About us
Sam Lewis, MA
Sam is a qualified, registered Play and Creative Arts Therapist with Play Therapy UK, attending clinical supervision on a monthly basis.
Sam is the founder of Inner Compass Therapeutic Services; delivering therapy, and other therapeutic support to children and young people, their families and professionals. She leads a team of Associate Therapists across Kent.
Sam completed her Master's degree in 2023. Her research study is available to you under the 'Research Study' tab.
With over 25 years of experience and service to children and young people, Sam has worked across a wide range of settings—including Early Years, Primary and Secondary Schools, Specialist Provisions, and within the wider community. Sam's practice is grounded in therapeutic approaches, alongside other areas of expertise such as safeguarding; ensuring the wellbeing and protection of those in the care of Inner Compass.
She is passionate in supporting children and young people, ensuring they have a wealth of opportunities to maximise their potential and improve their life experiences. Sam enjoys networking with professionals and sharing 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. What would I say to my 16 year old self now, "You can be anything you want to be".
Sam Lewis....MA
The Squiggly Path of Education
Education isn’t always a straight line. It can be a squiggly road - winding, looping, and even loop the looping!
A squiggly path is not a failure but a route to perseverance, adaptability.
Every turn holds a moment of growth; a glimmer, despite them seeming as the gloomiest of moments. These glimmers can bring opportunity and aspiration — a determination to change the path we are on, so that we can have a better tomorrow, and for the generations that will follow.
As I frequently say, "Square pegs don't fit in round holes." Sam
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.
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