Helping every child find their Inner Shine.
Welcome to Inner Shine Play Therapy.Are you looking for a way to support a child who is struggling to find the words for their big feelings?I provide a safe, neuro-affirming space where children can express themselves through the natural language of play.
Research by Play Therapy UK (PTUK) shows that between 77% and 84% of children show a positive change through Play Therapy. It’s not just play—it’s a proven path to healing.
Wondering how play can help a child heal? Click the arrow to read the 'Bowl Story'—a simple metaphor for the work we do together.
Each child is born as a Bowl of Light. This light is their natural state—full of creativity, joy, and potential.As they grow, they may face difficult experiences, big emotions, or moments where they feel misunderstood. In the story, these are like stones placed into the bowl. If enough stones gather, the light can start to feel dim or hidden.Play Therapy is the process of gently turning the bowl over.We don’t focus on the 'stones' as the child’s identity. Instead, we work together to let the stones fall away, so the light can shine brightly once again. My goal is to help every child rediscover their own Inner Shine.
My Approach: Core Principles of Inner Shine Play Therapy
New for 2026: Nature-Based Therapeutic PlayI am delighted to announce that I am now a Certified Outdoor Therapist, offering bespoke sessions that transition clinical play therapy into the healing environment of the natural world. By moving beyond the four walls of a playroom, I utilise the outdoors as a "co-therapist" to help children regulate their emotions, engage their senses, and build resilience through movement and nature-based play. These sessions are particularly effective for children who thrive in open spaces and find calm in the rhythm of the outdoors.
Neuro-AffirmingI don’t aim to 'fix' or change a child. My practice is built on celebrating the unique way every child’s brain works, providing a sensory-aware environment where they can be their authentic selves.
Safety & ConnectionTrue growth happens through relationship. I prioritise building a secure, trusting bond with every child, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and emotionally held.
Lived Experience & EmpathyMy practice is informed by both high-level clinical training and lived experience. I bring a deep, empathetic understanding of the challenges families face and the advocacy often required to support a child’s wellbeing.
Child-Led & Play-BasedPlay is a child’s natural language. I follow the child’s lead, allowing them to explore, express, and process at their own pace in a way that feels safe and intuitive to them.
About me...
Clinical Expertise. Lived Experience. Compassionate Support.
Hi! I’m Su. I bring over 20 years of experience in education and specialist settings to my practice, combined with Masters-level clinical training as a PTUK-registered Play Therapist and Certified Outdoor Therapist.My approach is deeply informed by both my professional background and my own lived experience of neurodivergence. This unique perspective allows me to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and genuine, trauma-informed empathy. Whether working in a traditional playroom or utilising the natural world as a therapeutic "co-therapist," I am dedicated to providing a neuro-affirming environment. My goal is to meet every child exactly where they are—indoors or out—to help them rediscover their natural 'inner shine'.
How It Works
After an initial assessment and referral interviews, I work with the child for 1 session (40 minutes) each week. This takes place in a safe, confidential venue designed to build the therapeutic relationship that sits at the heart of play therapy.
An initial course of 12 sessions is set, with a review at 8 sessions to discuss progress and next steps. The referrer (parent and/or professional) is involved and updated at every stage of the journey.Where Sessions Take Place
To best support the child, I offer therapeutic sessions in two settings:The Venue: I practice from a beautiful dedicated therapeutic space at Sudley Estate in Liverpool on specific days.In-School Therapy: I can also work reflectively and responsively within the child’s school environment, providing a familiar and supportive setup.
Want to know more or have any questions? Drop me a message and I will get back to you shortly...
Working professionally
I have regular clinical supervision to ensure I am working safely and ethically.
I am a member of PTUK which is regulated by the PSA. I hold personal
liability insurance with the PPS, an updated Enhanced DBS and am
registered with the ICO, which ensures I handle all personal data lawfully.
I follow policies for Safeguarding, Risk Assessment and Health and Safety.
