SNAKES AND LADDERS PLAY THERAPY
For life's ups and downs
About Me And Snakes and Ladders Play Therapy:
Welcome to Snakes and Ladders Play Therapy. My name is Charlotte Maskell, and I am a MA Play Therapist. I am based in West Sussex and I provide therapeutic support to children using child-led approaches that promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self-expression.
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The name Snakes and Ladders reflects the emotional journey many children experience, marked by progress, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. Much like the game, life can involve sudden "snakes" that cause children to feel overwhelmed, anxious or stuck, as well as "ladders" that represent growth, and emotional development. My role is to support children as they navigate these moments, helping them build the internal resources they need to climb confidently, no matter how many times they may slide.
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In a safe, confidential, and nurturing environment, I aim to provide a space to explore their thoughts and feelings through play. Through this process, they can begin to make sense of their experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve relationships.
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I am committed to creating a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and professional integrity. Whether a child is dealing with anxiety, illness, loss, or other difficulties, I work collaboratively with families and professionals to support each child’s unique journey.
Why Snakes and Ladders Play Therapy?
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The name Snakes and Ladders captures the ups and downs of a child’s emotional world, and the how Play Therapy can help them navigate these with safety, support, and understanding.
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Just like in the game Snakes and Ladders, children can encounter “snakes” in the form of setbacks, challenges, or overwhelming feelings. But these are also accompanied by “ladders”: moments of growth, resilience, and healing. Play therapy offers children a safe space to explore these emotional ups and downs at their own pace, helping them make sense of their experiences and find their own way forward.
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The metaphor Snakes and Ladders is used in paediatric care to help children understand self-management, consequences, and motivation through symbolic play, highlighting its relevance in supporting emotional development (Kalra, Chugh, & Dinakaran, 2014).
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At Snakes and Ladders Play Therapy, the focus is on walking alongside each child as they navigate their unique path, supporting them as they climb, pause, and move through the ever-shifting board of their emotional world.
Parent Testimonial
“Charlotte has been working with my 9-year-old son for the past few months, after a serious health diagnosis left him feeling anxious and confused.
I reached out to Charlotte to work with him as he was struggling with his feelings and emotions, and I wanted him to have a safe space to share his feelings. Charlotte has been meeting weekly with him in his school to try to help him make sense of his thoughts and feelings.
The progress they have made together over the past few months has been incredibly positive, and his mental health has improved. He has gained confidence and seems to have a better understanding of how to manage his feelings.
Charlotte has been a positive influence, and I am very grateful for the time she has spent with him.”
Where to begin
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1. Get in Touch: Start by sending an email or a message via my contact page with a brief outline of the reason for the referral.
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2. Free Initial Consultation: Once I receive your message, we will arrange a 20-minute free consultation. This is a chance to discuss your concerns, explore whether Play Therapy is suitable, and talk through practicalities such as availability and cost. There is no obligation to proceed at this stage.
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3. Initial Meeting: If you choose to go ahead, we will arrange meeting which allows me to gather more detailed information about your child’s emotional needs, explain how the therapy process works, and give you a chance to ask any questions.
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4. School-Based Referrals: If therapy is to take place in a school setting, I will coordinate a meeting with the referrer, (usually the SENCO), as well as parents or carers.
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5. Starting Play Therapy: We will then agree on a regular time to begin Play Therapy. Each session will last 45 minutes. I typically begin with an initial block of 12 sessions, as this provides a solid foundation for therapeutic work. However, the number of sessions is always tailored to the individual needs of the child. I work at the child’s pace, regularly reviewing progress and adjusting the length of therapy accordingly to ensure the right level of support throughout their journey.
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