Dedicated to Nurturing Emotional Wellbeing
New Ark Play Therapy was founded to offer expert emotional support in a kind, safe environment inspired by nature and growth. My mission is to empower children and families through tailored play therapy that honours individuality, promotes resilience, and fosters healing. I uphold values of warmth, professionalism, inclusivity, and respect to meet the needs of every child.
About Your Therapist
Louise Akerman is the founder and owner of New Ark Play Therapy and a BAPT Registered Play Therapist® with a Masters-level qualification. With a background in teaching, safeguarding, mental health, and family support, Louise has extensive experience working with children and young people aged 3–18 across a range of emotional, behavioural, and relational difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, loss, bereavement, SEND, and care experience. Alongside Play Therapy, Louise is a Filial Therapy Informed Practitioner having completed advanced training in Filial Play Therapy. She has also completed the Advanced Certificate in Therapeutic Life Story Work. She is passionate about supporting children and families to strengthen relationships, build emotional resilience, and experience safe, connected therapeutic relationships through play and family-based support.
Louise holds an Enhanced DBS Certificate, maintains professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for data protection purposes (Registration Number: ZC142449).
About BAPT
The British Association of Play Therapists
The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) is a professional body dedicated to promoting high standards in Play Therapy and supporting the emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
BAPT Registered Play Therapists® complete extensive postgraduate or Master's-level training, combining academic study with supervised clinical practice. They are required to follow a professional code of ethics, undertake regular clinical supervision and maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing professional development.
BAPT's professional register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), providing independent assurance that the register meets recognised standards for public protection.
As a BAPT Registered Play Therapist®, I hold a Master's-level qualification in Play Therapy and am committed to maintaining the professional and ethical standards set by BAPT.
My practice is supported by regular clinical supervision, ongoing professional development, safeguarding training and professional insurance. This ensures that the children, young people and families I work with receive support that is safe, ethical and informed by current therapeutic knowledge.
Parents, carers and professionals can find out more about BAPT and check a therapist's registration through its official website.
My Professional Registration
