I am Bethany Hughes. 

A Play Therapist based in Worthing.

In my career I have had the opportunity to learn from young children 4 months-5 years, as a nanny and nursery practitioner. Then children and young people with complex disabilities. Then I learnt from the young people I worked with who were accessing mental health support when working at the council. Then I took a side step into working as a Family Support Worker within Early Help. 

I am always learning new things from the families I work with and the support systems that are available locally. 

My undergraduate degree was in Early Childhood Studies and I completed my Diploma in Play Therapy with PTUK in 2023. 

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Every child, young person, parent and colleague I have worked with has taught me a huge amount about what compassionate support looks like. As a Play Therapist I plan to build these lessons into my practice, while continuing to explore and learn from all the new teachers I meet. 

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 All my work is informed by the person centred, mostly non-directive approach. I apply attachment theory to lots of how I work because I feel the ways in which we connect and relate to one another is integral to our wellbeing. I am interested in the ways nature can impact us, soothe us and teach us so I am exploring ways to implement natural elements into my practice. 

I believe that when children are ready and feel safe in the therapeutic relationship, they bring the work they are ready to focus on into the space. This looks different for each child. It is my job to keep them safe as they explore these feelings and gain a better understanding of themselves, their worlds and how important and powerful they are.