Welcome! I'm Katie Joseph the founder of Bucks Play Therapy.
Expressing myself creatively has been a huge part of my life ever since I was a child. Thirty years ago, I graduated from my first degree in the Creative Arts. Creativity has helped me to overcome the biggest challenges I have faced in my own life. It has healed and enriched me into becoming a stronger, braver happier human!.
My enduring commitment to achieve positive outcomes for children began when I founded "Creativity for Curiosity" an early years setting in South West London. Over 12 years I received three ‘Good’ gradings from Ofsted and two 'Outstanding' grades for "Personal, Social and Emotional Development" reflecting the emphasis given to promoting positive mental health in children. During that time I worked with hundreds of children which gave me a solid grounding in understanding a wide range of behavioural and emotional challenges, identifying signs of neurodivergence early and supporting every family to ensure best possible outcomes for their child.
I maintain my own mental wellbeing creatively by listening to music, inventing new recipes and gardening, dog walks in nature and entertaining friends. In addition to my years of experience working creatively with children of all ages and many years of clinical training and qualifications, I also have 16 years lived experience as a mother, where I am continuing to learn and grow.
As a Play Therapist I am able to combine my passion for creativity to provide each child with a unique experience that will shape their lives in a more positive direction. Remaining compassionate, non-judgmental and authentic demonstrates how I fully appreciate all the hurdles that life can bring us that we all have to overcome.
Knowing the importance of how to adapt therapeutically to every child's specific needs is why I specialise in working with children aged 3-12 only. This crucial stage of development is a time of significant change neurologically and cognitively throughout primary school as a child grows from a toddler to a teenager.
By providing tailored age appropriate interventions, I strive to ensure every child I work with feels engaged in the process, and most importantly deeply understood on their own personal level, as they navigate their unique path. My focus remains on ensuring every child I treat continues to thrive once the therapeutic journey ends.
Qualifications and Training
Postgraduate Certificate Therapeutic Play Skills
Leeds Beckett University.
Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy
University of Chichester.
YMHFA Qualified,
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Developmental Trauma Informed.
Beacon House specialist trauma centre.
Additional training undertaken:
Silence in the Playroom- Supporting children who are non verbal in therapy.
Understanding and Supporting the Rising Needs of Children
Online children- how does the digital age impact on our play therapy practice.
Managing risk in the playroom and with clients
Nuts and bolts
Health, Safety and Risk assessment Awareness trained
Level 2 Safeguarding for Children and Young people trained
Paediatric First Aid Certificate trained
Anaphylaxis and allergies in schools trained.
Safeguarding and child protection trained.
GDPR Compliance trained
How I work
I work using an integrative child centred, holistic approach.
For more information on the Integrative Holistic Model (IHM) please see the following link:
https://playtherapy.org.uk/ihm-the-integrative-holistic model-of-play-therapy/
Research evidence of effectiveness of play therapy
https://playtherapy.org.uk/the-research-evidence-for-play-therapy-what-the-studies-show/
For older children I incorporate simple CBT or OT techniques where appropriate which can be used at home or school to compliment the therapeutic work .
I use 'Jungian Sand tray therapy' developed by psychiatrist Dr. Margaret Lowenfeld, Dora Kalff, a Jungian Analyst through Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss Psychiatrist.
‘The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute’ influences the strategies I use in my awareness of the nervous system linking to emotions, actions and responses.
What to expect
The therapy service includes the following:
Screening with SDQ assessments
(Goodman's Strengths and Difficulties scoring system)
1:1 Clinical Supervision with a PTUK approved Supervisor. Therapist's Insurance with Everywhen
ICO registration.
Enhanced DBS with annual update service
P.T.U.K. Membership.
Throughout the process I provide parents and carers with free access to fact sheets relevant to your child to provide additional support at home and school.
Relevant links to carefully selected videos, podcasts and book recommendations are shared to support the therapy.
“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength” Sigmund Freud