Meeting Ian Broady at Spiral Tree – Supporting Children and Families through Play Therapy

I recently met Ian Broady at Spiral Tree in the Forest of Dean. Ian has worked with children and families for over 25 years and has been a Play Therapist for the last 15. He set up Spiral Tree to help families reconnect through play therapy, family support, and parent–child workshops.

Ian explained how Play Therapy allows children to express their emotions through play, rather than words, in a safe and supportive environment. It’s a child-led approach, based on well-established principles that focus on trust, acceptance, and emotional growth.

Alongside his work with children, Ian also supervises other therapists and supports school staff through reflective, creative practice.

We also discussed the wider challenges facing children’s mental health services locally. I agreed to look into arranging discussions between local mental health providers and services to explore how we can secure more support for those in need in the Forest of Dean.

You can find out more about Ian’s work here: www.thespiraltree.co.uk