About Us

My name is Maria. I am passionate about making a difference in children's lives. After leaving my native Brazil and my former job in logistics, and moving to England, I had the opportunity to dedicate myself to my lifelong passion: child psychology. This passion led me to complete a Master's Degree in Play Therapy with distinction at the University of Roehampton in London.

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I have been trained in the Child-Centered approach coined by Carl Roger. I also studied a variety of approaches to play therapy, and I fully believe in working holistically, incorporating not only humanistic  but also psychodynamic concepts. I consider the client's unique needs and work ethically to offer what works best for them. I also work closely with attachment theory and the Jungian Analytical Play Therapy approach.

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I also hold a qualification in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), which allows me to support parents in developing healthy relationships with their children. CPRT has many models, including the toddler, pre-adolescent, adoptive families and teacher models. All of them aim to support connection and the development of positive relationships.

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I have developed a heuristic research project, focusing on using art materials to develop self-awareness. I consider that creativity bypasses words and connects with deep parts of the unconscious, which is essential for working with trauma. In my play therapy sessions, there are always art materials available, that encourage creativity.

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My experiences allow me to work psychotherapeutically with children who have suffered preverbal and developmental trauma. I am experienced in working with neurodiversity, behavioural issues, learning needs, neglect, abuse, gender expansiveness, loss and separation and attachment difficulties. I am particularly interested in working with children with severe or terminal health conditions. I work collaboratively with the child's systems (school, family, agencies) as I believe that together we achieve more and better for the child.

 

I have also worked as a Learning Support Practitioner, assisting children academically and running PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development) groups. I supported SEN (Special Educational Needs) children, helping them to develop speech and language skills and manage behaviour, allowing them to integrate into the mainstream school population. I am also a mother of two, which increases my awareness of the struggles that parents might face.

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My collaboration on the 3rd Edition of the book "Nurturing Natures" by Graham Music has led to my name being mentioned on the book's acknowledgement list. My contribution was on identity and how moving countries brings the need to re-birth into a new identity. In my work as a play therapist, I am aware of cultural differences and sensitive to what a child endures when moving from their birth country.

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I am a registered member of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT). I speak Portuguese as my native language and English as a second language. I can offer play therapy in both languages.​​​

 

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I offer an initial 20-minute complimentary phone conversation so we can discuss your worries and determine whether I am a good fit for your child or family.

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