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Play Pocket Guide
Play Pocket Guide provides accessible, practical and compassionate support for parents and carers who are concerned about a child’s emotions, behaviour, confidence, relationships or response to a difficult experience. The platform was created by Debbie Groombridge, a PTUK-trained play therapist with more than 12 years of clinical experience and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Children do not always have the words to explain how they feel. Anxiety, anger, withdrawal, disrupted sleep, friendship difficulties, challenging behaviour and a loss of confidence can all be ways of communicating that something is wrong. Play Pocket Guide helps parents look beyond the behaviour, consider what their child may be experiencing and identify practical ways to offer support.
Families can access a growing collection of guides covering common childhood and parenting concerns, including anxiety, trauma, sleep, ADHD, emotional regulation, friendships, vaping and major changes at home. Each guide is informed by Debbie’s professional training and extensive experience of supporting children and families. The aim is to provide clear, realistic guidance that parents can understand and apply in everyday situations.
Play Pocket Guide also offers personalised email consultations for parents who would like guidance about a specific situation. Parents can explain what has been happening and receive a considered written response directly from Debbie. This flexible service is particularly helpful for families who prefer to have advice in writing, have limited time for appointments or live in a different time zone. An initial consultation includes a follow-up question, allowing parents to clarify part of the guidance if needed.
Online play therapy sessions and parent consultations are also available by secure video, subject to availability.
