Lee Mansfield

Ages served

• 3–5 years
• 6–9 years
• 10–12 years

Therapy approaches

• Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

Who I help

I am a qualified Child-Centred Play Therapist working with children aged 2–14 years. I provide a warm, accepting and non-judgemental therapeutic space where children can explore their feelings and experiences safely and at their own pace.

Children do not always have the words to explain what is troubling them. In play therapy, play becomes the child's natural language and toys become their words. Through play, creativity and the therapeutic relationship, children can express feelings, process difficult experiences and develop new ways of understanding themselves and others.

My approach is child-centred, meaning I trust the child's innate capacity for growth and healing when provided with the right therapeutic conditions of safety, empathy and acceptance. Sessions are led by the child rather than directed by the therapist, allowing children to work on the issues that matter most to them in a way that feels manageable and emotionally safe.

Play therapy is a specialised form of counselling uniquely designed for children aged 2–14 years. It can support children experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, low self-esteem, bereavement, trauma, family change, friendship difficulties, behavioural challenges and school-related concerns.

I work closely with parents and carers throughout the therapeutic process and believe that strong, supportive relationships around the child are central to positive outcomes.

How I work

I offer Child-Centred Play Therapy from a dedicated, fully equipped specialist playroom at a local primary school in Dorking, Surrey. The playroom contains a carefully selected range of therapeutic toys, creative materials, sand, art resources, role-play equipment and sensory activities designed to help children express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable.

Play therapy is based upon the child's natural medium of self-expression. Rather than being expected to explain difficult feelings or experiences, children use play to communicate at their own developmental level and pace, without feeling directed or judged.

Play therapy helps children receive emotional support and learn to understand their feelings. Some children use play to make sense of difficult or upsetting experiences, whilst others develop healthier ways of coping, improve relationships, or build confidence and self-esteem.

The outcomes of play therapy may include reduced anxiety, improved emotional regulation, increased confidence and self-esteem, improved behaviour, and stronger relationships with family and friends.

I welcome enquiries from parents, carers, schools and other professionals.

What parents can expect

I offer a free 45-minute initial consultation for parents or carers. This is an opportunity for you to share your concerns and hopes for your child, and for me to listen and understand what has led you to seek support at this time.

I will explain how Child-Centred Play Therapy works, what to expect throughout the process, and together we can consider whether it feels like the right support for your child and family. There will also be plenty of time for any questions you may have.

Prior to therapy starting, I will ask you to complete a pre-therapy information form to help me gain a fuller understanding of your child's strengths, experiences and current difficulties.

There is no charge for the initial parent consultation, and no payment is required until your child attends their first individual therapy session.

Play therapy sessions are confidential and take place with only the child and therapist in the playroom, allowing children to express themselves freely and safely through play.

Throughout therapy, I offer parents and carers a complimentary review meeting approximately every five weeks to discuss progress, themes emerging in therapy, and any questions or observations you may have. These review meetings are provided at no additional charge.