My name is Gail Timms and I am a trainee play therapist based in Tattershall, Lincolnshire. 

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Discovering Play Therapy – Trainee Play Therapist

 

My professional journey has led me to focus on the emotional wellbeing of children, recognising that play often communicates what words cannot. This passion inspired me to pursue advanced training in play therapy, and I am currently undertaking an MA in Practice-Based Play Therapy at the University of Chichester.

 

The programme, delivered in partnership with the Association of Professional Play Therapists and Counsellors (APAC), is giving me a robust foundation in therapeutic practice. Alongside my studies, I am completing supervised clinical hours in a school setting and am a registered trainee member of Play Therapy UK (PTUK), which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

https://playtherapyregister.org.uk/contact/gail-timms/

 

Training at the University of Chichester has enabled me to integrate the curiosity, compassion, and creativity I developed as a foster carer with a deep therapeutic approach. My practice is child-centred, relational, and nurturing, offering children a safe and supportive space to express themselves through play, art, and imagination.

 

I am passionate about helping children feel safe, understood, and accepted. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where children can explore their feelings and experiences through a child-led, relational approach.

 

My professional background is rooted in residential care, where I served as a registered manager. I have supported children and young people who had experienced trauma, loss and disrupted attachments. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the impact of early adversity and the importance of trust, consistency and emotional safety in helping children to heal.

 

With an extensive 20 years as a Foster Carer. Specialist in attachment and loss strategies. With a trauma-informed approach. Supporting other Foster Carers in the East Midlands to protect themselves from allegations. I run support groups for foster carers and activities for fostered children in the area.

 

I work collaboratively with schools, families and professionals to ensure each child is supported within their wider network. I am committed to inclusive practice and believe every child deserves access to compassionate support that helps them build resilience and reach their full potential.

 

I am particularly passionate about attachment and trauma with service children.

 

I am also paediatric first aid trained and hold a Level 3 Sport Safeguarding qualification.  NVQ Child Development

 

I hold a 3rd Dan in Taekwondo and have used Taekwondo as a therapy to support children with all social aspects

 

I hold an MA in Photography

 

My Approach

I believe that every child deserves to be recognised, listened to, and appreciated. Play is a child’s natural way to understand their world, process experiences, and develop emotional strength. Through stories, art, and quiet moments of play, my goal is to foster self-assurance, creativity, and healing.

Each child’s path is individual, and I am honoured to accompany them at their own pace—providing consistent, compassionate support as they discover their voice, rebuild confidence, and regain emotional wellbeing.
By working in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals, I aim to build a supportive network around each child. Open communication and collaboration are fundamental to my practice, ensuring families remain informed, empowered, and actively involved throughout the therapeutic process.

 

With my Master's Degree in Photography I have used this as a form of therapy. When I qualify, I will offer phototherapy as an additional service. I have worked with children to express their inner emotions through photography.