Hello, my name is Hazel Bentley and I live in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

I am a Certified Play Therapist (registered with PTUK) offering Play and Creative Arts Therapy in the Shrewsbury area to individuals or groups aged 4-16, who are currently finding life a struggle and would like to find ways to feel better. I have experience of providing both individual and group play therapy to primary school children with a wide range of difficulties.

For nearly thirty years, I have been supporting, advising and educating children, young people and adults from diverse backgrounds, many with complex needs, and have always endeavoured to uncover their true potential in their own unique ways and at their own pace. I have a firm understanding of the detrimental effects of poverty and social exclusion on individuals, families and communities.

I am also a Level 3 Youth Support Worker -leading various youth clubs as well as an Alternative Curriculum Programme for Year 7-11 students. Prior to this, I spent six years working as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant across Key Stages 1 and 2 in a local primary school. Both these jobs have involved frequent one to one or small group work with young people who are struggling with many aspects of their lives. I have particularly enjoyed seeing how these focused, trusting and mutually respectful relationships have had a positive impact on a child’s well-being and, subsequently, on their learning. I have carried this knowledge into my Play Therapy career where I am able to expand on the quality and effect of such relationships within the therapeutic environment.

I fully recognise that many of today’s children and young people are finding it hard to navigate our increasingly complex society, especially with their increased use of social media and computer gaming, and their access to such diverse, often confusing, online content. This can sometimes hinder their ability to participate fully in society in a happy and healthy way. Added to this can be issues related to past or present traumatic life-events, and/or having to contend with certain conditions or disabilities - all of which can make life very hard at times. I am a passionate advocate for this young generation and am dedicated to supporting their journey towards resilience and fulfilment through therapeutic interventions.

I like to work in a very child-centred, non-directive way, so there is never any pressure to talk, create or play: The child always leads the way.