About Me:

Hello,

I am Fiona,

I am a Children’s Therapist using the creative arts in my therapeutic practice; I am a Registered, Accredited (trained and experienced) Play and Creative Arts Therapist with Play Therapy UK. I am also a Family Practitioner, trainee Clinical Supervisor, teacher and mum to three teenagers. I enjoy walking, travelling, dancing, singing and reading. I love the beach and coast paths, I delight in walking in the woods. I like listening to bird song and seeing wild flowers and I am particularly partial to cups of tea, cake and chocolate.

I work in Exeter, Tiverton and Taunton.

The Beacon

I am privileged to live surrounded by natural beauty, near woods, fields, rivers and hills and not too far from the glorious Devon coastlines. I live near a flint beacon hut, the inspiration for the company name. It is one of a chain of Elizabethan beacons which was built for lighting fires to warn of advancing enemies (e.g. The Spanish Armada in 1588). Upon seeing the fire, men from the local villages would march together to defend wherever the invaders were landing. Neighbouring beacons would light their fires to give the same warning and so the message was spread throughout the area. In more modern times the beacon has been lit to celebrate special national events.

The Beacon is a tranquil wildlife haven and place of beauty with stunning, panoramic views across the Devon and Somerset countryside from high up on the hill. Looking down on the beautiful valleys below puts life into some perspective.

The Beacon’s historic use of fire and light to illuminate the darkness and communicate with others successfully enabled people to defend themselves from danger and was the focal point of celebratory gatherings. Creative Arts Therapy illuminates the darkness of our present fears and past traumatic experiences, bringing them into the light where they can be seen, understood, communicated, put into perspective and where healing can begin.

My Experience

I have over 20 years’ experience of working with children and their families.

I have 15 years’ experience in the field of adoption.

I enjoy inspiring and encouraging other adults who are working with children to support those children with their personal, emotional, social and academic growth.

I am a qualified and experienced primary school teacher and have worked with children from 2 to teenage in inner cities and rural leafy villages, in deprived towns and affluent areas. I have worked in both state and independent schools.

I enjoy working with children who are seen as behaviourally challenging.

Regardless of background, family situation, race, gender, disability or religion each child is unique. They are all unconditionally valued and accepted as they are. Through this value and acceptance the magic of transformation can start to happen.

My Qualifications

  • Trainee Clinical Supervisor (Post Qualifying Certificate in Clinical Supervision)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy, Distinction
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, Distinction
  • Family Practitioner training
  • PGCE, Primary Education
  • BA Joint Hons

I regularly complete CPD (additional training) to keep my therapeutic skills fresh and relevant. I have a particular interest in adoption and fostering, trauma, polyvagal and somatic work, and in working with families to help strengthen their relationships.

My Affiliations

I am registered with Play Therapy UK. You can find me, FIONA MCILHAGGA, on the Play Therapy UK register at  https://playtherapyregister.org.uk

I am on the PTUK Database of Clinical Supervisors as a Trainee Clinical Supervisor.

The PTUK register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority www.professionalstandards.org.uk