Emily Cheesman
Training, qualifications and experience
I have enjoyed working as a teacher for over 25 years with a variety of age groups in primary schools. I have designed and delivered PSHE/SRE lessons in secondary schools for several years as part of my work through the charity Life and Soul, which I co-founded in 2003. In the past, I have worked as a detached youth worker, set up projects in a hostel for vulnerable women and have been part of teams leading children's work in various contexts. I am passionate about making a difference and seeing transformation.
In 2016, I trained as a Therapeutic Play Practitioner with PTUK and qualified as a Play Therapist in 2017. Since then, I have been working with a wide range of primary aged children, helping them to work through difficult situations and experiences such as bereavement, family conflicts, anxiety, and trauma. I am keen that the positive impacts of play therapy can be seen and experienced in both school and at home and believe that with early intervention, a child's mental well-being and self-esteem can be improved, and longer-term issues can be avoided. I have delivered various training to schools including sessions on having a growth mindset, attachment and being trauma informed.
I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and uphold their values and ethical framework. I receive appropriate clinical supervision for my work.
About the way I work
I use a holistic and integrative approach in play therapy. Through play and creativity, in a safe and non-judgmental space, I believe children can process situations and build resilience to face the future more positively.