Leah Panks

Known As: Leah

My practice:
As a qualified Play Therapist, my focus is on promoting emotional wellbeing and regulation, self-understanding, confidence, and authentic self-expression within a safe, accepting, and supportive therapeutic relationship.
In my sessions, play and playfulness is the foundation for all communication, learning and healing. During a session children can explore, art, clay, sensory play, movement and musical instruments, sand and therapeutic stories.
Rather than seeking to change how a child thinks, communicates, or interacts with the world, I adapt my therapeutic practice to meet the child’s individual strengths, sensory needs, communication style, and pace.
My experience:
I have clinical play therapy experience supporting children experiencing anxiety, social and friendship difficulties, emotional resilience challenges, parental separation, bereavement and loss, and sleep-related difficulties.
Since 2019, I have worked one-to-one supporting children with SEND, including ADHD, autism (including PDA profile and non-speaking children), challenging behaviours, early childhood trauma, Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and school avoidance, through my alternative education enabling role.
How are sessions commissioned:
I currently offer play therapy within schools and educational organisations. Sessions can be funded through a range of commissioning arrangements, including school budgets, additional support funding, and the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), where appropriate. Parents and carers also have the option to self-fund therapy sessions delivered within their child’s school, subject to agreement with the school.

• Organisation: PTUK
• Membership Number: 2022005903
• Town: Newton Abbot
• County: Devon
• Country: United Kingdom
• Website: www.livetoplay.co.uk

Qualification: Certified Play Therapist