My Story
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Who am I
My name is Leanne, and I created The Symbols Studio to give children in South East London a safe, gentle space to express what words often cannot. As a registered Play Therapist, my passion is helping young people navigate big emotions, trauma, and life changes at their own natural pace.
At The Symbols Studio, I believe every child heals at their own pace. Through a blend of creative play therapy techniques, I offer a gentle window into your child’s world—providing the safe space and tools they need for lasting growth and emotional well-being.
To deeply support children navigating complex emotional landscapes, I have completed advanced training in Developmental Trauma with Beacon House Therapeutic Services. This ensures my practice is fully trauma-informed, helping your child’s nervous system feel safe, settled, and supported alongside their creative expression.
My Qualifications & Professional Membership:
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Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy (Level 7) – Certified Play Therapist (PTUK Registered)
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Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills (Level 7) – Certified Therapeutic Play Practitioner
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BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling
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Fully insured, holds an Enhanced DBS check, and adheres to the PTUK Ethical Framework.
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Certificate in Developmental Trauma for Professionals - Beacon House
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Registered with Play Therapy UK (PTUK)
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Also on the Professional Standards Authority Register
What does "Trauma-Informed" mean for your child?
You might hear the term "trauma-informed" and wonder what it means in practice.
Simply put, being trauma-informed means I look beyond a child's external behavior to understand what their nervous system is trying to tell us. Rather than asking "What is wrong with this child?", a trauma-informed therapist asks, "What has this child experienced, and how can we help them feel safe again?"
By reframing behavioral challenges through a nervous system and developmental trauma lens, we move away from labels and focus on what your child truly needs to heal. Whether your child is dealing with a major life disruption (like grief or separation) or a buildup of daily anxiety, a trauma-informed approach ensures their therapy is handled with the utmost care.
🛡️Prioritizing Felt Safety & Emotional Regulation:
A child cannot process big feelings until their body feels completely secure. In the playroom, I prioritize emotional regulation and felt safety, ensuring every session moves at your child's pace—never pushing them to talk or play through things before they are ready.
🪴Understanding the Nervous System:
Big meltdowns, sudden anger, or extreme withdrawal aren't "naughty behavior"—they are natural fight, flight, or freeze responses to stress. I help your child recognize these feelings in their body and gently learn how to regulate their nervous system.
🎨Sensory & Somatic-Aware Interventions:
Children don't always have the words to describe what they are feeling inside. When words are not enough, I utilize sensory and somatic-aware play interventions—such as clay, sandtray, and tactile media—allowing them to process deep emotions through physical play and sensation.
🕊️Empowerment & Control:
Trauma and big life shifts often leave children feeling powerless. In our studio, your child is given choices, agency, and a sense of control over their play, helping them rebuild self-confidence from the inside out.
👁️A Gentle, Whole-Child Lens:
Guided by my advanced training in Developmental Trauma with Beacon House, I hold a deep understanding of how early experiences shape emotional development. This allows me to adapt my approach so your child feels deeply held, understood, and supported as they heal.