Play Therapy Fusion
I am Alex Machon, a BAPT Play Therapist, with over 25 years’ experience working with children, young people and families.
I support children experiencing a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety, bereavement, family separation, school-related challenges, relationship difficulties and significant life changes.
I also have particular experience supporting children affected by trauma, attachment difficulties and adverse childhood experiences.
My practice is grounded in a child-centred, relational and trauma-informed approach, drawing on my experience in therapeutic parenting, adoption and fostering, alongside training in Theraplay, Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and Filial Therapy.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps children explore their feelings, experiences and relationships through play and creative expression.
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or experiencing. Play Therapy provides a safe, accepting space where they can communicate naturally, make sense of difficult experiences and develop greater emotional understanding.
It can support children with a wide range of difficulties, from everyday worries and life changes to more complex emotional and relational experiences.
Children do not need a diagnosis or to have experienced significant trauma to benefit from Play Therapy.
More information can be found through the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT).
My Approach to Play Therapy
I work primarily using a non-directive, child-centred approach, allowing children to lead the therapeutic process at their own pace.
Rather than expecting children to talk about their difficulties, I offer opportunities to explore feelings and experiences through play, sandtray, art, storytelling and other creative materials.
My approach recognises the importance of relationships, emotional safety and understanding what children’s behaviour may be communicating.
I adapt my work to each child’s developmental and emotional needs, drawing on other therapeutic approaches where appropriate.
Central to my practice is the belief that feeling safe, accepted and understood provides the foundation for therapeutic change.
Who I Work With
I offer Play Therapy to children and young people experiencing a range of difficulties, including:
- Anxiety, worries and low confidence
- Loss, grief and bereavement
- Parental separation, divorce and family changes
- School-related anxiety, bullying and friendship difficulties
- Anger, frustration and difficulties managing emotions
- Low self-esteem and relationship difficulties
- Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
I also have particular experience supporting adopted children, children in foster care and those living in special guardianship or kinship care arrangements.
Every child is different. Some express their distress through behaviour, while others become withdrawn, anxious or find it difficult to share their feelings. Play Therapy provides a space where children can explore these experiences without the pressure of finding the right words.
Working with Parents & Carers
Parents and carers are important partners in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
While Play Therapy provides children with their own confidential therapeutic space, I work collaboratively with parents and carers through consultations and reviews where appropriate.
Drawing on my experience in attachment and therapeutic parenting, I can help adults better understand their child’s emotional needs and consider ways of supporting them beyond the therapy room.
Contact Me
I offer an initial conversation to help you decide whether Play Therapy, and working with me, feels like the right fit for your child.
This is an opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns and think together about possible next steps.
I offer face-to-face Play Therapy in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss further.
Other Work
Alongside my Play Therapy practice, I am a co-director of Ragdoll Training & Therapeutic Services.
Through Ragdoll, we provide therapeutic interventions, parenting support and professional training, with particular expertise in trauma, attachment, adoption, fostering and therapeutic parenting.
