‘Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
It’s what sunflowers do.’
- Helen Keller
Sunflower Therapy
Sunflower Therapy is a Cardiff-based service delivering play and creative arts therapy as well as consultancy and training.
What is play therapy?
Play and creative arts therapy is an intervention suitable for any age - from young children through to adults.
Children and young people do not always have the words they need to express and explore difficult feelings or experiences. As a result, they can become angry, frustrated, confused, upset or withdrawn.
Play therapy offers an opportunity to 'play' out these thoughts and feelings using their natural language of play and creativity. Children and young people can organise and understand their inner thoughts and feelings using creative tools such as games, music, clay, art, story, drama, art and sand play.
By working with a trained therapist, either individually, in groups or as part of a parent-child intervention, a trusting therapeutic relationship is formed where children feel safe and secure, able to work out their process. Over time, children develop a stronger sense of self and are able to make sense of their world and their emotions, finding hope and healing.
Meet Camilla
I am an Accredited Play and Creative Arts Therapist (MA, PTUK) based in Cardiff. I work with children with a range of social and emotional needs including those who are care-experienced.
I have a specific interest in working with refugee populations as demonstrated through my research: To what extent does group play therapy support Ukrainian refugee children who are newly arrived in Wales to make sense of their experiences?
https://www.sunflowertherapy.uk/s/Dissertation-C-Crowter.pdf.
Who can it help?
Play therapy can help children and young people with a range of difficulties, including:
adverse childhood experiences (including parental illness - both physical and mental, abuse, parental separation/ divorce, incarceration of a family member)
developmental trauma
attachment needs (including those linked to adoption and experiences of the care system)
low self-esteem / negative self-image
low mood or withdrawal
anger and aggression
anxiety
those who may benefit from a non-verbal approach (i.e. due to developmental needs or delays, selective mutism, language barriers)
All children - whether neurotypical or neurodivergent - can benefit from play therapy due to its non-directive approach which emphasises playful connections, low demand and strong relationship.
Referrals can come from parents/ carers, schools and other professionals.
Services and Fees
I provide a range of different services to children depending on need, accepting both private referrals and referrals through local authorities/ schools/ other agencies.
I also offer bespoke consultancy and training to schools and other agencies to work strategically to develop and strengthen their therapeutic provision. Please contact me directly for further information and fees.
Thank you so much for all you have done for A, she has grown and flourished [...] We are so grateful for all you have done and for the wonderful bond and trust you created and nurtured with her. You have had such a positive impact on her and she mentions your time together often and with fondness (Parent) ~ Thank you for everything you have done for us - no gift could repay you for all the support you have given us (Auntie) ~ You have been amazing and J has made such an advance on his trauma related experiences. You really have made a huge difference to his future (Special Guardian) ~ The professional relationship we have with you has changed lives. The impact of your work cannot be overestimated on individuals and the whole school (Head teacher) ~ We have considered how we respond in difficult situations and feel better able to support our child in those moments. Our child is better able to articulate his feelings so we understand him more (Parent) ~ Thank you for the transformative work you’ve done with out children. It’s made a difference and is greatly valued (Head Teacher) ~ Camilla has been an exceptional support for staff and students at our school. She has excellent communication with parents and ensures they are fully involved. The children she works with have all benefitted from play therapy hugely (Assistant Head) ~
Thank you so much for all you have done for A, she has grown and flourished [...] We are so grateful for all you have done and for the wonderful bond and trust you created and nurtured with her. You have had such a positive impact on her and she mentions your time together often and with fondness (Parent) ~ Thank you for everything you have done for us - no gift could repay you for all the support you have given us (Auntie) ~ You have been amazing and J has made such an advance on his trauma related experiences. You really have made a huge difference to his future (Special Guardian) ~ The professional relationship we have with you has changed lives. The impact of your work cannot be overestimated on individuals and the whole school (Head teacher) ~ We have considered how we respond in difficult situations and feel better able to support our child in those moments. Our child is better able to articulate his feelings so we understand him more (Parent) ~ Thank you for the transformative work you’ve done with out children. It’s made a difference and is greatly valued (Head Teacher) ~ Camilla has been an exceptional support for staff and students at our school. She has excellent communication with parents and ensures they are fully involved. The children she works with have all benefitted from play therapy hugely (Assistant Head) ~
Contact Sunflower Therapy
sunflowertherapy@mail.com
07985718647