Hi, my name is Esther Schencks.
I am a fully qualified and accredited BAPT Registered Play Therapist® working from a trauma informed and attachment aware humanistic approach. I am the founder of Dandelion Play Therapy serving the areas of Milton Keynes, Buckingham, South Northamptonshire and North Bedfordshire.
Previously, I was a nursery nurse and spent 10 years working in primary education as a learning support assistant and one to one support for Special Educational Needs.
I also supported children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Working Memory problems, Hyper-mobility, complex medical needs, attachment difficulties and developmental trauma disorder.
While working in mainstream education, I observed that children who are living with powerful feelings of fear, anger, distress, anxiety or shame, show behaviours that are often misunderstood and inhibited their learning.
I now wish to support and make a difference to these children and I am committed to helping them develop and become more secure, happy and confident.
Why I chose the name
Dandelions represent emotional healing, this wildflower endures almost any living condition, they symbolise perseverance and overcoming difficult moments in life by standing strong and proud. The bright yellow Dandelion flower is also a symbol of growth, hope and healing.
In Play Therapy, we will stand strong and proud together to overcome difficult moments in life.
Why did I become a Play Therapist?
Whilst studying for a BSc Honours Psychology degree at the Open University I was fascinated by John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, the biological need for a child to seek proximity and emotional security from their caregiver in times of stress and threat.
As part of this, I completed an additional module in ‘Understanding counselling and psychotherapy’ which also inspired me on my journey to become a Play Therapist.
I also read Louise Bomber’s book ‘Inside I’m Hurting’ and was inspired to follow her footsteps, helping children to survive multiple traumatic experiences of loss, trauma, abuse and neglect.
I am particularly drawn to humanistic approaches of person-centred counselling that empowers the individual in their personal transformation to become a fully functioning person.
As a Play Therapist it is a privilege and an honour to be let into the child’s world and empower them to take control of their own healing process.
I believe that play is an intrinsic part of being human and is key to helping us develop and reach our full potential.
Trained and accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists
I completed my Play Therapy qualification to Masters Level at the University of Roehampton achieving a distinction.
I am a qualified BAPT Registered Play Therapist®, accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) of which I am a full member
I am fully registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
