Meet The Team

Kelly Higgins

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Founder & Therapy Lead

My name is Kelly Higgins and I run Hands on Play Therapy. I hold an honours degree from The Open University in Childhood and Education as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy from Play Therapy UK and accredited by Leeds Beckett University.

I have furthered my skills by training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, TraumaPlay Therapy, Sensory Attachment Intervention and have also qualified as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Therapist accredited by the International Association of Trauma Professionals. As well as training to become an accredited Positive Discipline Parent Educator. I am passionate about treating the whole child which lead me to train as an Emotion Focused Family Therapist. This particular treatment modality believes that where possible, caregivers are essential to the healing process of their loved one.

I am also an experienced Family Worker and have run group and individual interventions supporting vulnerable families for Bracknell Forest Borough Council. I hold a current DBS certificate and Professional Liability Insurance.

I have extensive experience supporting autistic children and young people, those with adhd, specific learning difficulties, anxiety, as well as those who have experienced trauma and those who have attachment difficulties. I also support Looked After and Adopted Children, as well as those in long term foster placements. I support families, individuals and professionals using an integrative approach and am passionate about supporting those I work with in becoming the best version of themselves.

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I offer training to fellow therapists, schools, local authorities and parents in a number of topics including trauma and attachment, Polyvagal Theory, and emotional regulation.

​My professional practice is enhanced by fortnightly clinical supervision and I adhere to the ethical framework of my professional body BACP of which I am a registered member.

​I am married with two daughters and have worked with children and adolescents for twenty years.

Guy Higgins

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Therapeutic Alternative Provision Lead

My name is Guy Higgins and I have worked in education for nearly 20 years delivering music workshops and mentoring children and young people within both mainstream and specialist settings.

Over the years I noticed that many pupils weren't enjoying the school experience and so I began to develop bespoke interventions to support those pupils.

I joined Hands on Play Therapy to continue developing and implementing programmes that weren't confined to a school setting. I love being outside in nature, especially water based activities which keeps me sane in an increasingly stressful world!

I have also written and recorded an album designed to help children who have emotional and behavioural needs. It targets children who are struggling in certain areas of their lives such as anger management, poor self-esteem, family break up, dysfunctional families, OCD, anxiety disorders, ASD, and ADHD; offering support to both the children and their families. This may be in the form of 1:1 mentoring or as part of a small group.

Playing music relaxes people, creates belonging, promotes team work without being competitive, gives focus, encourages, produces determination, leads to a healthier lifestyle and helps academic subjects.

Ben Jarvis

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Play Therapist

I completed my BSc and MSc in psychology at Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand. During this time I began volunteering to support children with difficult upbringings and adults with learning difficulties before finding a job in supported living. I moved back to England in 2014 and continued working in supported independent living until 2016 when I joined SWAAY as a children’s residential worker.

Over the past 8 years I have continued working with SWAAY but in 2018 I moved away from residential work to therapeutic work. Since then I have been facilitating group therapy programmes, as well as providing individual therapy to children with complex needs.

In 2019 I began training as a play therapist through PTUK and completed my PGDip in Play Therapy in 2023.

By July 2024 I had completed over 300 sessions of Therapeutic Play and Play Therapy, as well as over 750 individual therapy sessions, and over 350 group therapy sessions. The individual and group therapy I have completed has included CBT based talking therapies, directive and non-directive play therapy, manualised programme for treating offending behaviours, and various other therapeutic modalities such as compassion focussed therapy, family systems, life-story work, and psychoeducation.

I have worked with a broad range of young people including children from different cultures, with diagnoses of ADHD, ASD, FASD, PTSD, and Attachment disorders, adopted and fostered children, harmful sexual behaviour, sensory difficulties, and trauma symptoms.

Francesca Carnicelli

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Child and Adolescent Therapist

My name is Francesca Carnicelli and I work as an Associate Play Therapist with Hands On Play Therapy. I have a master’s degree in psychology, and I am a PTUK qualified Play Therapist, a Creative Counsellor Trainee and I am also specialised in Trauma and Specific Learning Disabilities.

In addition to my practice with Hands on Play Therapy I work in different schools and local authorities in Berkshire and Wiltshire, and I have previously worked with Hampshire Council as Trauma Therapist.

For many years I worked with children and their families in Italy and in England. My interest in children’s mental health has grown year after year and I found in Play and Creative Arts Therapy the natural path for me to emotionally support the children and their families. This is why I strongly believe that:

‘no matter what happens in the session, every kid gets the same message which is you’re important, you’re valuable, and you are worthy’ (Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S).

Furthermore, I have completed level 1 Dyadic Development Practice (DDP), which helps family members develop healthy patterns of relating and communicating. I have also attended the Therapeutic Life Story Work training with Family Futures.

I am DBS checked, have a public liability insurance and I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Officer (ICO) for data protection purposes.

Caitlin Cheale

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Art Therapist

My name is Caitlin Cheale and I am an Art Psychotherapist. I am originally from the US and have a Masters of Arts degree in Mental Health Counselling with a specialisation in Art Therapy from Antioch University in Seattle. 

During my time in the states I worked in a variety of settings including local charities, schools and hospitals. 

Since moving the the IK in 2015 I have worked in CAMHS supporting children and adolescents with severe and complex mental health difficulties.

In 2014 I began my own independent practice and joined Hands on Play Therapy as an associate.

I am an integrative Art Psychotherapist who believes in treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis. I seek to understand how an individual's past and current life circumstances impact their daily functioning and quality of life. 

In my experience, the therapeutic relationship is the most important marker for success in therapy, and as a result, I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental space where young people can feel empowered and in control. 

as an Art Psychotherapist, I support clients in using a variety of art materials to safely express their inner thoughts and feelings. 

I am a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists and a registered Art Psychotherapist accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council. 

I have an enhanced DBS and am ICO compliant. 

I am married with 3 young children and enjoy running, cooking, and spending time outdoors in the sunshine.

Karen Herman

Therapeutic Support Worker

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My name is Karen Herman. I am a qualified teacher, and have been working in Education for thirty years.

I joined Hands On Play Therapy in April 2022 as a Therapeutic Support Worker, delivering one-to-one interventions that aren't confined to a school setting. My support involves using nature to help regulate, attending EHCP review meeting where I advocate for the families support, supporting children and young people to access the community, and teaching and encouraging life skills where needed- I am often found supporting young people with grocery shopping and cooking or baking.

I am enthusiastic and passionate about childrens' welfare. In this role I have been able to utilise my existing skills and experience to develop strong, trusting and caring relationships, which help to foster independence and increased self-confidence.

I love the outdoors, especially running and walking with my

two dogs.

Becs Lister

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Play Therapist, AutPlay Therapist

Hello everyone, my name is Becs and I am an associate Play Therapist with Hands
On Play Therapy. I have worked with and for children and young people almost my
entire life, spanning back to my teenage years many (many!) moons ago when I
helped my beloved dad run a children’s badminton club every Saturday morning.
When I left university the first time with my honour’s degree in English and Drama &
Theatre Studies, I went straight into theatre in education, touring schools with shows
and workshopping stories and themes, which quickly led into delivering a violence
prevention project funded by the local government tackling anti-social behaviour and
domestic violence touring schools and working closely with community groups. I kept
volunteering with various youth groups whilst back at university training to become a
teacher. I enjoyed teaching for many years until I got the opportunity to relocate to
Bermuda and started volunteering at a wonderful recreational facility called
Windreach, which I found purely by chance, thinking I was going to join a gym or
some exercise classes, but I was back a few days later for my first shift. The site
offers therapeutic riding and that’s where I started, as a side walker with the horses
and quickly got more involved. The facility, whose mission statement is to enrich the
quality of life for individuals with diverse support needs, also runs programmes with
adaptive sports, life skills, a petting zoo, sensory gardens - there really is something
for everyone and I, too, found it holistic, cathartic and supportive.
Years later, on my return to the UK, I knew I wanted to do more for young people.
Whilst teaching was great, I needed to help more specifically, really go deeper with
issues and concerns affecting children and young people. Play therapy stood out, so
I trained with PTUK, accredited by Leeds Beckett University. I love learning new
things, expanding my knowledge and attending CPD events, conferences,
networking and liaising with likeminded individuals. I am on the PSA register, DBS
update service, ICO compliant and receive regular supervision in keeping with
ethical standards. I am AutPlay qualified, having trained with Robert Jason Grant in
person, have completed his course run with Natascha Lawrence on suicide
awareness in the play therapy process, and am a grief and trauma informed
therapist. I always view parents / carers / families as partners in any work I
undertake, listening to and ensuring everyone is respected and valued in the process and journey together. I look forward to working with you.

Child and Adolescent Therapist

My name is Vera, I work as an associate Integrative Therapist at Hands on Play Therapy
and run my own private practice. I have over 20 years of experience working with children
and adults in private practice and for local authorities. This includes training professionals
and parents, coaching groups and supporting individual in overcoming various life
challenges such as effects of adverse childhood experiences, developmental trauma, PTSD,
anxiety, attachment difficulties, loss, separation and many more.

I consider myself an extremely lucky person as my passion for supporting people, building connections whilst being curious and playful had become my job.
I believe in transparency and compassion, having witnessed, some of the darkest and the most amazing human states and behaviours throughout my career, I believe we all have the
ability to heal and to thrive. “Sometimes we need someone who believes in us more than we believe in ourselves.” M Batterson
My background lies in Educational Psychology and teaching, I hold BA Degree in Educational Psychology and Teaching Degree, EU. As my career evolved, I have furthered my training by becoming a Certified Creative Arts and Play Therapist accredited by Leeds Beckett University, UK.

As an Integrative Trauma and Attachment Informed Therapist my practice is also cognisant by a variety of other modalities such as Theraplay®, EMDR, RMTi, Somatic Therapy and informed by Dyadic Development Psychotherapy. Moreover, I am currently in the process of completing the certification process to become a Child and Young People’s counsellor.
 

Having a family, being a wife and a parent has been one of the powerful learning processes in my life, so I have a great passion for supporting families, parent, carers, partners and
extended families on their, at times overwhelming and tiring journeys.

Finding ways of building knowledge and strength whilst supporting each other and getting the best out of being connected compassionate and resilient guides for the children and each other.
In my practice I strive to provide a holistic client-centred, individually- tailored approach, endeavouring to provide the most affective process for each client. Always being honest and transparent about my skills, strengths and limitations.
 

I hold a current DBS certificate and Professional Liability Insurance. I adhere to the ethical framework of my professional bodies PTUK and BACP of which I am a registered member, this includes accessing sufficient clinical supervision, keeping up to date with CPD hours and
newly updated research in the areas of my practice.

Senco and AutPlay Practitioner 

My name is Linda Lovegrove and I have been teaching for 42 years. I was a classroom teacher for 7 years when I took a break to raise my children. After the birth of my second daughter, I returned to university to complete a course on teaching children with special needs. This was a passion of mine whilst working as a class teacher, possibly because I had a younger brother who had learning difficulties and in those days was labeled as ‘stupid’.

Once I had qualified as a special needs teacher, I spent a number of years in this role but returned to classroom teaching periodically so that I would not lose touch with mainstream education and the expectations of children in this setting.

I spent a number of years teaching in a large British International School in the Middle East where I was Head of Year One, moved on to head up the Special Educational Needs Department and then moved on to Deputy Principal responsible for Pastoral Care, SEN and EAL.

My SEN experience includes working with children with dyslexia, comprehension difficulties, speech and language difficulties, ADHD, ASD and Trauma. A lot of this work has been teaching children strategies on how to manage their emotions and self -regulate. I have also completed a certificate on ADHD with Kings College in London, a Post Grad certificate with Autism West Midlands and Worcester University and a Parenting After Trauma Course with Robyn Gobbel, (PCC Instructor, specializing in Complex Trauma and Attachment, with Interpersonal Neurobiology Programme).

Having had a brother with learning difficulties, and 2 grandchildren with ASD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Hypermobility Syndrome and ADHD, and another grandchild with trauma and attachment disorder and ADHD, I am passionate about supporting children and their families.

It has been very exciting to see how Hands On Play Therapy has grown and is reaching out successfully to a wide clientele with a variety of needs and I am very privileged to be part of this team.

Play Therapist, AutPlay Therapist

My name is Georgie Morris and I work as an associate practitioner with Kelly. I am a qualified Play Therapist, an experienced teacher and I hold a Masters in Applied Drama. 25 years of working with young people and adults in schools and community settings has given me a wide range of experience, but it is as a parent that I feel I have learnt the most. Parenting challenges you to work to be the best you can be, it gives you the ultimate responsibility and the pushes you to understand another human being whilst challenging every aspect of who you are.

In my work, I use all my experience to deliver a high-quality service. I am a creative and flexible practitioner with a passion for finding the key to supporting your child and you. I have experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Tourette’s, and non-specific learning disabilities. I have supported children and families who have experienced domestic violence, separation and divorce, hospital trauma and attachment difficulties.

I was trained by The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) which is accredited by PTUK and Leeds Beckett University. I have a further qualification as a Heart to Heart practitioner and am a qualified Autplay practitioner providing play therapy specifically to children with ASD. I am also on the Professional Standards Authority Register, have a current DBS & am ICO compliant.

Play Therapist, AutPlay Therapist

Hi, I’m Shafinaz, a Qualified Play and Creative Arts Therapist. I have worked with children for over 10 years in Primary School settings and have experience in providing therapy since 2019, more than 400 clinical hours. Special needs is an area close to my heart, but I have experience in working with children with an array of needs.

Play therapy found me while I was looking for support for my son, a moment where I felt helpless as a mother and could not explain what was wrong but really needed someone to help my child to feel happier, safer, and provide a sense of belonging.

Often, when children have behavioural issues, it is natural to be focused on the symptoms rather than explore the reasons. However, focusing on the symptoms does not support the child to overcome the real reasons behind the behaviour.

Once I was introduced to Play Therapy, I became curious about learning more about how this could help children heal and finally chose this as my career. Being a therapist, everyday feels like an honour when a child allows me into their world.

Watching children heal and families thrive is the greatest reward I get through my work.

I am also an AutPlay therapist, and Trauma informed therapist.