Lucy Rutterford - Creative Arts Therapy
Lucy Rutterford
About me
I have been working as a qualified play and creative arts therapist for 4 years. My original training was in play therapy; however, I have since gained a further qualification in Sandplay therapy and am currently midway through a Counselling diploma working with adults. I am inspired by the power and depth of creativity in working therapeutically with children and young people.
I offer a peaceful, safe therapeutic space where children and young people can express themselves freely and creatively. In a world where being busy and endless doing and achieving take prominence, I aim to provide a space where there is more a focus on ‘being’, with whatever naturally unfolds through creativity and play. My approach is gentle and intuitive, with an ability to sense and hold the complex and distressing feelings and thoughts that can need to be worked through in therapy. Equally, playfulness, humour and joy are an important part of how I work.
My experience
I have worked with children and young people since 2006 in various roles. I have a degree in Music and subsequently in Community Justice, alongside a Post Qualifying award in Social Work. I worked initially as a Probation Officer, before working with adolescents in Youth Offending Teams in London, then Wiltshire. More recently, I worked as a childminder and then as an independent leader of music classes for children.
Whilst my career has been varied, a common thread has been a creative, empathic approach and ability to build trust and engage well with others with diverse experiences and backgrounds. What it has taught me is the value of early intervention and giving children support early on with emotional and mental health. I work from a belief that we are all innately creative and I strive to provide a space where children can learn to follow and develop their instinct about what they really need. I work with a focus on relational depth and from the perspective that it is therapeutic relationship that is the most important element, not the physical symbols, toys and materials I provide. Children often express a sense of relief at the freedom to just be themselves, without judgement or expectation. My approach is integrative which means that I draw on a range of theories in my work and always led by the child’s needs.
Qualifications and training
Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy – 2021 (Play Therapy UK - PTUK)
Diploma in Integrative Sandplay Therapy – 2024 (Association of Integrative Sandplay Therapists -AIST)
I am halfway through a Therapeutic Counselling Diploma which will allow me to offer creative counselling to adults in 2026.
I am registered with BACP (British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists). I am DBS checked and subscribe to the update service. I am fully insured and registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). I undertake regular safeguarding training and further training to develop my practice (CPD).
