Laura Jones
About Laura:
Works as Play Therapist at First Psychology Centre, Edinburgh.
Languages spoken:
- English
Laura Jones is an experienced play therapist who works with children (age 3-12) with a wide range of issues and problems including: anxiety; emotional regulation; school refusal; parental deployment; an ASD diagnosis; bereavement; personal illness or illness of family members; divorce; domestic violence; abuse; neglect; children being fostered/adopted; and many other issues.
In parallel to working with a child, Laura offers support for their parents to help them make sense of what might be going on for their child and ways that they might be able to help the healing process. In addition, she offers Filial Therapy, which is based on the principles of Play Therapy but teaches and supports parents/carers to hold weekly play sessions with their children. The aim is to help the adults become more attuned to their child; skilled at understanding what their child is trying to communicate to them; and provide skills that can be used in daily life to strengthen relationships. Filial therapy can lead to a child feeling better understood and supported, and as a result, their challenging behaviours often reduce and become more managable.
Laura has experience working with school staff, social work, CAMHS and other professionals where appropriate to ensure a co-ordinated approach to supporting a child.
Laura has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play (from Play Therapy UK), an Intensive Filial Therapy Training (from the Centre for Family Enhancement and Play Therapy), and a number of training qualifications with the Mindfulness Association.
Laura's way of working
Laura works with children using child-led Play Therapy, although at times she also uses a more direct therapy approach if it feels appropriate and helpful for the child. Play therapy provides support in a contained space in which a child can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without the need for words to express themselves. Over time, children can process their difficulties and explore other ways of being.In parallel to working with a child, Laura offers support for their parents to help them make sense of what might be going on for their child and ways that they might be able to help the healing process. In addition, she offers Filial Therapy, which is based on the principles of Play Therapy but teaches and supports parents/carers to hold weekly play sessions with their children. The aim is to help the adults become more attuned to their child; skilled at understanding what their child is trying to communicate to them; and provide skills that can be used in daily life to strengthen relationships. Filial therapy can lead to a child feeling better understood and supported, and as a result, their challenging behaviours often reduce and become more managable.
Laura has experience working with school staff, social work, CAMHS and other professionals where appropriate to ensure a co-ordinated approach to supporting a child.
Laura's background and training
Laura has several years' experience of working with children in a number of settings including as a play therapist in a primary school; in a play therapy charity setting; and as a nursery support worker.Laura has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play (from Play Therapy UK), an Intensive Filial Therapy Training (from the Centre for Family Enhancement and Play Therapy), and a number of training qualifications with the Mindfulness Association.
Laura's fee
Laura charges £70 per session for self-funding clients. She also works with clients referred via their employer/organisation – for further details, please visit First Psychology Assistance.