Welcome to Paws to Play Psychology
Paws to Play Psychology offers evidence-based psychological therapy for children and young people aged 3-25 years, and their families.
Led by Sharon, an experienced psychologist, we provide support for a wide range of presentations including depression, anxiety, emotional and behavioural dysregulation, trauma, social challenges, developmental delays, and neurodiverse needs.
Our unique, fun approach creates a safe, supportive, and engaging space where children and young people are empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Unique Approach
Paws to Play Psychology combines evidence-based psychological therapies, animal-assisted interventions, and play-based techniques to create a supportive, engaging, and effective therapeutic environment. This integrated approach recognises the diverse needs of each child, young person, and family, offering a pathway to growth and resilience tailored to their unique challenges and strengths.
Grounded in psychological principles, our approach ensures every intervention is research-informed and goal-directed, focusing on promoting emotional, social, and behavioural development. By combining these methods, we create a holistic framework that nurtures individual growth and empowers children and young people to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Why Animal-Assisted Psychology?
Animals can bring a calming, supportive presence to therapy, helping children and young people feel relaxed and receptive to new ways of thinking and interacting. Many children and young people see animals as a safe, approachable social option, offering companionship without judgement.
This makes Skip and Pogo ideal therapeutic partners, allowing children and young people to form connections without the complexities or pressures they may feel in human relationships. For those who struggle with social interactions, animals can act as a bridge, providing a secure environment where they can practice communication, empathy, and emotional expression.
Research shows that animal-assisted psychological therapy can reduce anxiety, improve focus, enhance emotional regulation, teach empathy, and promote constructive behaviours. This is especially helpful for children and young people managing challenges such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, or social difficulties. Through guided play and interaction with Skip and Pogo, children and young people gain confidence in their ability to connect and thrive, building skills they can use in all areas of their lives.
My Commitment to You
At Paws to Play Psychology, I offer personalised mental health support that honours your child or young person’s unique needs and journey. I work collaboratively with families, tailoring each session to align with your child or young person’s goals and adapting techniques to suit their pace and personality. Together with Skip and Pogo, I’m committed to fostering a safe, inclusive space where children and young people can build confidence, resilience, and skills for life.
Ready to Begin?
If you’d like to learn more about how Paws to Play Psychology can support your child, please reach out. I’m happy to answer any questions and share more about the work that Skip, Pogo, and I do to help children feel understood, empowered, and ready to thrive.