10, Storeys Meadow, West Meon. Petersfield. Hampshire. GU32 1AP
Supporting emotional growth through play
About Me - A lifelong passion for helping children grow, express, and thrive.
Hello, I’m Jacqui Humphreys, founder of Nurturing Minds Play Therapy. My journey with children spans more than 25 years of dedicated work in early childhood education and emotional wellbeing. From the very beginning of my career, I knew that helping children feel safe, understood, and valued was my true purpose. I am fully insured, I hold an enhanced DBS check, and I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Registration reference: ZC018695
A Strong Foundation in Early Years Education
For over two decades, I have worked at Compass House Day Nursery, where I proudly served as Assistant Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and SENCO. During this time, I supported children and families through every stage of development - from those first steps and first words to the complex emotions of early childhood.
I am proud to contribute to an Outstanding childcare setting, alongside completing my BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies and qualifying as an Early Years Teacher. This grounded my practice in both research and hands-on understanding of how children learn and grow, while deepening my appreciation of the importance of emotional wellbeing in the early years. These experiences continue to inform my therapeutic work, shaping a thoughtful, child-centred approach that values each child’s individuality, voice, and pace of development.
Author, and Advocate for Children’s Voices
Creativity has always been at the heart of my work with children. I’ve written and published several children’s books that celebrate emotion, imagination, and empathy. I also co-authored Today I Drew with my niece, a joyful project that captures the wonder and creativity of children’s drawings and the stories behind them.
Writing has given me another way to reflect the rich inner world of childhood - where feelings, stories, and imagination come together.
- You Can’t Fit a Giraffe in a Car https://amzn.eu/d/70ouqRj
- Our Colourful Emotions https://amzn.eu/d/0exiemX
- Today I Drew https://amzn.eu/d/fVn1nzt
Discovering Play Therapy - Trainee Play therapist
As my career developed, I found myself increasingly drawn to the emotional world of children – those moments when behaviour speaks louder than words, and play becomes a bridge to understanding. This calling led me to start my training as a play therapist, and I am currently completing an MA in Practice-Based Play Therapy at the University of Chichester, with training delivered through the Association of Professional Play Therapists and Counsellors (APAC),. Alongside my studies, I am currently completing my supervised clinical hours in a school-based setting and am a registered trainee member of Play Therapy UK (PTUK), which is registered with the Professional Standards Authority.
https://playtherapyregister.org.uk/contact/jacqueline-humphreys/
Becoming a trainee play therapist has allowed me to combine everything I value from my teaching background – curiosity, compassion, and creativity – with a deeper therapeutic focus. My approach is child-centred, relational, and nurturing, offering children a safe and supportive space to express themselves through play, art, and imagination. I am paediatric first aid trained and hold a Level 3 Safeguarding qualification.
My Philosophy
At the heart of everything I do is a belief that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. I view play as a child’s natural language - a way to make sense of the world, process experiences, and build emotional resilience. Whether through a story, a piece of art, or a quiet moment of play, I aim to nurture confidence, self-expression, and healing.
Each child’s journey is unique, and it is a privilege to support them at their own pace - offering a steady, compassionate presence as they find their voice, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover emotional balance and wellbeing.
I work closely with parents, carers, and professionals to create a circle of support around each child. Collaboration and communication are central to my approach - ensuring that families feel informed, empowered, and involved throughout the therapeutic journey.
