Pear Trees and Bees

07/04/2026

Children experience the world through their bodies first.

Somatosensory experiences are how children make sense of touch, movement, pressure and physical sensation. These experiences play a vital role in how a child develops regulation, body awareness and a sense of safety.

For some children, especially those who have experienced stress or trauma, the body can feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Sensations may feel too much, too little or difficult to interpret. This can show up in behaviour, but it begins in the nervous system.

Play therapy works with the body, not just the mind.

Through carefully attuned somatosensory play, children are supported to explore and organise their sensory experiences in a safe and relational space. This is not random play. It is meaningful, responsive and guided by the child’s needs.

In play therapy, somatosensory activities might include:

• sand, water or messy play to explore texture and sensation
• squeezing, pushing or resistance play to support proprioceptive input
• rhythmic activities such as tapping, rolling or bouncing
• use of soft materials, blankets or weighted items for deep pressure
• movement based play that supports balance and coordination

These experiences help to:

• support nervous system regulation
• build body awareness and interoception
• create a sense of safety within the body
• process sensory and emotional experiences
• develop the foundation for learning, relating and self regulation

Play therapy offers children the space to reconnect with their bodies in ways that feel safe, supported and meaningful.

28/03/2026

Out of office officially on, it’s not often I take a week off but time for some much needed rest, have a lovely Easter everyone 🐣

20/03/2026

Another fulfilling week of play, loving that spring has arrived and it’s feeling warmer 🌞 I am feeling wholesome after the week, a little bit sad to say goodbye to another long term client but so proud of them and privileged to be part of their journey

17/03/2026

I’ve got some new followers (thank you) so thought I’d say hi!👋 I am Amy a BAPT registered play therapist with a Masters in play therapy, I absolutely LOVE my job, and feel very lucky to help children process trauma and work through emotions, I also love to support families, helping parents feel more connected to their children: feel free to message any questions through 🙂

15/03/2026

05/03/2026

Note to self and other stressed parents on this lovely creative world book day: the costume your child wears is no reflection on the parent you are! 😂 📖

23/02/2026

No one is connecting the dots on SEND. More and more children need extra support with school - but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with our children. The problem is a school system that lacks flexibility, and which can’t accommodate the many different ways in which children learn and develop. The problem is a system which sees 'behaviour' as something to be punished, rather than feedback on a situation that isn't working.

We have a school system that prioritises test results over developmental needs, that favours control over autonomy and in which there is little time and space for meaningful relationships between adults and children. It turns too many children into failures, measuring them against a narrow academic benchmark. It punishes them for minor misdemeanours and teaches them that learning is mostly about doing what you’re told. It prioritises attendance over meaningful engagement.

Then when children show us that this doesn’t work, we say there’s something wrong with them. We say they need to attend more, try harder, put more effort in. And when that doesn’t work, then the system says they must have SEND, because why else would they need something different?

Of course SEND costs are rising, because the school system isn’t fit for the children it serves. We need an education system that start the goal of with providing what children need to thrive, not with ‘driving up standards’ or ‘100% attendance’.

More play for the younger ones. More autonomy for the older ones. More diversity of opportunity. More focus on relationships. And an emphasis on interest-led learning and finding purpose, rather than on tests and exams. It's not rocket science.

For the more you put the pressure on to get those standards up, the more of our children are squashed in the process.

14/02/2026

Client Testimonials: sharing with permission from some clients who have recently ended - as I always say I feel very greatful to be trusted to be part of their journey and believe in supporting the whole family.

“Warm, friendly and passionate.”

Amy is a warm, friendly and passionate therapist who communicates openly and honestly. She was incredibly sensitive to our son’s needs and always offered balanced, considered and pragmatic advice. We felt completely comfortable discussing very sensitive and emotive issues with her.

When I asked my son what he would miss about play therapy, he said, “Everything.”

“Amy has been our rock.”

I am so grateful to have found Pear Trees & Bees. Amy has been our rock through a traumatic time. My child bonded quickly with her and looked forward to his weekly sessions.

I also developed a wonderful relationship with Amy and felt able to reach out for parenting advice between sessions. She was always approachable, kind, considerate and empathetic — just to name a few qualities. Her advice was exceptional and never once judgemental.

I truly feel that our whole family has been supported throughout this experience. Amy is amazing and I will miss her very much.

“Kindness and compassion every step of the way.”

Amy guided me through each difficulty with kindness and compassion. I would 100% recommend her — and already have. It has been a wonderful experience.

13/02/2026

My Friday afternoon dog walk is always a welcome time to reflect on my week, honestly feel so lucky to be a play therapist and am so proud of the children as I witness their progress ❤️

10/02/2026

Always hard to navigate as it’s constantly evolving- let’s help our children be safe online by exploring with them

The internet is part of children’s world, just like school, home and play.
Our responsibility is to help children explore it with support, curiosity and care, creating environments where questions are welcomed and worries are shared.
Open conversations build safer online experiences.

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04/02/2026

This year, we are taking a global tour 🌍 and we want to see your healing space. We have Pear Tree and Bees playroom based in Wiltshire, UK.

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01/02/2026

Play is a child’s natural language: Spaces for play therapy available, is your child struggling at the moment? Please get in touch to see if play therapy can help, for children 3-12 years old www.peartreesandbees.co.uk amy@peartreesandbees.co.uk