Gail Timms - Still Waters Play Therapy
Nurturing Therapeutic Support through play
"Toys are children's words and play is their language"
Gary L.Landreth
My name is Gail Timms and I am a trainee play therapist based in Tattershall, Lincolnshire.
I am passionate about helping children feel safe, understood, and accepted. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where children can explore their feelings and experiences through a child-led, relational approach.
My professional background is rooted in residential care, where I supported children and young people who had experienced trauma, loss and disrupted attachments. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the impact of early adversity and the importance of trust, consistency and emotional safety in helping children to heal. With an extensive 20 years as a Foster Carer. Specialist in attachment and loss strategies. With a trauma-informed approach.
I work collaboratively with schools, families and professionals to ensure each child is supported within their wider network. I am committed to inclusive practice and believe every child deserves access to compassionate support that helps them build resilience and reach their full potential. I will be school-based for the next year. If your school is looking for a resident play specialist, please contact me. For more about me click here
Play Therapy
Imagine a young child, enveloped in a world of toys, feeling the weight of anxiety lift as they engage in play. The room is filled with colours and possibilities, and for a moment, the child is immersed in a space that is both safe and freeing. This is the transformative power of Play Therapy.
Who can be referred?
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Play Therapy is a helpful way to support children over four. It works well because it can be tailored to each child’s needs. Children who have trouble with their emotions or behaviour, especially if it affects daily life, can be referred. This includes children who.
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Are going through changes at home, such as parents separating.
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Struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, or stress
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Have experienced a loss or bereavement
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Are withdrawn or continually unhappy
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Have a long-term illness
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May find it hard to cope with a disability
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Struggle socially
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Have nightmares or disturbed sleep
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Are adopted, fostered, or are going through this process
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Have experienced trauma or abuse
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Are at risk of being/ are excluded from school
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Are young carers
What are the benefits?
Play Therapy helps in many ways, based on each child’s needs. Some children feel more confident or less anxious. Others change their behaviour or get along better with family and friends. As children improve, parents and referrers often notice they are happier.
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Get extra emotional support and experience a steady therapeutic relationship in which their thoughts and feelings are central.
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Have the freedom to explore and express their feelings and experiences in ways that suit them.
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Can process and work through feelings that may have affected their behaviour at school and at home.
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May act out difficult life experiences to make sense of their past and cope with the future.
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May learn to express their feelings in healthy ways.
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Have the chance to be in control, make choices, and take responsibility, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
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May learn to handle relationships and conflicts more effectively.
What happens?
During therapy, clear boundaries guide the child in caring for themselves, the therapist, and the space. These boundaries help create freedom to play in their own way. When children feel secure, they often express their feelings and experiences through play.
Sometimes, they act out events to better understand and cope with them. The therapist participates in their play, follows their lead, and helps them make sense of their experiences. Rather than asking many questions or judging, the therapist respects each child’s unique journey. In this safe environment, children share feelings, build resilience, and find ways to cope with challenges.
After understanding the therapy process, many ask, how effective is Play Therapy?
We use the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) before and after therapy to assess the child's progress. We also ask for feedback from staff, parents or carers, and the children themselves. After therapy, about 80% of children show positive changes.
