Lee Mansfield

I am a qualified Child-Centred Play Therapist working with children aged 2–14 years. I provide a warm, accepting and non-judgemental therapeutic space where children can explore their feelings and experiences safely and at their own pace.

Children do not always have the words to explain what is troubling them. In play therapy, play becomes the child's natural language and toys become their words. Through play, creativity and the therapeutic relationship, children can express feelings, process difficult experiences and develop new ways of understanding themselves and others.

My approach is child-centred, meaning I trust the child's innate capacity for growth and healing when provided with the right therapeutic conditions of safety, empathy and acceptance. Sessions are led by the child rather than directed by the therapist, allowing children to work on the issues that matter most to them in a way that feels manageable and emotionally safe.

Play therapy can support children experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, low self-esteem, bereavement, trauma, family change, friendship difficulties, behavioural challenges and school-related concerns.

I work closely with parents and carers throughout the therapeutic process and believe that strong, supportive relationships around the child are central to positive outcomes.

I offer Child-Centred Play Therapy from a dedicated, fully equipped specialist playroom at a local primary school in Dorking, Surrey. The playroom contains a carefully selected range of therapeutic toys, creative materials, sand, art resources, role-play equipment and sensory activities designed to help children express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable.

Play therapy is a specialised form of counselling designed specifically for children. Rather than being expected to talk directly about difficult experiences or emotions, children communicate through play at their own developmental level and pace, without feeling directed, pressured or judged.

During sessions, children may use play to explore feelings, relationships, worries or upsetting experiences that they have not yet been able to process or understand. Some children may revisit difficult life events symbolically through play as they make sense of their experiences and develop healthier ways of coping.

The outcomes of play therapy can include reduced anxiety, improved emotional regulation, increased confidence and self-esteem, stronger relationships, and more effective ways of managing feelings and challenges.

I currently offer therapy sessions for children aged 2–14 years and welcome enquiries from parents, carers, schools and other professionals.

I offer a free 45-minute initial parent or carer consultation. This is an opportunity for you to share your concerns and hopes for your child, and for me to listen and understand what has led you to seek support at this time.

I will explain how Child-Centred Play Therapy works, what to expect throughout the process, and together we can consider whether it feels like the right support for your child and family. There will also be plenty of time for any questions you may have.

Prior to therapy starting, I will ask you to complete a pre-therapy information form to help me gain a fuller understanding of your child's strengths, experiences and current difficulties.

There is no charge for the initial parent consultation, and no payment is required until your child attends their first individual therapy session.

Play therapy sessions are confidential and take place with only the child and therapist in the playroom, allowing children to express themselves freely and safely through play.

Throughout therapy, I offer parents and carers a complimentary review meeting approximately every five weeks to discuss progress, themes emerging in therapy, and any questions or observations you may have. These review meetings are provided at no additional charge.