Anne Addo

Anne Addo is a qualified play therapist. She is registered as a full member with the British Association of Play Therapists and works within their ethical guidelines. As with person-centred psychotherapy, in child-centred play therapy which is a form of psychotherapy, focus is on the relationship as an essential element in the healing process. A professional therapeutic relationship with a child is therefore key to Anne’s work. She holds a distinction in her master’s degree in play therapy gained at Roehampton University and works in private practice at the Awareness Centre Tooting.

Play provides a developmentally appropriate means of communication for children. In play therapy, children are encouraged to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, explore relationships and make sense of experiences through a wide range of play resources which facilitate creative expression. Anne incorporates training in child development, play therapy techniques and the therapeutic process in her client work. She uses a non-directive approach with some directed work as deemed necessary; her approach is tailored to each individual child. Anne takes pride in offering a safe, accepting, and empathic environment, in which children can show up as their authentic selves and receive unconditional positive regard. Anne brings playfulness, passion and purpose to her work – as she supports children to improve social skills, develop emotional intelligence, communication and play skills, focus on self-awareness, self-regulation and develop coping strategies.

Anne’s work meets at the intersection of child mental health and education. She has extensive qualifications and over 25 years of experience of working with nursery and primary school aged children and their families; as a class teacher, a deputy head teacher and a special educational needs coordinator. Anne is a passionate advocate of early intervention and also believes that children are best supported when viewed holistically. Her training as a play therapist has increased the impact she is able to have in working to meet the needs of young children. Anne has experience of working with children in the care system, those who have experienced developmental trauma, children struggling with issues such as anxiety or low self-esteem, children with diagnosed or suspected traits of neurodivergence such as ASD and ADHD, and also children who have experienced family breakdown. Anne holds an enhanced DBS certificate.