About us
Sam Lewis, MA
Sam is a fully qualified Play and Creative Arts Therapist, registered (Play Therapy UK and Professional Standards Authority) and attends clinical supervision on a monthly basis. She completed her Master's degree in 2023. Her research study is available to you here under the 'Research Study' tab.
Sam is the founder and owner of Inner Compass Therapeutic Services; delivering play therapy and other therapeutic support to children and young people, their families and professionals..
Sam has over 20 years experience of working with children and young people in a range of settings including Early Years, Primary and Secondary Schools, Specialist Provisions and in the Community. As well as therapeutic approaches, she has a plethora of experience in safeguarding, including in the capacity of Safeguarding Governor.
Sam comes with a wealth of experience and is passionate in supporting children and young people with mental health needs and developing their emotional wellbeing. Sam enjoys networking with professionals and sharing her knowledge.
We all have mental health needs and Sam believes that recognising and understanding these during childhood, leads to improved lifestyles throughout our lives.
Sam's Story
As a young adult about to leave school, a member of school staff said to me, "You'll push supermarket trolleys for a living." School and I had never been a match made in heaven and that comment cemented it!
I knew this wouldn't be the case but at 16, I didn't know how to make it happen. If I was talking to my 16 year old self now I would say, "You know that's not going to happen, you can do anything you want to do." I rest my case..........
Sam Lewis ..............MA
Testimonials
Feedback from Parents, Carers and a range of professionals. The identity of clients and customers are kept confidential throughout:
“Since going to Sam for Play Therapy, my daughter is now more independent and will go to parties, she never would before.” Parent
“I could listen to you all day.” School staff
“My child is no longer aggressive nor has temper tantrums at home.” Parent
“Fantastic knowledge in regards to supporting children's mental health and well-being.” Nursery staff
"Great training, really helpful!" Primary school support staff
“His behaviour has improved significantly in class, he now actively engages in the lessons. He is now able to sit and participate in whole class inputs and activities.” Class teacher
“My daughter can now manage her anxiety.” Parent
“It feels like I’ve got my little girl back.” Parent
"My son looked forward to his sessions with you. Thank you for helping me and my son.” Parent
“The strategies you have shared have strengthened our practice.” Nursery worker
“In school, the pupil presents as less anxious and their confidence has grown.” School senior leader
“Great training session.” Play worker
Our Philosophy
Our therapeutic approaches are person-centred and are underpinned by Axline's Principles:
- Develop a warm and friendly relationship with the client.
- Accept the client as they are.
- Establish a feeling of permission in the relationship so that the client feels free to express their feelings completely.
- Alert to recognise the feelings the client is expressing and reflects these feelings back in such a manner that the client gains insight into their behaviour.
- Maintain a deep respect for the client’s ability to solve their problems and gives the client the opportunity to do so. The responsibility to make choices and to institute change is the client’s.
- Do not attempt to direct the client’s actions or conversations in any manner. The client leads the way, the therapist follows.
- Do not hurry the therapy along. It is a gradual process and must be recognised as such by the therapist.
- Only establish those limitations necessary to anchor the therapy to the world of reality and to make the client aware of their responsibility in the relationship.
We believe it is essential to give children, young people and their families the support required to manage their emotional wellbeing and mental health needs. By giving people the 'tools', it empowers them to be confident, recognise their needs and manage their wellbeing long term.
It is our aim to provide first class treatment in local communities, by working in unison with other professionals. Our approach is flexible and child-led to achieve the best possible outcomes for the young person and their family.
Data Protection
Your privacy is important to us at Inner Compass Therapeutic Services.
We will look after any personal information that you share with us.
We store all data provided to us securely and keep all data both electronic and hard copy safe and secure at all times.
This is central to our values and we want everyone to feel confident about how any personal information they share will be looked after or used.
Inner Compass Therapeutic Services are the Data Controller of personal information that this policy applies to under the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR Guidelines.
ICO Reference: ZA203217
Click the link to see our Privacy Policy
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