Tanya Wates

I am currently accepting new clients. My working hours are flexible so please do get in touch to discuss availability. I currently only offer face to face sessions, which can take place in my therapy space just outside Kimbolton or in schools. Most schools allow children to attend therapy during school hours or are willing to accommodate on site, depending on accessibility. Alternatively, I can occasionally offer early evening and weekend slots.

I am a fully qualified, certified and registered Play and Creative Arts therapist, working with children and teens who are struggling for whatever reason. Using Play and the Creative Arts allows young people to express themselves without needing to articulate their feelings or distressing life experiences in words. I use a therapeutic tool kit including arts and crafts, sand tray, clay, role play, music, creative visualisation, therapeutic stories and drama to facilitate deep and meaningful expression, helping children and young people to explore and process their experiences and feelings. 

All my work is subject to regular clinical supervision. I am fully insured with an up to date DBS, and ICO number (data protection). All paperwork is available on request.

Play and Creative Arts Therapy is an evidence based intervention that offers a different approach to the traditional talk therapies that might usually be offered to children and young people. Using this modality facilitates a way of expressing oneself, which does not rely on being able to verbalise what you are feeling. For children and young people, especially, this is a difficult, if not impossible, thing to do.  I am trained in an integrative, holistic model of Play and Creative Arts therapy when working with children but I work in a mostly non-directive way, ensuring that the child leads and brings what is most pertinent TO THEM into the therapy room. I use a selection of arts and crafts materials, sand tray, clay and other materials which enables exploration and expression of self within a reflective and therapeutic relationship. I offer a minimum of 12 sessions, however 24-30 sessions are the recommended amount to ensure meaningful, long term change. All sessions are 50 minutes long and take place once a week at the same time and place.

Please do contact me with any questions, even if you are not sure that therapy is the right intervention for your child or young person. I am happy to offer a free telephone or face to face consultation to establish your needs and help you feel your way toward an outcome appropriate for you and your family.