Welcome to Sunflower Space 
Play Therapy!

Sunflower Space creates a safe space for primary school-aged children, who may be experiencing difficulties at home or school. We offer three different services to support children; Play Therapy, Art for Well-being, and Tutoring.

What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a very effective approach proven to support children who are struggling by providing a safe space to express themselves. 

Children that struggle or are unable to verbally communicate their feelings, can use the language of play and toys to help process complex emotions in our sessions. 
WHAT ​HAPPENS IN SUNFLOWER SPACE
Sunflower space is suitable for children who may not be able or possess the language to articulate their thoughts or emotions.  Their feelings may feel too big for them to convey verbally but allowing the child the space and use of the creative arts to find a means to communicate and shape their own narrative.

I will facilitate a safe,comfortable and welcoming space to put children at ease to undertake a creative process of their own choosing and pace in the hope they will feel secure enough to express and explore their emotional experience.  When a child is focussed in the creative process, the left side of the brain (responsible for creativity, imagination and abstract meaning) Is engaged and overrides the right side of the brain (responsible for logic, reasoning, reading and writing).  The use of metaphors allows the rehearsal of the possible and insert thinking between feeling and behaving.

I will employ Dan Hughes' PACE model (Play, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy). It is important to acknowledge all behaviours are a form of communication and decipher what the real issue is e.g. anxiety, low self esteem etc. I will actively listen without judgement so they know they have been heard, to hold them in positive regard (Carl Rogers) and to wholeheartedly empathise.
The Creative Arts can be a door to a relationship supporting the development of self-expression, listening skills, acceptance and a deeper level of understanding.

Services

Child-Centred Play Therapy

50 Minute Play Therapy sessions for children aged 3-12, offering a safe space using play to express complex emotions, process trauma, and support them to articulate their feelings.

Art for Well-being

Hour long sessions designed to improve your child's emotional well-being using the creative arts.

Primary School Tutoring

Improving English and Math skills for primary school aged children.

Testimonials

 Sharon at Sunflower Space is highly skilled and we're so fortunate to have found her. Right away she knows how to put a young person at ease. She's really helped our child through a tough time; he went from reluctant in session 1 , to really excited about his play therapy sessions. He often talks about what he has learned and how it helps him, as well as educating us in how we can support him going forward. I work with children as does my partner; neither of us would hesitiate to recommend Sharon to any family where a child is experiencing anxiety. In his words; "She really helped me and it was fun..." Thank you so much for your help, Sharon 

Anonymous

 I find your 1 to 1 sessions really useful. They half my worries and make me feel happier. The sessions are very calming and help my mental state when I am sad or angry. You allow me to say my feelings when they are bottled up and you let me express my feelings in different ways when I don't want to talk. 

GT

 I find that these one to one sessions are very helpful and amazing. They make me worry less and make me feel happy. 

MN

 I like Sharon's 1 to 1 sessions because she is really nice to talk to and I know I can talk to her. She helps me realise that when I need help I can talk about my feelings. 

HT
     

 We are incredibly grateful to Sharon for her patience, kindness and dedication in supporting our child with dyslexia. Learning has always been a challenge but Sharon has created a safe, fun and encouraging space where N's confidence in English has grown. She has take the time to understand N's needs, adapting lessons to ensure engagement. Her unwavering positivity and gently approach make all the difference, turning learning into an enjoyable experience rather than a struggle as has been the case with a previous tutor with a different company. We wholeheartedly recommend Sharon to anyone looking for a compassionate and skilled tutor. 28.05.2025 

Natacha and Cody
Parents
  
ABOUT ME
My name is Sharon Murdoch and I am a qualified Play Therapist, based in Bristol. I have worked in education for over 25 years and gained extensive and varied experience of working with children.  In the last decade I have been more involved with children's wellbeing and mental health. 
Alongside Play Therapy, I also offer Art for Wellbeing sessions which incorporates my passion for Art & Design and Tutoring for primary school children.

Contact

  • Downend, Bristol, UK