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About me

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I am patient, empathic, and full of warmth. My passion for nurturing mental health and wellbeing led me to train as a play therapist with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy after 30+ years in education. I have worked in settings across Hertfordshire as a senior leader, SENDCo, behaviour and mental health lead, supporting pupils with a diverse range of learning, social, emotional, and mental health needs. I have a wealth of experience working with neurodivergent children and young people, including those with difficulties attending school (EBSA/EBSNA). I work collaboratively with parents and schools, building trusting professional relationships. My lengthy experience in education gives me a deep understanding of the issues faced by children and young people as they navigate school, friendships, identity, change, and sometimes trauma.

I am also skilled at supporting parents, and hold them with the same unconditional positive regard as my clients. My empathy and personal experiences as a mother of two children, both of whom experienced significant mental health difficulties, means that I understand the challenges and distress this can cause. I am committed to signposting parents to effective support and reminding them of the importance of their own self-care. 

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I spend my spare time reading and nurturing my own well-being through yoga, walking in nature, dream analysis, painting, and working with clay.

Qualifications

​Post-graduate Diploma in Play Therapy: 2026 APAC & The University of Chichester

Post-graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play: 2024 APAC & Leeds Beckett University

Advanced Diploma in Education Studies (Special Educational Needs) 2002 The University of Cambridge

​Post-graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) 1996 The University of Leeds

BAHons: 2:1 in Religious Studies & Philosophy 1995 The University of Leeds

Contact

 

Please do get in touch to find out more about how play therapy can support your child. I offer a free initial telephone conversation with no obligation to use me as a therapist. Text or email me your name and number and I aim to be in touch within 48 hours. 

Mobile: 07865 455 326

Email: susiebetleypt@gmail.com

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