How long have you been working as a play therapist at The Purple Elephant Project?
Since September 2020, so 3 and a half years.
What do you like most about your job?
SO tricky to answer! Right now, I just love being at the Hub at The Purple Elephant Project. It is a special, heart-affirming place. I love witnessing the child in a space where anything seems possible, and I love that their parent and/or carer is upstairs feeling nurture and nourishment also.
Did you always want to be a play therapist, or when you were a child is there a different job you wanted to do?
When I was a child, all I wanted to be was a waitress! I really wanted to take orders from the menu, write it in a little pad and deliver the food to the table…!!
What’s your favourite play thing in our play room to use in your work and why?
I love getting the HUGE tray out for messy play, and bottles of paint, shaving foam and bubbles. It means we are going to get seriously and satisfyingly creative !
What did you love to play with when you were a child?
Dressing up. Putting on scarves, hats and shoes and pretending to be a Mum, teacher, singer, actress!
What is something that can always make you smile even on a tough day?
A really really good hug.
Can you tell us something about yourself which would surprise the children you work with?
I jumped off a plane at 3,500 feet and parachuted down, and while I was in the air, I was singing at the top of my lungs! It was an incredible experience!
If you could tell all children one thing, what would it be?
YOU are important and YOU are loved.