The Symbols Studio
Where every play tells a story
Holistic & Integrative Play Therapy and Trauma- Informed Support for children in South East London.
I offer evidence-informed, child-led creative therapy tailored to your child’s unique pace and needs.
Why The Symbols Studio?
People often ask why I named this The Symbols Studio rather than a clinic or playroom. The answer lies at the heart of how children heal.
A Space of Creative Freedom
A studio is a place of creation. Here, your child is the artist, builder, and storyteller. With access to sand trays, miniatures, art supplies, and puppets, they have complete freedom to choose how to express themselves—with no right or wrong answers.
Toys Are Words, Symbols Are Stories
Children rarely express emotional pain in plain words. Instead, they use symbols. A plastic lion might represent a scary feeling; a buried figure might represent a hidden hope.
By playing freely, children safely externalize what is happening inside. I don’t force them into a rigid box—I give them a studio to shape their own path to healing.
A Trauma-Informed, Nervous System Approach
To support this process, my practice is grounded in advanced Developmental Trauma training with Beacon House, I look beyond external behavior to help your child find felt safety, self-regulation, and healing through sensory play.
Toys are words, Symbols are stories
Meet the Play Therapist
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I'm Leanne, the play therapist behind The Symbols Studio.
I'm passionate about creating a safe, supportive and trauma-informed space where children can express themselves, explore their experiences, and make sense of their emotions through play.
Through a combination of therapeutic play, creativity, sensory experiences and a strong therapeutic relationship, I work alongside children at their own pace, helping them to Play ~ Connect ~ Grow ~ Reflect.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play is a child's natural language. Through play, children can communicate feelings, experiences and worries that may be difficult to put into words. Play therapy gives children a safe space to do just that.
Play Therapy can help support children experiencing:
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Big emotions & regulation
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Anxieties & worries
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Changes & transitions
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Trauma & difficult experiences
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Relationships & attachments
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Confidence & self-esteem
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Behavioural or emotional difficulties
In my therapy room, a bridge is never just an ornament. It represents the journey I take with every child—crossing from confusion to clarity, from big feelings to understanding. At The Symbols Studio, I provide the safe structure for that crossing to happen at the child's own pace.
Being fully registered with PTUK, the Professional Standards Authority, and the Play Therapy Register isn't just a requirement—it's my commitment to you. It gives parents and schools complete peace of mind that my practice is held to the highest clinical, ethical, and child-safeguarding standards at all times.
My Approach
Every child is unique, and so is their therapeutic journey. At The Symbols Studio, I offer a child-led, trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and accepting space where children can explore, communicate, and express themselves through play.
Rather than expecting children to find explain how they feel, play provides another was to communicate. Through creativity, sensory experiences, imagination, and symbolic play, children can explore their experiences at their own pace, supported by a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Play ~ Connect ~ Grow ~ Reflect
Mother of "A", age 10
"A" was quite anxious before starting play therapy, so finding someone he could feel safe and comfortable with was really important to us. Leanne has been incredibly patient, understanding and accepting of him, allowing him to build trust at his own pace. "A" now feels completely comfortable with her and really values their time together. As his mum, knowing he has a safe space where he can be himself means so much to me. I woul;d highly reccommend Leanne to any parent considering play therapy.
Mother of child, age 8
My child looks forward to play therapy every single week. The sessions have eased their day-to-day struggles and boosted their confidence immensely. Building a practical toolkit to use in class has helped them feel heard and supported at school, while the insights provided for home have made a real difference to our family life. I’m so grateful for the support.
Play Therapy Services in Greenwich and Surrounding Areas.
The Symbols Studio provides mobile child-centred play therapy across Greenwich, Woolwich, Thamesmead, Abbey Wood, Charlton, Plumstead, and nearby South East London locations. I also offer services to surrounding Bexley areas, such as Welling, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Belvedere and Erith. Whether you are seeking a play therapist in SE18 or local support for your child's emotional well-being, sessions are tailored to nurture healing and self-expression.
