Meet Pippa Bolger
Theraplay® and Counselling in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Northants.

Welcome to RiverWay Therapies.

Finding a therapist can be a daunting experience, so I hope that my website helps in your decision-making. My aim is to provide a safe and accessible environment for all, offering Theraplay®, walk and talk and nature therapy, online counselling, and face-to-face counselling in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Northants. Learn more about Theraplay®, walk and talk and nature therapy, and counselling in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

You may be visiting my website because you are feeling stuck, have experienced a difficult life event, feel isolated and alone, or may be seeking support in your relationship with your child. I work with a wide range of presenting issues. Some of my areas of specialism and interest include:

•Adoption, Fostering and Special Guardianship.

•Attachment.

•Ecotherapy/ Nature Therapy.

•LGBTQIA+.

•Neurodivergence (specifically ADHD and Autism).

•Trauma (including relational and developmental trauma).

I have worked therapeutically with adults, children, and families for over 20 years, including within domestic abuse, sexual abuse, adoption, third sector and social care settings. I am a humanistic and integrative counsellor, meaning that I work alongside you and draw on a range of therapeutic models. I am also a Theraplay® practitioner. Theraplay® is an evidence-based play therapy approach that supports the child and adult relationship through play. It is different to traditional play therapy as the adult participates in the work with the child, which is guided and structured by the therapist.

People have described me as compassionate, intuitive, non-judgemental and empathetic. I will work with you at your pace and with what you bring, exploring any goals that you have for therapy.

If what I have written resonates with you, please contact me to start a discussion. I offer a free discovery call, so that you can ask me any questions and see if I may be the right "fit" for you and/or your child.

RiverWay Therapies

Offering a range of therapeutic approaches to meet your needs

Meet Pippa

Therapy Services

Counselling

I am a qualified integrative counsellor, which means that I draw on different therapeutic models that I feel may best support you. I work with a range of presenting needs and issues, with particular experience in trauma and attachment.

I currently offer counselling face-to-face in Milton Keynes and Bedford, online, or outdoors (see below).

I am a registered member of the BACP and follow their ethical framework. I have an enhanced DBS.

Theraplay®

Theraplay® is a child and family therapy that involves structured play between the child and adult, or family group. School groups can also benefit from Theraplay®. It is led by the Theraplay® practitioner, who supports the child and adult in their play, with the aim of developing healthy attachments and creating moments of joy. It helps improve feelings of safety, connection and worthiness.

I am registered with the Theraplay® Institute (TTI UK). Please see my directory profile. I follow the BACP's ethical framework.

Walk & Talk and Nature Therapy

"Walk and talk" involves taking the counselling session outside, whilst nature therapy, or "ecotherapy", has a greater emphasis on the nature connection. The list of benefits for both is long, and includes:

Reducing depression, anxiety and stress, and improving mood.
Increased grounding and regulation.
Reduced blood pressure and inflammation.
Less intimidating and confining for many due to being side-by-side and outside.

Additional Support Services

I can offer support through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. This includes Theraplay®, Therapeutic Life Story Work, and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy)-informed parenting support.

I also offer bespoke training to organisations.

Please contact me for further details and to enquire about this or any other therapy service mentioned here.

Testimonials

'I have worked with Pippa for over 10 years and have also supervised her practice. Pippa’s therapeutic work with families and young people is of an extremely high standard, she is a sensitive and skilled practitioner who holds herself to high ethical standards. Pippa’s experience gives her both a breadth and depth of knowledge which facilitates safe and informed practice, her commitment to ongoing professional development further enhances this. She is a secure pair of hands and will provide reliable, diligent, and genuinely caring services to all of her clients. I can’t recommend her highly enough and I know from feedback from her previous clients that they would echo all of these sentiments!'

- Rachel S

(Service Manager, Therapeutic Services)