Tracy Louise Giles - Profile

As a qualified mental health professional, I use play as a powerful therapeutic tool to help children aged 4 to 12 explore their emotions, express their thoughts, and address psychological challenges. With experience in primary school settings, I support children with neurodiverse needs, including ASD, ADHD, and Global Developmental Delay, as well as those experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, loss, and low self-confidence.

For the past three years, I have worked with a charitable organisation in Reading, providing specialized therapeutic support to children affected by sexual abuse and harm.

In my role as a play therapist, I collaborate closely with schools, all of which fully recognize and support the importance of children attending play therapy sessions during the school day. By prioritising these sessions, schools play a crucial role in ensuring that children have the time and space needed to express and process their emotions, which fosters resilience and lays a strong foundation for academic success and overall well-being.

I build a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship with each child while maintaining open communication with families and professionals. I believe that close collaboration with parents and other professionals in the child’s network is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes. Through therapeutic play, I help children navigate their emotional landscapes, supporting their mental health and overall development.

Please feel free to get in touch for a complimentary phone call to discuss your child’s individual needs.

Mind (UK): “Good mental health is fundamental to a child’s development and well-being. Mental health problems in childhood can affect academic success and future employment, relationships, and physical health.”

The Children’s Society: “Mental health is a fundamental part of every child’s well-being. Too many children and young people face mental health challenges, and schools play a key role in supporting children’s emotional and psychological needs.”

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.

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.

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.