The Hidden Forest is a Community Interest Company providing one to one play therapy and outdoor group therapy for children aged 7-16 years old living with bereavement and loss.

By providing early support, we enable children to articulate their grief, build emotional resilience, and connect with others. We address the root cause, offering a safe space to process emotions and develop coping mechanisms before reaching crisis points. Find out more >

A simplified illustration of AMBER VALLEY, DERBYSHIRE DALES and EREWASH where Hidden Forest operate
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We provide…

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    Group Play Therapy


    Group Play Therapy blends the core principles of group therapy with the therapeutic power of play.

    This approach remains centred on therapeutic relationships while offering a creative, dynamic environment that can respond to both the needs of each individual client and the needs of the group as a whole.

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    1–1 Play Therapy


    Play Therapy provides children with a safe, consistent, and confidential space to explore emotions through play.

    Using creative, therapeutic tools such as art, sand, storytelling, music, and movement, trained therapists help children express experiences and feelings that may be too complex or overwhelming to communicate verbally.

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Training

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We deliver bespoke training to professionals, parents, and carers.
Our training can be tailored for schools, local authorities, charities, and community groups covering topics such as:

LGBTQIA Awareness

Bereavement and loss in childhood

Emotional resilience

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Benefits support

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  • “The Hidden Forest CIC has provided a professional and compassionate service to our pupils. The impact on their emotional wellbeing has been significant.”

    — Alternative provision manager

  • “My child is now able to manage difficult feelings. The therapist created a space where they felt truly understood. I feel like they have given me my child back”

    — Parent

Supported by