Fiona McIlhagga

Play Therapist

Fiona is a PTUK (Play Therapy UK) registered, Certified Play Therapist, registered with the PSA. Fiona is an experienced primary school teacher and has many years’ experience of adoption. Fiona supports children to overcome developmental trauma and traumatic experiences, to overcome challenging behaviours and/or a poor sense of self. Fiona engages children with non-directive play therapy, introducing directed work as and when appropriate, and gives the child the power to explore and express their tricky emotions, memories and relationships in a non-threatening way. Together, as loud or as quiet, as still or as fluid as they like; Fiona’s reflection gives them insight and encourages them to examine the cause of behavioural patterns. In play therapy they can explore more positive ways of thinking and being, new responses and views of themselves and others. Over time, these new ways become normal as the brain develops new neural pathways.

Specialism

Adoption and Fostering, Child Therapy

Locations Covered

Devon

As you may be aware, on the 14th April 2025 the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) announced changes to the Fair Access limit with a reduction of funding to £3000 and the discontinuation of the separate Fair Access Limit for specialist assessments.

We are currently working really hard to amend quotes for ongoing therapy work to fit within the new Fair Access Limit and working closely with Adopt South West and other local RAAs. We are also working closely with other specialist adoption support providers and therapeutic organisations including DDP connects and Theraplay UK to explore how we can continue to deliver specialist therapies within this limit.

If you are waiting for a new package of therapy please look out for correspondence from ASW or your regional adoption support agency, as they will need to regain your consent for the amended therapy contract.

If you are concerned about the impact of the delay on your family or have questions about the therapy or assessment you are waiting for please get in touch with Ellen or Jen and we will do our best to support you.

We will be contributing to a wider response to this and the following is a link to a petition requesting government action – Petition · Action Against ASGSF Changes (Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund) – United Kingdom · Change.org