Abigail Sinclair - Child Psychotherapist and Play Therapist at Shore Psychology

Abigail Sinclair

Child Psychotherapist & Play Therapist

abigailsinclair@shorepsychology.co.uk

“I am a welcoming, empathetic and approachable therapist. My goal is to provide a safe and creative space for children and young people where they can express themselves, process their thoughts and feelings, manage relationships and develop self-esteem through play. I understand that seeking therapy for your child can feel overwhelming and at times confusing for both you and them. Therefore, I work closely with parents/carers throughout their child’s therapy journey so that they are part of the process and learn more about their child’s emotions and needs. Play is a child’s natural medium for self – expression, in other words, the resources are their words and play is their language. Play as therapy takes many forms, using various mediums including art, drama, music, small world and the natural world, meaning it can be accessed by young children but also teenagers”.

“I believe that each client’s experience to therapy is unique and recognise the importance of not “hurrying a client’s process”.  To enhance the client’s experience I can introduce massage, therapeutic stories and visualisations to personalise their sessions. My play therapy sessions are also accessible to clients who are neurodivergent and children with special needs as I am highly experienced in differentiating my approach and toolkit”.

I have over 11 years of experience working with children and young people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment disorders, food disorders, relationship breakdowns, grief, substance misuse, medical conditions and self esteem. Currently, I am a Play Therapist / child psychotherapist with Shore Psychology. My previous roles include working in special needs schools, community-based projects with families, children and mental health including play therapy in schools.

Clinical Experience

Conditions I work with

  • Childhood trauma
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Difficulties at school including school refusal
  • Family issues such as divorce, separation or bereavement
  • Childhood illness
  • Anxiety and sensory difficulties
  • Difficult life events
  • Mood disorders
  • Relationship problems and attachment disorders
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder

Therapies I offer

  • Child-centred play therapy (CCPT)
  • Directive play therapy
  • Filial play therapy
  • Group play therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioural play therapy
  • Attachment-based play therapy
  • Trauma-informed play therapy

Qualifications and Training

  • Diploma in Play Therapy: Children’s Mental Health
  • Certificate in Specialised Therapeutic Play Skills: Children’s Mental Health
  • BA Honours in Children’s Development and Learning: Education
  • Foundation Degree Children’s Development Learning: Education

Professional Membership and Registrations

I am a registered member of Play Therapy UK (PTUK), Play Therapy International (PTI), Academy Of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC).