‘Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
It’s what sunflowers do.’
- Helen Keller
Sunflower Therapy
Sunflower Therapy is a play and creative arts therapy service based in Cardiff. We support children and young people to make sense of the world and their experiences through play and creativity so that they can heal and grow.
What is play therapy?
Play and creative arts therapy is an intervention that is suitable for any age - from young children through to adults.
Children do not always have the words they need to express and explore difficult feelings or experiences. As a result, they can become angry, frustrated, confused, upset or withdrawn.
Play therapy offers an opportunity to 'play' out these thoughts and feelings using their natural language of play and creativity. Children can organise and understand their inner thoughts and feelings using creative tools such as games, music, clay, art, story, drama, art and sand play.
By working with a trained therapist, either individually, in groups or as part of a parent-child intervention, a trusting therapeutic relationship is formed where children feel safe and secure, able to work out their process. Over time, children develop a stronger sense of self and are able to make sense of their world and their emotions, finding hope and healing.
Meet Camilla
I am an Accredited Play and Creative Arts Therapist (PG Dip, PTUK) based in Cardiff.
I have worked with children and young people for 20 years, in a variety of roles both in the UK and abroad. My time as an Assistant Head in a large primary school enabled me to see first-hand the huge number of barriers some children have to overcome in order to access learning. Supporting children’s social and emotional needs as early as possible became my mission and the driving force that led to me retraining as a Play therapist.
I am passionate about enabling children to make sense of difficult emotions and past life experiences so they can grow and flourish in the future.
My approach ensures that the child and their needs are at the centre as they use play and creative arts to discover more about themselves.
I work privately and in partnership with local authorities, schools, parents/ carers and other professionals.
I am a member of PTUK and abide by their ethical framework. I receive regular clinical supervision and carry out ongoing CPD. I hold a current DBS (Enhanced Disclosure Barring) and also have indemnity insurance.
Who can it help?
Play Therapy can be used to help children or young people with a range of difficulties, including:
adverse childhood experiences (including parental illness - both physical and mental, abuse, parental separation/ divorce, incarceration of a family member)
developmental trauma
attachment needs (including those linked to adoption and experiences of the care system)
low self-esteem / negative self-image
generally poor wellbeing
low mood or withdrawal
experience of illness
anger and aggression
anxiety that is impacting on their lives
those who may benefit from a non-verbal approach (i.e. due to developmental needs or delays, selective mutism, language barriers)
All children - whether neurotypical or neurodivergent - can benefit from Play Therapy due to its non-directive approach which emphasises playful connections, low demand and strong relationship.
If you feel that Play Therapy would meet a child's needs, then I offer a free initial phone consultation (20 mins) to discuss in more depth whether it is appropriate to make a referral.
Referrals can come from parents/ carers, schools and other professionals.
Services and Fees
I provide a range of different services to children depending on need, accepting both private referrals and referrals through local authorities/ schools/ other agencies.
I also offer bespoke consultancy and training to schools and other agencies to develop and strengthen mental health provision. Please contact me directly for further information and fees.
“Camilla has been an exceptional support for staff and students at our school. She has excellent communication with parents and ensures they are fully involved. The children she works with have all benefitted from play therapy hugely" Assistant Head ~
“Camilla has been an exceptional support for staff and students at our school. She has excellent communication with parents and ensures they are fully involved. The children she works with have all benefitted from play therapy hugely" Assistant Head ~
Contact Sunflower Therapy
sunflowertherapy@mail.com
07985718647