Josephine Lay
Trauma-informed drama & movement therapist · Clinical supervisor
Hello and welcome. I offer trauma-informed therapy and supervision grounded in the body, creativity, and relationship.I provide:1. Therapy for children, young people and adults in Bristol and surrounding areas2. Parent and carer consultation (in person and online)3. Clinical supervision for therapists and practitioners with a particular interest in embodied and creative approaches (in person and online)Difficulties I can help withPeople seek therapy for many different reasons. Whatever brings you here, you are welcome to get in touch for a free consultation.I have specialist experience supporting people living with the effects of trauma, including:- Child sexual abuse and assault- Childhood (developmental) trauma and neglect- Domestic abuseI also work with a wide range of other difficulties:- Anxiety and distressing thought patterns- Stress and overwhelm- Sensory processing sensitivities- Neurodiversity- Transitions and change- Loss and separation- Using self-harm to cope
About
Therapy:
Therapy with Children
Life can feel confusing or scary, and big feelings can be hard to manage. Therapy can help. We don’t always have to talk—sometimes it’s easier to share things through play, art, or using your imagination. My room has a sand tray, toys, fidgets, art materials, and colorful fabrics. You choose what to do. I also stay in touch with your caregiver to support you outside sessions.
Information for Parents & Caregivers
Before starting therapy with your child, I will meet with you to discuss your concerns and hopes. Therapy is confidential so that your child can talk or play about anything, without worrying about others' feelings. I’ll stay in touch with you through regular reviews while keeping your child’s therapy confidential.Therapy with Young People and Adults
Under 18s: Therapy can help when life feels stressful or overwhelming. You can try a session to see how it feels—it’s your choice. Sessions can include talking, art, movement, or imagination to explore feelings and help you manage big emotions. Please ask a parent or carer to support you with getting in touch with me.Young Adults (18–30): Therapy can be helpful in exploring identity and understanding past experiences or relationship patterns. We can work together in ways that feel right for you. This might involve talking or using art, movement or imagery to help express things that are hard to put into words.Parent/ Carer Consultations
These sessions give parents and carers a safe, supportive space to understand their child’s behaviour and feel more confident in responding. You’ll gain insight into your child’s needs, your own attachment patterns and come away with strategies to support your family.Clinical Supervision
I provide embodied supervision to:
- Trainee & qualified counsellors and therapists
- Practitioners in pastoral and wellbeing roles
- Individuals and groups in organisations and private practice
You might be looking for supervision that integrates talking with creative and embodied reflective approaches. These methods can help explore both conscious and unconscious dynamics, often allowing insights to emerge that are not always accessible through language alone. I believe this integrative approach can deepen clinical understanding and help supervision feel more alive, grounded, and meaningful.
My Approach
Creative and Embodied
Both personally and professionally, I have seen how imagination and movement can be transformative. They have helped me reconnect with parts of myself I had lost touch with, and supported me to work with my body and creativity as resources in times of difficulty.I believe that our whole selves — thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and creativity — are already rich resources. Therapy can offer ways to reconnect with these parts, helping us feel steadier and more able to navigate life’s challenges.Inclusive, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming
Trauma-informed: Trauma often lives in the body. Therapy with me can support you to connect with feelings and sensations safely, moving in and out of them at your own pace.Inclusive & Affirming: All parts of a person including their socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, beliefs, sexuality, and gender identity are respected and included in the therapy process.Neuro-affirming: I aim to create a space with less pressure to mask or adapt to neurotypical ways, so therapy works with how you process and experience the world.
Professional Background
I have over 15 years’ experience working across trauma services, charities, education, and private practice. My work is informed by specialist experience supporting adults, children, and families affected by child sexual abuse and developmental trauma, alongside leadership and supervisory roles.Qualifications & Training
Qualifications: BSc Applied Psychology; MA Drama & Movement Therapy; Postgraduate Certificate in Psychoanalytic Observation (Tavistock).Specialist training includes: Integrative Embodied Psychotherapy, creative clinical supervision, trauma-focused CBT (CATT), Bluestar pre-trial therapy, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Levels 1 & 2). I regularly take part in ongoing professional development.Registrations
HCPC-registered (AS14147), Enhanced DBS, professionally insured, and registered with the ICO as part of data protection.
Contact me