Domonique Bracken

I am a qualified Play Therapist and Child and Adolescent Counsellor working with children and young people aged 4–18. I hold an MA in Play Therapy from the University of Roehampton, from a BAPT-accredited course, and a BA (Hons) in Children and Young People. I am a registered member of BACP.

I work integratively, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches and adapting my work to each child or young person’s individual needs, age and developmental stage. My approach is trauma-informed and predominantly child-led. I believe that a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship is central to the therapeutic process.

With younger children, I use play therapy, recognising that play is a natural way for children to communicate feelings and experiences that they may not yet have the words to express. With older children and teenagers, therapy may involve talking, reflection and creative approaches, depending on what feels appropriate for them.

I aim to provide a space where children and young people feel safe, listened to, respected and accepted without judgement. I work at their pace, without pressure to talk about or explore experiences before they feel ready. I look beyond behaviour to understand what a child may be communicating and what they might need.

My work is informed by my experience across schools, colleges, the NHS, the charity sector and private practice, including supporting children and young people with disabilities. I have also developed and delivered therapeutic Forest School sessions for children and their carers, as well as workshops and CPD for professionals.

My aim is to help children and young people feel understood, develop greater self-awareness, recognise their strengths and find their own ways of coping and moving forward.

I offer individual therapy for children and young people aged 4–18 in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. Each session lasts 50 minutes, with the frequency and length of therapy considered according to the individual needs of the child or young person.

The first step is usually an initial conversation with a parent or carer, where we can talk about your concerns, what you have noticed and what you hope therapy might offer. This also gives us an opportunity to consider whether my approach is suitable for your child.

Once therapy begins, I take time to build a relationship with your child and help them feel comfortable in the therapeutic space. There is no expectation that they will immediately talk about difficult experiences or explain how they are feeling. Trust develops over time, and I work at their pace.

For younger children, sessions may involve play, creative activities, stories, drawing, and sensory experiences. For older children and teenagers, sessions may involve psychoeducation, talking, reflection alongside creative therapeutic approaches. The work is individual to them, and there is no requirement for every session to look the same.

I work collaboratively with parents and carers, recognising the important role you have in your child's wellbeing. I will discuss with you how we can best work together while maintaining appropriate boundaries around your child's therapeutic space and confidentiality. Where there are safeguarding concerns, these will be discussed in line with professional and safeguarding responsibilities.

I aim to create an environment for children and young people to feel safe enough to be themselves, feel heard and understood, and in turn, create space so they can explore and process their feelings and experiences and move forward.