Statistics say that 1 in 10 children between the ages of 5 and 16 has a mental health problem.

Early intervention is important. It has been proven that the child is less likely to suffer from serious mental health difficulties in later life if they receive support at an early age.

Issues can be wide ranging and complex, including family breakdown, bereavement, bullying, anxiety and friendship difficulties.

Play therapy is a way of enabling the child to explore their inner world in a way that is safe and non-threatening. Children are often non-verbal in expressing their emotional difficulties and play therapy - be it drawing, sand play or creative arts - enable the child to express these difficulties.

These sessions are offered in my home, where a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere aids the process.

Prior to meeting with the child I would get a case history and assess the difficulties the child was experiencing with the parents/carers. This would then be followed by a meeting with the child and the parents/carers present, moving onto meeting with the child on a one to one basis.