Emma is a social worker with over fifteen years’ experience working with children and families in child protection in Wales and London and in adoption and fostering for CAFCASS Cymru and as an independent practitioner.
From her first placement as a trainee in a therapeutic social work team she has been drawn to working therapeutically and creatively with families using stories, play and singing. She has always been fascinated by the way relationships form and develop throughout our lives. As a part-time shepherd, watching attachment behaviour in Emma’s sheep delights her!
Developing and running a transitions model for a statutory adoption service further focused Emma for a trauma-informed understanding of children’s needs and how this can be so powerful in supporting families and professionals to connect with children. Emma has expanded her theoretical understandings and knowledge base – though often feels she learns most from the children and families she works with. Emma is constantly humbled and wowed by the power of play in giving families time and space in which to build connections, and in children’s willingness to let adults in, especially when they have had their trust betrayed.
Emma has completed DDP Level 1 and Theraplay Level 1 and is excited about further training in both models. The Family Place brings together so many skilled professionals – and a holistic perspective – that it feels like a real privilege to be able to work with a service whose approach feels like home.
