Pamela Dale-Rourke

Where appropriate, I work flexibly to provide therapy in a setting that feels safe and familiar for your child. Play Therapy can often take place within your child's school, subject to both parental consent and agreement from the school, which I am happy to arrange and coordinate.

I also offer evening appointments, online sessions and parent consultations. Current evening appointments are limited, so please do get in touch to discuss availability.

I understand that every family's circumstances are unique and, wherever possible, I will always try to find a way of working that best meets the needs of you, your child and your family.

Reaching out for support for yourself, your child or your family can feel daunting. Many parents contact me at a point where things have become overwhelming, relationships feel strained, or they are worried about changes in their child's behaviour, emotions or wellbeing.

My aim is to provide a warm, safe and compassionate space where children and families feel heard, understood and supported.

I am a qualified Play Therapist and Filial Therapist with a background in Psychology and many years' experience supporting children, parents and schools. I work relationally, which means I believe that healing and change happen within safe, trusting relationships.

Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Through play, creativity and therapeutic relationship, children can begin to express, process and make sense of their experiences in a way that feels natural and manageable.

Alongside working directly with children, I also work closely with parents and carers. I believe that supporting the adults around a child is often one of the most powerful ways of creating lasting change.

My approach combines compassion, curiosity and evidence-informed practice, drawing upon attachment theory, neuroscience and child development to help children and families move towards greater connection, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Beginning therapy can bring up many feelings and it is important that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.

Our first meeting will give us an opportunity to think together about your concerns, what is happening for your child or family, and whether I am the right therapist for you. Finding the right fit is important.

Sessions are offered in a calm, welcoming and confidential environment. Depending on need, support may involve individual play therapy for children, filial therapy with parents and children together, parent consultations, or psychoeducational support.

I work with kindness and honesty, offering both warmth and clear boundaries. Therapy can sometimes involve exploring difficult experiences and emotions, but you will never be expected to share more than feels manageable.

I see therapy as a collaborative process. Together we will develop an understanding of what may be happening beneath behaviours or difficulties, identify strengths and build on these to support positive change.

Alongside my clinical work, I am wholeheartedly committed to ongoing professional development, supervision and reflective practice to ensure that the support I offer remains thoughtful, ethical and effective.

I offer a free, no-obligation video consultation as an opportunity for us to meet and think together about what is happening for you, your child or your family.

Choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming and it is important that you feel comfortable, understood and confident that I am the right person to support you. Equally, I want to ensure that I am the best fit for your needs.

If we decide to work together, our first session will involve an initial assessment. This allows me to gain a deeper understanding of your child's experiences, your family relationships, strengths, concerns and hopes for therapy. Together, we will begin to build a picture of what support may be most helpful and agree how we move forward.

My aim is always to ensure that therapy feels safe, collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of your child and family.