My name is Poornima Ranchhod. I am a play therapist, educator, presenter and founder of Play Sense. I’ve spent many years working with children, young people with complex psychological issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, family problems) and difficult life experiences (e.g. family stress, divorce, bereavement).

Experience & Training 

My specialities include working with challenging behaviour, intellectual disabilities, Autism, ADHD, and Asperger’s Syndrome. I have worked and offered therapy for various intellectual disability services in the UK, such as NHS (National Health Service).

As a Health Practitioner-Specialist Assessor for Richmond New Zealand Trust, I worked with Oranga Tamariki to help establish a service for children, young people and adults with a disability and/or mental health diagnosis. I have also worked with IDEA Services as part of their Autism Spectrum Disorder Service and facilitated the delivery of the Mates and Dates sexual violence prevention programme for RespectEd.  I am also currently working with Stand Tū Māia.

I am trained in child development, attachment (the bonding process), and the use and understanding of play as a child’s natural form of expression and communication.

Qualification & Memberships

I hold a BSC (Hons) in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy from the British Association of Play Therapy (BAPT).

I am an international member of the British Association of Play Therapy and an affiliate member of the New Zealand Association of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists.