Supporting your child’s emotional development through the power of play.
At Anchor & Bloom, play is the language we use to help children feel grounded on the inside so they can grow with confidence on the outside.
The Anchor & Bloom approach:
“When we work with what’s happening on the inside, everything on the outside starts to make more sense.”
What I Do
I offer one-on-one play therapy sessions for children aged 4 - 12 in a calm, creative space designed just for them.
My Approach
Child-led, creative, and rooted in trust. I use tools like arts and crafts, sand play, movement, dress up, games, books and loads more, to help kids express what they’re feeling.
Where I Work
The practice is based in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, close to several local schools. Sessions are 40 minutes, weekly or biweekly.
How It Starts
Start by filling out a referral form, followed by a parent consult session. If it’s a good fit, we’ll start our play therapy sessions, reviewing progress every 6 weeks.
WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?
Understanding children through the language of play
When children are overwhelmed, anxious or acting out, it can be difficult to get to the root of what’s really going on, especially when they don’t have the words to explain it.
You’ve heard the teacher’s concerns. You’ve Googled “Is it normal if my child…” You’ve doubted yourself as a parent more times than you can count.
But the question isn’t “what’s wrong?” it’s “what’s going on beneath the surface?”
Play therapy helps us get to the heart of that vital question.
Play is the language children use to communicate. It’s how they make sense of the world around them, learn about themselves and others, test boundaries, work through challenges and process emotions they can’t yet explain.
In a play therapy session, a dinosaur might become a stand-in for a scary grown-up. A puppet show might reveal hidden fears. A drawing might give shape to something a child can’t yet describe. These are not just games; they’re meaningful expressions of a child’s inner world.
Through toys, movement, storytelling and creative play, children gain the emotional confidence and safety they need to explore what they’re feeling, develop self-awareness, and build new coping skills.
While the child leads the way in choosing how and what they want to play with, the therapist gently guides the process. This is done with a combination of therapeutic tools, specialised skills and a strong, trusting relationship to facilitate growth, emotional regulation and healing from within.
Over time, you may notice:
- Improved emotional expression and self-awareness
- Greater insight into what a child may be struggling with
- Better emotional regulation and fewer outbursts
- A stronger connection between parent and child
- Increased confidence, creativity, and independence
- Clearer communication of needs and feelings
- A greater sense of calm, clarity, and understanding at home and school
Play therapy is a gentle but powerful process that helps children regulate their emotions, build confidence and work through challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
How It Works
Play Therapy at Anchor & Bloom:
A simple, Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Parent Consultation
We begin with a referral form, followed by a parent consultation session to understand your child’s challenges, needs, and environment.
Step 2: Weekly or Biweekly Play Therapy Sessions
Your child attends 40-minute one-on-one sessions once a week or once every second week at my Rondebosch practice. The space is private, creative, and designed to help them feel safe, supported and curious.
Step 3: Progress Review
After the first 6 sessions, we’ll meet to reflect on what’s shifted, what’s showing up in your child’s play, how they’re coping, and what’s next. If therapy continues, we typically commit to another block of 6 sessions before reviewing again. This ongoing cycle of reflection and planning helps ensure we’re steadily working toward your child’s goals at a pace that suits them.
Every 6 weeks or so, we’ll also have a Parent Update Meeting. These sessions are a space to catch up on how things are going at home and school, receive updates on your child’s progress in therapy, and explore any suggestions or strategies to support both your child and your family.
Step 4: Final Goodbyes
Endings are an important part of the therapeutic journey; they help children reflect on their growth and create a sense of closure in a safe, supported way. When your child has made meaningful progress, we’ll plan a careful and structured ending to therapy. This includes a final session to review what’s been achieved, discuss any recommendations, and make sure you feel supported and confident about what comes next.
Play is how children communicate. Let’s listen together.
Is this the right space for your child?
Based in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, Anchor & Bloom offers one-on-one play therapy for children aged 4 - 12 who are struggling to cope with the changes, big feelings, and challenges of growing up.
My work is centred around helping children who:
- Struggle with emotional regulation or frequent outbursts
- Experience anxiety, fears, or phobias
- Battle with low confidence or self-esteem
- Have difficulty making or keeping friendships
- Are working through grief, loss, or major transitions
- Resist school, separation, or new routines
- Withdraw, seem sad, or emotionally shut down
- Show signs of regression (e.g. toileting, sleep issues)
- Are dealing with bullying, whether on the giving or receiving end
This is a space for kids who are struggling to make sense of what they’re feeling and for parents who are looking for support.
Please Note: I currently do not work with adopted or fostered children. Every family completes a brief intake form to determine whether your child’s needs fall within the boundaries of my practice.
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