AmityRae Play Therapy
Welcome
I’m so pleased you’ve found your way here. My name is Eva, and I specialise in Play Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy for children. With over ten years’ experience working in schools and alongside families, I am passionate about supporting children to express themselves, heal from difficult experiences, and build resilience for the future.
About Me
I hold an MA in Play Therapy and have worked with children in a variety of settings, including schools, local authorities, and therapeutic services. Much of my work has focused on supporting children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, and disrupted attachments, particularly those who are adopted or in care. I also support children facing challenges such as family breakdown, health issues, and social care involvement.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), which means my practice is rooted in child development, attachment theory, and neuroscience. This knowledge helps me understand how early experiences shape the developing brain, behaviour, and relationships — and how therapy can help children feel safer, calmer, and more connected.
How I Work
Children often cannot find the words to explain their worries or feelings. In Play Therapy, I provide a safe, child-centred space where play and creative arts become their language. Through symbolic play, children can express and process experiences that may otherwise remain hidden or overwhelming.
At the heart of my approach is the therapeutic relationship: a consistent, nurturing connection where children feel accepted and understood. This helps them rebuild trust, develop emotional regulation, and grow in confidence.
Every child’s journey is unique, and I work at their pace, following their lead, and gently supporting their healing. My aim is to give children the tools and emotional safety they need to thrive — not just now, but for the rest of their lives.
What is Play Therapy?
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a powerful therapeutic approach for children, helping them navigate their inner world through their most natural language: play. Instead of talking, children use toys to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences they may not have words for. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where they can lead the way, and we can help them understand and process their emotions.
Foundation & Philosophy
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a powerful, non-directive form of psychotherapy rooted in the work of Carl Rogers, which holds that children possess an innate capacity for growth and healing when provided with the right therapeutic environment. The philosophy is founded on the belief that play is the child's natural language, allowing them to safely communicate and work through challenging emotions and experiences that they cannot express verbally. The therapist creates a secure relationship built on unconditional acceptance and genuine presence, offering attunement and reflection to validate the child's feelings without judgment. While the child is given freedom to lead the play and express themselves completely, the therapist maintains consistent, safe boundaries to teach self-control and responsibility, ultimately empowering the child to resolve inner conflicts and achieve positive change.
Why Play Therapy? 🌱
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The Magic of Toys 🧸
Our playroom is a curated world of possibilities, with a wide range of toys to support your child's expression. Each toy serves a purpose:
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Creative Toys: Art supplies and musical instruments help them visualize and externalize emotions.
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Dramatic Play Toys: Dolls, puppets, and dress-up clothes allow them to re-enact life scenarios and explore different roles.
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Aggressive-Release Toys: Toy weapons and punching bags offer a safe outlet for anger and frustration.
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Nurturing Toys: Dollhouses and baby dolls help them work through family dynamics and caregiving themes.
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Real-Life Toys: Toy cars and kitchen sets give them a sense of control and mastery over their world.
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Sensory & Calming Toys: Sand, water beads, and fidget toys provide a soothing, grounding experience.
Our toys are carefully selected to give your child the tools they need to communicate their inner world effectively.
The Therapeutic Journey 🎭
Our trained therapists listen to the themes that emerge in your child’s play. These stories—of family dynamics, emotional struggles, control issues, or trauma—provide crucial insights into their inner world. By understanding these themes, we can help them develop new coping strategies and a stronger sense of self.
The Benefits for Your Child 🌟
Ultimately, play therapy empowers children to work through their issues in a way that is natural and comfortable for them. It provides a dedicated space where they can make sense of their past, feel in control of their present, and build a brighter future. By using play as a vehicle for communication, we help them not only cope with challenges but thrive.
When & Where We Meet 🗓️
To build a strong, trusting relationship, sessions are held weekly at the same time and in the same safe, neutral space. This consistency is a cornerstone of the therapeutic process.
Contact me
Currently availability throughout Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch for school based sessions.
Registered and currently contracting with BCP social care and Aspire adoption service aswell as holding private practicce cases.