Therapeutic Forest School
Gentle, nature-based sessions where children can build confidence, regulate emotions and rediscover the joy of being outdoors.
Play Therapy
A safe, child-led therapeutic space where feelings can be expressed, explored and understood through the language of play.
Young Person Counselling
Thoughtful, person-centred support for young people aged 11-18 navigating issues such as anxiety, overwhelm and struggles associated with neurodivergence.
Parent & Under 5 Sessions
Warm, playful sessions for parents and little ones to connect, explore and build confidence together in a safe, nurturing space.
Adult Forest School
A chance to step away from the busyness of life and follow your own rhythm, reconnect with nature and see things with fresh eyes.
Workshops
Small, nurturing group experiences that help parents and families develop skills for wellbeing, connection and resilience.
Training
Practical, reflective training for professionals who want to support children in more relational, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming ways.
Holiday Programmes
Warm, welcoming holiday sessions where children can play, explore and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
How we support positive change for families
When something doesn’t feel quite right
Many families come to Alaria because something isn’t quite working for their child right now.
Your child might be experiencing anxiety, low confidence, school overwhelm, social difficulties, or spending more time on screens than feels healthy. They may find busy environments difficult, or feel misunderstood in traditional settings.
At Alaria, children are not expected to fit a mould. We begin by understanding who they are and what they need to feel safe.
When children begin to feel safer, families feel the difference
As children grow in confidence and emotional safety, everyday family life often becomes calmer and more connected. At Alaria, we work gently and at each child’s pace, supporting changes that feel realistic, respectful and lasting.
Our Staff
Meet some of the team…
Dr Heather Bond
Founder, Therapist and Forest School Leader
Cheryl Smithson
Founder, Play Therapist and Forest School Leader
Eilidh Grant
Play Therapist and Forest School Leader
Helen Duncan
Play Therapist
Testimonials
Kind words from families we’ve supported
“I am actually quite emotional writing this email, as watching the happiness and confidence in both girls after attending the Alaria sessions during the summer was just amazing. They were naturally quite anxious attending the first session, but it was incredibly reassuring how comfortable they felt in the presence of the staff and environment at Alaria that first time. The second time, they were both excited about going. I just wanted to say a massive thank you for providing an environment where the kids feel safe to be themselves.”
Kate
“My daughter feels part of something special. She can recognise herself in the other children and young people who attend. In an age where increasing time is spent indoor or on screens, Alaria takes it back to simple pleasures – nature, connection, play… and hot chocolate around a firepit (don’t forget marshmallows!)”
Anonymous
“In finding Alaria, it feels like we have finally found somewhere our child can be themselves, and in being free to be himself he is increasing his confidence. He returns home in a much more regulated manner than he does from say school, so we have a day a week where he is calmer and this is a benefit to the whole family. In a way it feels like finding Alaria has been like finding my child, we see him shine and have fun, and the anxiety and all the other things he carries around each day seem much lighter for him.”