Reflections

From the practice

Thoughts on trauma, attachment, Theraplay® and the daily work of caring for children who have had difficult starts.

A peaceful child asleep in soft, dim bedroom light
Sleep · Sensory Regulation · 10 min read

Sensory Strategies to Help Your Child Settle to Sleep

A sensory-informed guide to bedtime — light, sound, smell, taste and touch — for children who find it hard to switch off and sleep.

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A parent gently holding a child's hand — a tender, quiet moment of comfort
Loss · Bereavement · 7 min read

Supporting a Child Through Loss

How children show distress after bereavement, and gentle, practical ways parents and carers can help them feel held while they grieve.

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A parent and small child sharing a quiet, tender moment together
Attachment · Dyadic Therapy · 6 min read

Involving Parents in Therapy

Developmental trauma happens in relationship — and recovery happens in relationship too. Why dyadic work with the caregiver–child pair matters.

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A parent and young child playing together in a warm, attuned moment
Theraplay® · 4 min read

How Simple Theraplay® Games Help a Child and Caregiver Connect

The four Theraplay® dimensions — Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge — and what each one does for the child–parent relationship.

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An open shoe box containing soothing items — small toys, photos, scented items and notes
Practical Tools · 7 min read

Make an Emergency Box with Your Child

A toolkit of sensory coping strategies — built around sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and thoughts — to reach for when feelings get big.

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Three silhouettes jumping joyfully against a golden sunset sky
Regulation · 5 min read

Helping Your Child to Regulate Through Movement

Why rhythmic, coordinated movement helps children's nervous systems regulate — and a practical list of activities you can do together.

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A child laughing in delight as soap bubbles float around them
Theraplay® · Play · 6 min read

Bubble Fun

Turn a simple bubble game into structured, nurturing, engaging Theraplay® play — with start prompts, bubble art and gentle challenges.

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A child playing happily outdoors, fully absorbed in joyful activity
Theraplay® · Connection · 6 min read

Playful Structure and Challenge

10–15 minutes of playful, structured connection can fill your child's attachment bucket — a few easy ideas you can try today.

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Children waving and smiling at each other from a distance
Connection · 5 min read

Are Your Children Struggling with Social Distancing?

Practical ideas to help children stay connected with friends when in-person play isn't possible — video play dates, letters and more.

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Trauma · 6 min read

Understanding Developmental Trauma

Why what happens in the first years of life shapes how a child later thinks, feels and connects — and why "behaviour" is rarely the whole story.

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Theraplay® · 5 min read

What is Theraplay®?

A short introduction to the four dimensions — structure, engagement, nurture and challenge — and what makes Theraplay® feel different from other therapies.

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Systemic · 7 min read

Supporting the System Around the Child

Why working with carers, schools and teams is often as important as direct work with the child — and what "good enough" support for the supporters looks like.

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