About Us
At Ray Therapy, we believe every child and young person deserves a space where they can feel seen, safe, and supported- exactly as they are.
Through play, creativity, and connection, we help children make sense of their emotions and experiences, building confidence and resilience along the way.
Founded by Zola Nielson, a qualified Play Therapist and Clinical Manager, Ray Therapy was created with one clear purpose: to make therapy feel warm, accessible, and full of possibility.
Our team brings together specialist experience in areas such as neurodiversity, creative arts, and family transitions, allowing us to tailor our approach to each child’s unique world.
Our
Approach
Every session is guided by the child
We know that not all children can, or want to, talk about what they’re feeling.
That’s why our therapy rooms are filled with stories, sand trays, paints, puppets, and sensory tools, the languages of play that help children express what words sometimes can’t.
Every session is guided by the child. Our therapists follow their lead, using creative techniques to gently explore underlying emotions, strengthen relationships, and support emotional regulation.
We also work closely with parents and carers, offering insight and strategies to continue the therapeutic support beyond the therapy room.
"A ray of light doesn’t force its way in, it softly illuminates what’s already there.
That’s how we see the therapeutic process: gentle, curious, and full of hope."
-Zola Nielson
Our Team

Zola- Founder
Play Therapist Lead & Clinical Manager
Zola is the founder of Ray Therapy and serves as the Play Therapist Lead and Clinical Manager. With over a decade of experience in child development and therapeutic practices, she is deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive space where all children and families can thrive. Zola leads the team with a focus on fostering self-expression and emotional well-being through play. As a clinical manager, she ensures that each therapeutic approach is tailored to meet the individual needs of every child, creating an environment where they feel safe, respected, and empowered. Zola’s leadership is driven by her belief in the power of play to promote healing and growth for children and families alike.

Ryan
Play Therapist & Creative Arts Specialist
Ryan combines his creative energy with a deep understanding of how children and teens navigate emotional growth and identity. As a Play Therapist and Creative Arts Specialist, he works closely with young people to explore and express their emotions, fostering a safe and supportive space for self-discovery. Ryan is especially passionate about supporting children and teens in exploring their identities, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. He uses play, movement, art, and music to help children articulate their feelings, build self-esteem, and strengthen their sense of identity. His warm, affirming approach allows young people to develop emotional regulation skills and build healthy, trusting relationships with themselves and others.

Rohan
Play Therapist & Neurodiversity Specialist
Rohan brings a calm and affirming presence to his work as Play Therapist Lead, with a focus on helping neurodivergent children and teens navigate emotional regulation, self-expression, and personal growth. With years of experience in working with neurodivergent young people, Rohan tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, whether they are navigating emotional challenges or working to build stronger connections with others. He places a strong emphasis on authentic self-expression, creating a space where children can feel comfortable exploring and communicating their feelings. Through play therapy, Rohan helps children develop strategies to regulate their emotions and respond to challenging situations in healthy, empowering ways. His calm demeanour and patient, individualized approach make him a trusted and compassionate ally in every child’s journey.

Liz
Senior Play Therapist & Family Transition Expert
With over 30 years of experience in the field, Liz is a seasoned Play Therapist with a particular focus on supporting families through major transitions such as divorce, relocation, and the integration of blended families. Liz’s warm, empathetic approach helps children and parents alike feel heard and understood during difficult times. She is skilled at guiding families through the emotional complexities of transitions, using play therapy to help children process their feelings and develop coping strategies. Her wealth of knowledge and experience, combined with her compassionate approach, make Liz a cornerstone of our team.
Fees
Individual
50 Minute Session
In-Person
£80
5 x Block
5 x 50 Minute Sessions
£380
(5 % Discount)
10 x Block
10 x 50 Minute Sessions
£720
(10 % Discount)
Family
50 Minute Session
In-Person
£90
5 x Block
5 x 50 Minute Sessions
£427
(5 % Discount)
10 x Block
10 x 50 Minute Sessions
£810
(10 % Discount)
Concessions available for families dealing with financial hardship, please get in touch for further details.
Location
We warmly welcome you to our bright and inviting practice, where we prioritize the power of face-to-face connection for delivering effective play therapy. Our rooms are designed with the clients in mind, creating a warm and safe environment which supports the development of the therapeutic relationship. We offer a rich variety of materials like painting facilities, drawing supplies, music, and play resources to facilitate your therapeutic journey. We have recently renovated our garden area, extending our therapeutic space outdoors for even more opportunities.
Ray Therapy
26 Walnut Avenue
Hove
BN1 GG4





