top of page

I believe that each child is unique & by giving them time to explore within a safe space through play what is troubling them, the process of healing begins.

coco van.jpg

Welcome

       

Hi, I’m Vanessa.

​

I am an educator with experience supporting children through creative and play-based approaches. My professional training includes play therapy, education, yoga, and creative expressive methods, with additional foundations in hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

I know that reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and I look forward to meeting you and accompanying you on your journey.

I aim to provide a welcoming space where every individual is respected and can participate at their own pace.

I support client-centered, strengths-based, LGBTQ+ affirmative, and anti-oppressive approaches. I have guided clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, sensory processing differences, selective mutism, and challenges related to giftedness, high sensitivity, ADHD, autism, and special educational needs.

​

I offer sessions in a warm, welcoming space where clients can explore, create, and express themselves safely. The play room is filled with creative materials, musical instruments, puppets, sand tray resources, books, video-making tools, and, of course, our much-loved therapeutic dog, Coco Disco.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for an article about the benefits of a therapeutic dog.

​

Professional Qualifications

Play Therapist Diploma PTUK with Leeds Beckett University

(B.A. in Education) with the University of Ottawa

(B.A. theatre) with the University of Ottawa.

Artistic director of the nonprofit Chance 4 Children (Prague), where I train clowns and promote laughter therapy in hospitals for all ages.

​

As a professional artist and educator, I became very interested in how these fields could work together. From personal experience I came to understand the boundless potential of the creative arts in healing, growing, learning, and thriving. Play therapy provides endless possibilities as it combines all art forms: music, dance, drama, sand play, visualizations, storytelling, yoga and nature. 

​

Collaborations

Global Preschool (Play Therapist), https://globalpreschool.cz/

Chance for Children ( Artistic director & clowning in Hospitals) www.c4c.cz

Azyzah Theatre Educational & Interactive (Creator, Director, Actress) www.azyzah.com

SWAN Support Women Artists Now  (Artistic Director) swanprague

Prague Shakespeare Company (Associate Artist) www.pragueshaspearecompany.com

​

Education 

Diploma Play Therapist  (Leeds Beckett University )

B.A in Education with 30 years experience

B.A in Theatre 

Certified Hospital Clown (C4C undergoing training yearly)

Parent support in Play Therapy

Foundation course in Hypnotherapy (Marisa Peer)

H.E.A.L Master Class: Gabor Maté

Ongoing training in the field of therapeutic art forms such as music, dance, sand play, drama therapy, and art.

​

What does “Registered Play Therapist” Mean?

Registered Play Therapists are credentialed through Play therapy UK. To be credentialed, a play therapist must go through a rigorous training program including 200 approved play therapy education hours, 200 hours of supervised play therapy experience that includes 50 supervision hours.

​

 

331950363_589058143076947_7470299172838138655_n.jpg
bottom of page