Qualified Play Therapist
I'm Alanna Thrower, a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist in South West London. I am passionate about helping children to understand difficult feelings and behaviours and overcome traumatic experiences, to restore healthy relationships, develop positive coping strategies and enable children the best start in life.
I do this through the use of play activities and creative arts, such as clay, sand, Lego, puppets, music and paint. I work with children in a non-directive way to begin with, allowing the child to choose the activities and materials that they are interested in. Using these materials, I am able to take a sensitive approach to explore the child’s concerns with them. I am trained in Child-Centred Therapy and base my practice on the 8 principles of Virginia Axline (1969) to ensure a warm and friendly therapeutic environment. I draw on clinical training and experience to support the child’s emotional needs in the playroom. I am committed to lifelong learning, continuing to attend training days to expand my knowledge and skills in practice.
​
I believe with the support of a compassionate therapist, children have the tools to heal and adapt positively. With time and patience, it is possible to help children overcome difficulties and restore balance in families and at school and I am here to make that happen.
​
The work I do with children is collaborative and I value the support and knowledge you can bring to the table. I include you in the process and I invite you to share your knowledge of the child with me. I believe that relationships, past and present, can provide significant experiences for the child and this knowledge can be invaluable to the therapy I provide to the child.
​
I can provide Play Therapy sessions in a comfortable and welcoming Play room in Earlsfield, South West London, or I can arrange to visit your child at their school.
​
I understand, committing to any decision for therapy can be difficult and I am here to provide support and assistance. If you wish to discuss your child or make a referral you can contact me directly for a free 20-minute chat in confidence, or send a message or email on my Contact page.
​
I’d love to help and look forward to hearing from you soon,
​
​
Alanna x
Alanna Thrower BA BSc PGCE PGCert PGDip
​
Professional Biography
​
​
Alanna is a qualified Therapeutic Play Practitioner and the founder of 'More than Playing' - delivering a Play Therapy service to schools and families across London. She has achieved several qualifications to enable her to support children in a range of settings. She has supported many children with emotional, social and behavioural concerns and is committed to support the well-being of children who have experienced difficult circumstances.
Alanna began working with children in Early Years Settings before becoming a Primary School Teacher. From working with children and families she soon realised the scale of difficulties faced by families every day; from juggling childcare, difficulties with finances, the stress of separation or divorce, the pressure of loosing a job or distress of coping with a bereavement, just to name a few. Often at these difficult times, the child may show changes in their normal behaviour. You may have noticed emotional, social or behavioural concerns. The child could be having difficultly processing their experiences or may be struggling to cope with change.
​
Play Therapy offers support for the child. It can help the child to process their experience, to identify their feelings and recognise behaviours. By learning to cope with their emotions the child is able to concentrate better in class, to communicate better with family and friends and resolve conflict more appropriately.
Education and Credentials
​
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Level 1
Accredited Heart to Heart Practitioner
Drawing and Talking Practitioner
Training in Life Story Work
Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy
Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills
Post Graduate Certificate in Education
Bachelor of Arts and Science in Early Childhood Studies and Psychology
CACHE Diploma in Childhood and Education
​
​