About

Meet Julie Miller

Julie has completed training in:

• Child Parent Relationship Training (2019)
• Nature based Play Therapy (2021)
• Certificate of best practice in Outdoor Play Therapy (2021)
• Filial Therapy (2024)

Julie is an experienced Play Therapist who has run a dedicated private practice since 2019, supporting children from aged three through to adolescence alongside their families. Building on a foundational 1995 BSc in Psychology & Health Sciences and a background in third-sector fundraising for charities like Scope and the Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind, she has developed an extensive therapeutic portfolio. Her expertise includes securing contracts with local councils, schools, and organisations such as Barnardo’s and 2 Wish, as well as delivering parent training and facilitating Nurture Groups. Julie also brings international experience to her practice, having spent five years in Bahrain where she ran creative therapeutic play groups at an international school to support children facing major life and school transitions.

Why choose a BAPT Registered Play Therapist®

A BAPT Registered Play Therapist® must have a clear knowledge of the following: 

• Child-centred Play Therapy
• Child development
• The developmental process and functions of play
• Developmental psychology including attachment theory, mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, disability and trauma
• Ecological, systems and social constructionist theories of society
• Integrative Play Therapy methods
• Working with parents and carers
• Relevant legislation and policy
• Anti-discriminatory practice
• Contemporary research and practice

Information for Parents/Carers

As a parent or carer you may be wondering how best to support your child, if they are struggling you may be concerned about their development, ability to cope with a daily routine or recover from challenging life events. You may be concerned about how they are getting along with family, friends and at school. Maybe your child has a problem that causes them feel unable to cope.

Every child is unique and special but sometimes they experience problems with feelings or behaviours that cause disruption to their lives and the lives of those around them.

Play Therapy helps children understand muddled feelings and upsetting events that they haven’t had the chance to sort out properly. Rather than having to explain what is troubling them, as adult therapy usually expects, children use play and creativity to communicate at their own level and at their own pace, without feeling threatened or overwhelmed. 

Play Therapists have extensive training in child development, attachment, and supporting children communicate emotions through play.

How will play therapy help?

Play therapy does not aim to solve a child’s problems but provide space for processing emotions and help a child feel seen, heard and understood. There can be many benefits, including improved self-esteem, greater self-control and self-awareness, reduced anxiety, improved ability to cope and greater resilience, improvements in the way the child manages relationships, improvements in behaviour and a better understanding of past experiences.