Fulfill my ambitions to become a Play Therapist

My dear friends (i.e. UK family),

I'm utterly giddy to share with you, that I've started my learning and practical experience adventure towards becoming a Play Therapist. For the longest time, I've been trying to find a way to combine my love of working with children and my fascination with psychology with my drama degree. In the past year, the pieces have organically come together and more recently, have snowballed into exciting new opportunities - educationally and practically.

“Toys are children's words and play is their language” — Gary L. Landreth.

I've been accepted to the Institute for Arts in Therapy & Education (IATE) to complete their certificate in Therapeutic Play, which will commence towards the end of the year.

I recently completed a Level 3 course in Play Therapy with the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and I'm currently doing an online course with the University of Derby titled, "Understanding Autism, Asperger's and ADHD".

In other exciting news - I'm starting a part-time Special Needs Assistant position at a SEND school in Mitcham to gain hands-on experience with children between the ages of 3 and 12, living with learning and behavioural disabilities.

How many times have you heard someone ask themself or others: "...what's your purpose in life...?" - I've never really overthought it, because I (personally) feel that we're all making a positive difference in one way or another, without really knowing it. That said, I now know without a shadow of a doubt, I'm meant to be helping kids understand their own feelings and thoughts. Especially those who's survived (and/or are still living with) trauma.

I'm reaching out to my support network (and biggest fans), asking you to help me complete the first chapter of my new adventure.

The University of Roehampton (where I'm considering doing an MA in Play Therapy once I've completed the IATE programme) is offering a 1-day course called, "Introduction to Play Therapy" on July 1st, and I'd love to attend it.

I'm all about networking and I shine when engaging with people and soaking up others' knowledge/expertise, so I plan to get as much exposure to and face-time with the heroes already operating in the Play Therapy arena. On November 10th & 11th, the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) will be hosting their annual conference in Birmingham, and I see this as a fantastic opportunity to meet some of the exceptional people (and authors) I've been reading about and who's work I'm aspiring to adopt as tools/knowledge for my onward journey.

I've already purchased a few books (suggested publications) and am enjoying learning more and broadening my knowledge. But, there are still a large number of books I'd love to own and I'm sure you all know how expensive they can be, especially educational (hand) books. I've made a shortlist** of the more known/recognised titles, but there are many many more.

A requirement while completing therapy/psychology/counselling qualifications, is to attend weekly therapy sessions. Not only is this to help with personal development, but it's so important to experience these sessions from a client's point of view and get feedback from peers. It's also vital to understand your own emotions and the ongoing nurturing of your resilience.

Here's how you could be of invaluable help to me:

I would be massively grateful, for any/all help you're able to provide. I'll continue to update you all on my progress and achievements (and even share in some of the disappointments along the way - it's all about balance right?!).

Every penny will go towards my further development and the steps I'm taking to get me closer to that end goal = Play Therapists! ;-)

And that my friends, is my story. I invite you to join me in this extraordinary new life chapter I'm embarking upon. Please help in whichever way you're able to.

Thank you! Sincerely!

x Ro

Disclaimer: the majority of the gorgeous kids in my pictures are nieces/nephews and I've asked permission from all the parents to use the pics for my GoFundMe page.

HUGE thank you to them for letting me tell my story and sharing it with everyone else.

** shortlist (play therapy books)