Enabling respectful and connected relationships, through Play Therapy, Community and Parent Coaching. Working together to find the treasure.
Melanie Lister-Kaye is the founder of Childsplayworks and the co-creator of ‘Playful Parents’.
Melanie is a certified Creative Arts and Play Therapist PgDip and is part of the registered body ‘Play Therapy UK’. Melanie has been working with children and families for over 25 years. Her career started in the early years sector running children’s nurseries. She deepened her practice in America whilst working at the world-renowned National Child Research Centre in Washington DC as a Lead Teacher.
She then ran the Education Centre at Aigas Field Centre and wrote, developed and delivered programmes for children and young people between 3 – 18. It was here that the healing power of nature became integral in her work. Melanie became a mother in 2008 and began an ongoing dedication to Responsive Parenting rooted in connection and respect. In 2017 she trained as a therapist using play as her chosen modality.
She is an Integrative Holistic Therapist, and is neurodivergence, trauma and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) informed. Melanie lives in Norfolk with her two boys and a sausage dog and when not working with families can be found at her allotment.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Montessori teaching and child development, birth – six years.
- Forest school Level One and Level Three – Leader.
- Parent Effectiveness Training.
- Mental Health First Aid.
- Non- violent Resistance Level One.
- Diploma in Creative Arts and Play Therapy.
- Child and Parent Relational Therapy.
- Certificate in Therapeutic Play.
- Ba Hons English and Art History.
Services
Parent Coaching
Melanie offers online coaching for parents who are either struggling with their children’s behaviour or are not happy with their own responses and want to explore new ways to connect and grow with their children. Melanie’s approach is therapeutic -this means no punishments or rewards – and is grounded in connection, respect and boundaries. Melanie offers a free initial 30-minute consultation.
Parent and Child Relational Therapy
Melanie offers this as a ten-week training programme, working on the belief that giving parents the skills to respond to their child therapeutically has potential for significant and lasting therapeutic gains. Parents learn to limit their children’s problem behaviour whilst demonstrating empathy and respect for their children. CPRT is grounded in Child Centred Play Therapy, attachment principles and interpersonal neurobiology. It is also suitable for Teaching assistants or those working with children.
Creative Arts and Play Therapist
Childsplayworks is a private practice offering one-to-one and group therapy to children in and around the Aylsham, Norfolk area. Creative Arts and Play Therapy is suitable for children and young people who are struggling with mental wellbeing, loss, divorce, anxiety, traumatic experiences, neurodivergence, friendship issues, low self-esteem, bullying, body image, online bullying and other conditions that makes their world feel difficult.
Playful Parents
Melanie co-runs an in-person playgroup with Robyn Caston from Soulshine. It is entirely child-led and self-directed, protecting the sanctity of play for toddlers. The group offers a non-judgmental space for parents to practice responsive parenting, with Melanie offering her expertise where needed. The group provides parenting information, training and support.
The Aylsham Neurodivergent Club
Melanie runs a weekly group for teens who are diagnosed or identify as being neurodivergent. It is one hour long and is very informal, fun and friendly. The activities revolve around members’ interests. To date we have played board games, made videos, eaten a lot of Oreo’s, laughed smiled and chatted.
Upcoming Events
Contact Us
I offer a half-hour consultation, free of charge, for anyone who wants to change how they parent or are looking for guidance on where to begin this journey.
Please just fill in the form below with your contact details, and I will be in touch as soon as possible.
