To request support for children (under 11) and families
SPACEWbandFamilySupport@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Where we work
We have play therapists based in primary schools throughout Monmouthshire, and in community settings where appropriate.
How we can help
Play is a child’s form of communication. This is why for younger children, talking therapies may not be as appropriate as those that use play.
Play Therapy has been used to support children for many years and is used to help children across a broad spectrum of difficulties. Play Therapy offers your child support and will help them understand the things they have experienced and the way they feel about them. The child may do this by re-enacting or playing out tricky experiences or difficult thoughts, either using a variety of different play materials, or playing with the Play Therapist. This can help them make sense of their thoughts and feelings.
Play Therapy offers a safe space in which children can explore and express their feelings and experiences. This promotes resilience within each child to enable them to work through and discover a more hopeful view of their world.
In Play Therapy children are accepted for who they are and what they bring. It can be helpful to see a Play Therapist both long term and short term. Every child is different, and this can be discussed during our assessment process.
About our team
Our team of Play Therapists are all accredited and registered members of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) or PTUK. This means they follow a professional code of ethics and follow good practice guidelines set by this professional body. Both accredited registers are regulated by the Professional Standards Authority
Donna Benson
Hi, I’m Donna Benson and I am the lead for Creative Therapies in Monmouthshire, so I manage the Play Therapy and Family Therapy Service. My background is in education, where I taught music and drama for many years, before deciding to train as a Play Therapist. I love working with children and their families and feel it is a privilege to be able to work closely with people, especially when things may not be as good as they can be. When I’m not working, you can find me outdoors – I love walking, spending time with my family, and on my paddleboard. It’s become my new obsession, but I love it, and we have so much water to explore in Wales!
Laura Bone
Hello, I am Laura and I am a BAPT Registered play therapist, filial therapist (which means I work with parents and children together sometimes) and clinical supervisor. I have also had training in Theraplay and DDP Level 1, and I enjoy using these skills when I work with parents or carers and their children. I qualified with my Masters in Play Therapy back in 2013 and before that worked with children who have SEN, using my previous degree in Psychology. I absolutely love being a play therapist and am very passionate about how it can help support children. In my spare time I love travelling, learning Spanish, baking and walking. I love living and working in Monmouthshire, as there are some amazing places to walk and I am never bored!
Naomi Johnson
Hello! My name is Naomi and I am one of the Play Therapists in the team. I have been working with children for over 14 years, my background is in education and I am a qualified primary teacher and ALN specialist. I qualified as a Play Therapist in 2018 and love my job helping children and families to strengthen their wellbeing and thrive, which is so special to see. My favorite toys in my play kit are the arts and crafts and the sand tray and miniatures. In my spare time I like to spend time outdoors going for nice walks and seeing beautiful things, spending time with family and friends. I also like being creative and making things.
Camilla Crowter
Hi, my name is Camilla and I am a play and creative arts therapist. I work with children and young people to help them work through difficult feelings and experiences. They can use play and creative ways to express themselves rather than words. I also work closely with parents/ carers and offer parent-child relationship interventions when appropriate. I love my job and am always learning more! When I am not working, I like to spend time with my friends and family. I also love walking in the countryside or being by the sea.
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