Nicole Blackburn

I have worked with children and families in different contexts. In the last ten years I have worked as a Play Therapist, Play Worker, Support for Learning Assistant, Child Protection Officer and Tutor. 

As a trainee play therapist within a mainstream primary school, the education staff will refer children to myself based on their experiences and issues. Through play therapy children can build emotional resilience and be able to understand and cope with experiences within a safe environment. As play is a natural form of expression for a child, play therapy offers an experience in which a child does not feel the pressure to work within someone else’s timeline. 

Key Responsibilities

• Review and accept referrals from other supporting professionals in the child’s life.
• Assess each child’s suitability for play therapy in the timeline offered.
• Provide regular therapeutic sessions on a weekly basis to help the child understand issues they may be facing.
• Build a therapeutic relationship with the child and a trusting relationship with their parent/carer.
• Create a safe and secure environment for the child to express themselves within play.
• Ensure safety within the playroom and with play equipment.
• Seek support and advice from my clinical supervisor when needed.
• Keep accurate process recordings, records, and reports when working with a child.
• Protect confidentiality of the child and their parent/carer.