroscience and attachment research in mind — helping families connect, laugh, and grow together.
Who It's For?
- Families short on time but wanting more connection.
- Parents/carers unsure whether therapy is needed but wanting to try early support.
- Families looking for playful tools to re-connect and strengthen relationships.
- A resource for families post-therapy to continue healthy, playful interactions at home.
What's Involved?
- Six sessions, each 20–30 minutes long.
- Parents/carers take part alongside their child — this is about connection, not just “keeping children busy.”
- Activities are carefully designed to be fun, simple, and based on neuroscience and attachment research.
- Online sessions use Zoom with basic materials (paper, pens, playdough optional).
- Face-to-face sessions include all materials provided, and in some cases families may receive a resource pack from their facilitator.
Benefits / Outcomes
- Builds stronger family bonds through shared fun and connection.
- Boosts communication between parents and children.
- Provides quick, easy-to-replicate activities with minimal resources.
- Helps families establish a weekly rhythm of joyful play.
- Supports long-term emotional wellbeing by creating positive, shared memories.
Practical Details
- Available online or face to face in Aylesbury, and with trained POP Play facilitators in other areas.
- Six-week programme; 20–30 minutes per session.
- Suitable for families with children of different ages.
- Resource packs available for some face-to-face courses.
Bring joy and connection into your week — book a POP Play Session course today. Contact us to find your nearest facilitator or to join our online programme.
Parent Play Coaching
POP Play Sessions are a 6-week programme designed to bring joy and strengthen relationships between parents/carers and children through the power of play. Each session introduces fun, simple activities chosen with the latest neuroscience and attachment research in mind — helping families connect, laugh, and grow together.
Who It's For?
- Families short on time but wanting more connection.
- Parents/carers unsure whether therapy is needed but wanting to try early support.
- Families looking for playful tools to re-connect and strengthen relationships.
- A resource for families post-therapy to continue healthy, playful interactions at home.
What's Involved?
- Six sessions, each 20–30 minutes long.
- Parents/carers take part alongside their child — this is about connection, not just “keeping children busy.”
- Activities are carefully designed to be fun, simple, and based on neuroscience and attachment research.
- Online sessions use Zoom with basic materials (paper, pens, playdough optional).
- Face-to-face sessions include all materials provided, and in some cases families may receive a resource pack from their facilitator.
Benefits
- Builds stronger family bonds through shared fun and connection.
- Boosts communication between parents and children.
- Provides quick, easy-to-replicate activities with minimal resources.
- Helps families establish a weekly rhythm of joyful play.
- Supports long-term emotional wellbeing by creating positive, shared memories.
Practical Details
- Available online or face to face in Aylesbury, and with trained POP Play facilitators in other areas.
- Six-week programme; 20–30 minutes per session.
- Suitable for families with children of different ages.
- Resource packs available for some face-to-face courses.
Bring joy and connection into your week — book a POP Play Session course today. Contact us to find your nearest facilitator or to join our online programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a form of child psychotherapy that uses the natural language of children — play. It gives them a safe, confidential space to express themselves, explore their feelings, and work through challenges in a way that feels natural and manageable for them.
What training have your Play Therapist had?
All therapists are Level 7 qualified or working towards their certification with APAC and are members of PTUK, and registered with the Professional Standards Agency.
All therapists have regular monthly supervision and ongoing CPD training of 30 hours per year.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 40 minutes long. Your child comes in on their own so they can have a protected, confidential space — something children don’t often experience in everyday life.
How much is a session?
Trainee Play Therapist is £78 per session. They will have already completed their 200 hours of practice and waiting for their certification.
Certified Play Therapist is £92 per session.
A Senior Play Therapist is £96 per session.
Where are the sessions held?
In Aylesbury: Aylesbury Vineyard, Gatehouse Close, HP19 8DN. Chesham: King’s Church Chesham, or in your child’s school (where agreed).
Will my child manage saying goodbye?
Most children settle quickly, especially when they’re met at eye level, gently welcomed, and told what to expect. If goodbyes are tricky, that’s absolutely fine — we take it at your child’s pace and follow their lead.
How do we know if play therapy is working?
We look at progress in a few helpful ways:
- Targets: Before therapy begins, we meet with you to set specific goals based on what you’re seeing at home or school.
- Shifts over time: We look for changes in areas like sleep, regulation, communication, confidence, and behaviour.
- Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): This gives a numerical score showing both challenges and strengths. Over time, we expect difficulties to decrease and strengths to increase.
What should we tell our child before their first session?
It’s helpful to describe Play Therapy as “a special time with Mim (or their therapist)” rather than using the word “therapy”, which doesn’t always make sense to children. Simply let them know that it’s a safe space where they can play however they like.
Do you plan the activities for each session?
While the playroom and our training are prepared with care, Play Therapy itself is non-directive. That means the child leads the way. Aside from a few bits we need to cover in the first session, your child chooses how to use the play space every week.
What does the playroom look like?
We have a fully equipped playroom at Aylesbury Vineyard Church. When working in schools, we bring as much as possible to recreate the same therapeutic environment for your child.
Do you work with parents and children together?
Yes. Mim has created POP Play Sessions — a six-week programme where parents and children learn playful, connection-building activities together. It can be a great place to start therapy or a meaningful way to finish and reinforce the work.
How do we get started?
You can book a free consultation at our Contact Us page. This gives you a chance to ask questions, learn more, and see whether Play Therapy is the right support for your family.
Or you can download and complete the Referral Forms
How much is a session?
Trainee Play Therapist is £65 per session. They will have already completed their 200 hours of practice and waiting for their certification.
Certified Play Therapist is £75 per session.
A Senior Play Therapist is £92 per session.
What training have your Play Therapist had?
All therapists are Level 7 qualified or working towards their certification with APAC and are members of PTUK, and registered with the Professional Standards Agency.
All therapists have regular monthly supervision and ongoing CPD training of 30 hours per year.
How long are sessions?
40 minutes (primary) / 50 minutes (secondary). Minimum 12 sessions must be committed to.
Where are the sessions held?
In Aylesbury: Aylesbury Vineyard, Gatehouse Close, HP19 8DN. Chesham: King’s Church Chesham, or in your child’s school (where agreed).
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you. Reach us at:
info@powerofplaytherapy.co.uk
