Tracy Louise Giles - Profile

I earned a BA in Therapeutic Psychology from Roehampton University, London, where I gained skills in building supportive working relationships and creating welcoming environments. This foundation has informed my work in understanding mental health care provision and developing skills in psychotherapy. I developed expertise as an informed helper, focusing on safety, trust, communication, power, authority, inclusion, and the importance of feeling heard.

After building a strong foundation in psychology and therapy, I completed a Master’s in Play Therapy. My training focused on essential concepts like playfulness, empowerment, and choice. I developed skills in establishing therapeutic relationships within clear boundaries and gained competence in making referrals, assessments, and providing interventions. I plan and facilitate child-centred play therapy sessions, focussing on respecting individual and cultural differences and viewing them as valuable resources through a creative lens.

After qualifying, I dedicated my career to the charitable sector, where I have worked closely with children who are survivors of sexual abuse and sexual harm. My passion lies in empowering young individuals and helping them take positive steps toward reshaping their futures after experiencing traumatic events. Through my work, I strive to provide the support and guidance necessary for children to heal, regain their sense of self, and move forward with hope and resilience.

I have dedicated 25 years to working with children in various professional roles, ultimately finding a deeply rewarding career supporting children experiencing psychological difficulties and distress. For nearly three years, I have been working with a charitable organization in Reading, providing specialized therapeutic support to children affected by sexual abuse and harm. My role involves close collaboration with parents and other professionals within the child’s support network to ensure the best possible outcomes.

In addition to my work with the charity, I have experience delivering play therapy in primary school settings, supporting children with diverse needs, including ASD, ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, and low self-esteem, loss, and low self-confidence. As a registered member of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), my clinical practice is rigorously supervised to ensure adherence to ethical standards and high professional expectations. I also maintain up-to-date Professional Civil Liability Insurance, covering my work in the private sector.

My Role as a Play Therapist:

As a play therapist, I am a qualified mental health professional who uses play as a powerful therapeutic tool to help children explore their emotions, express their thoughts, and address psychological challenges. Below are the core responsibilities of my role:

Key Responsibilities:

– Assessment: Conduct thorough initial assessments using standardized tools to establish goals in measuring changes in behaviour and evaluating progress.
– Therapeutic Play Sessions: Utilise play-based techniques such as art, storytelling, and imaginative play in a safe environment to facilitate emotional healing and personal growth.
– Individual Therapy: Provide personalized, one-on-one support to help children process emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and work through issues such as trauma and anxiety.
– Parental Involvement: Keep parents informed about their child’s progress, offering guidance and referring them to family therapy when necessary.
– Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive care, including participating in multidisciplinary meetings.
– Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of therapy sessions and prepare reports for parents, schools, and other relevant parties.
– Professional Development: Continuously update my knowledge in child psychology and play therapy by engaging in ongoing training, workshops, and professional development opportunities.

In summary, my role as a play therapist is vital in assisting children as they navigate their emotional landscapes and promoting their mental health and development through therapeutic play.