Hello!

My name is Ella. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to the United Kingdom in my early teenage years. I am a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist based in Canterbury, Kent. My passion for child psychology began with A-level studies, which paved the way for a degree in Psychology and a Master's in Developmental Psychology. During my academic journey, I developed a keen interest in neurodiversity and developmental psychopathology. Upon completing my studies, I embarked on a career as an SEN Teaching Assistant, dedicating nearly a decade to mainstream and special schools. In this role, I provided invaluable support to primary school children with diverse special educational needs and physical disabilities. These experiences inspired me to delve deeper into my passion and pursue training as a Play Therapist. I saw this as an opportunity to merge my knowledge of psychology with my hands-on experiences to provide therapeutic support for children and young people.

I am a PTUK (Play Therapy UK) member, working within their ethical framework and on their register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists, which the Professional Standards Agency accredits. I'm also a graduate member of the British Psychological Society. In my trauma-informed practice, I extend 1:1 and group play therapy services to children and teenagers facing an array of challenges, including social and emotional difficulties, attachment disorders, parent separation/divorce, bereavement, anxiety, fear, anger, and more. My methods are deeply rooted in child development theories, ( e.g. attachment theory, cognitive developmental theory) and Neuroscience. I employ an integrative holistic model, offering a wide range of creative arts and media for the child to freely explore their feelings and emotions in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Accumulating over 700 hours of therapeutic experience, I've worked extensively with neurodivergent & neurotypical children and young people aged 4 to 16, including those who are looked after or in foster care, both in one-on-one sessions and group settings. I have professional liability insurance, possess a current DBS enhanced certificate, and regularly engage in clinical supervision to ensure the highest standards of service.