Petro-Nelise Sollé – for Play Therapy, counselling, parent/guardian-and-child-relationships, and supervision for Play Therapists
Children’s first language is Play. It is through spontaneous play that we learn and make meaning of life experiences and of growing up. However, when children experience traumatic life events or face developmental challenges, Play Therapy can provide a therapeutic context in which to process their challenges. In child-centred Play Therapy (CCPT), this happens at the child’s pace, where the child takes the lead.
Why Play Therapy? Evidence suggests that Play Therapy is indicated for a range of developmental challenges and transitions as well as traumatic life events. My personal belief is that young people living in the 21st century all have stressors that can easily accumulate and lead to overwhelm. Having a safe space in which to bring their worries, fears or fantasies can go a long way to support them to find and build their inner resilience and wisdom. Maintaining a playful atmosphere can bring defences down and build bridges of understanding and insight.
My approach: I believe that behaviour is a message, not a symptom. Being respectfully curious about the message enables me, the Play Therapist, to facilitate the story that unfolds within the therapeutic relationship. My foundation is in Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT). I agree with Gary Landreth, the ‘grandfather’ of Play Therapy, who likes to say about his clients, “I see a young person to be understood, not a problem to be solved”. Working with the principles of the person-centred approach, I have also brought, with recent training and experiential learning, the outdoors, the more-than-human, into my work, for a more eco- and climate-aware stance.
My training: I hold an MA in Play Therapy (Roehampton); as a member of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) I adhere to the Ethical Code of Conduct (www.bapt.info). Regular supervision informs my practice. I have also trained in Attachment Theory and Animal-assisted Play Therapy, and most recently have received a Diploma in eco-psychotherapy, focusing on the emerging adolescent mind.
How it works: The first consultation – by phone or in person – is free. Once informed consent is given by the parent/guardian, Play Therapy starts weekly, at my home office or an agreed location (e.g. school or outdoor setting). Sessions are £65 – £75 per session, depending on location, duration and affordability. For CCPT (child-centred play therapy) I will usually offer 12 sessions to begin with, to give time and space for trust to be established and for themes to emerge. For outdoor sessions or sessions held elsewhere (e.g. schools), the format is adaptable to the needs of the child or young person. Please get in touch with me for more details.
Important details: Consistency is key and sessions will always be at the same time, on the same day each week. I work during term time only; sessions during half term or holidays are by prior arrangement only. Parents-guardians are given feedback about how the therapy is progressing during scheduled review meetings, usually at 4 6-week intervals. The ending is an important part of the process and needs to be prepared for — with the young person and their therapist, as well as with the parent/guardian. I have found that once we reach this phase of the work, three to four sessions usually give us enough time to count down and process feelings around endings, separation and loss.
Where to find me: I am based in Chalford, on the bus route (A419), a few miles outside Stroud, where I have a home office – or I could travel to your school or meet you outdoors in nature. After ten years I’m saying goodbye to my studio at Victoria Works to make space for new ways of working.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Petro
M: 07904 009909
