
About
Petite Therapy

Our Approach and Beliefs
At Petite Therapy, we work closely with children, families, and educators to understand the why behind challenges and develop strategies that feel playful, practical, and meaningful.
We believe that play is how children communicate, learn, regulate, and heal — and it’s central to everything we do. Our sessions are guided by detailed assessment and professional observation, helping us identify each child’s sensory, motor, and emotional needs. Where helpful, we provide clear, goal-focused reports with practical recommendations to support home and school environments, including EHCP processes.
We believe that every child deserves the right start in life — to feel safe, confident, and capable in their own body. Through play and purposeful activity, we support children to develop the sensory, motor, and emotional foundations they need for learning, wellbeing, and participation in everyday life.
Meet the Team

Vicky Dempsey
Occupational Therapist, Play Therapist, and Post Graduate Training in Sensory Integration
I’m Vicky Dempsey, a qualified Occupational Therapist and Play Therapist, with post-graduate training in Sensory Integration, and experience supporting children and young people who face challenges with specialist sensory processing, regulation, motor coordination, trauma and everyday functioning.
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and hold an Enhanced DBS certificate for both the child and adult workforce, which is registered with the DBS Update Service. I am also a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and work in line with the professional standards, values, and ethical guidelines set out by the HCPC, RCOT, and the RCOT Specialist Section – Children, Young People and Families.
“Play is central to everything I do—it helps children feel safe, express themselves, and try out new ways of coping and interacting. Whether through messy play, movement games, or storytelling, I tailor interventions to the child’s needs, strengths, and interests.”
Qualifications & Accreditations
- MSc in Occupational Therapy
- Postgraduate training in Play Therapy
- Postgraduate training in therapeutic play skills
- Post Graduate training in Aryes Sensory Integration (ASI WISE CLASI Modules 1-6)
- Kelly Mahler’s Interoception Curriculum
- Auttherapy
- Additional training in trauma-informed practice, executive functioning, Pathological Demand Avoidance and attachment.

Francesca Dempsey
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Francesca—an Occupational Therapy Assistant currently studying for a BSc in Psychology. “I have over three years’ experience working with children and young people in education and community-based settings, and I’m passionate about helping them grow in confidence, independence, and self-belief.
I work under the guidance, supporting the delivery of playful, child-led occupational therapy interventions. I love being part of the therapy process—from supporting assessment sessions to seeing strategies put into action. Watching children make progress, no matter how small, is incredibly rewarding.
I bring a calm and consistent approach to my work, aiming to create a safe and encouraging space for children to explore new skills and build self-esteem. Whether we’re working on emotional regulation, motor development, or everyday routines, I believe in celebrating each step and working closely with families, schools, and therapists to support every child’s Journey”.

Scarlette Last
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Scarlette—a student Occupational Therapist and passionate Assistant. ” I’m currently training in BSc Occupational Therapy and gaining hands-on experience supporting children across a wide range of needs.
I work under the supervision, helping to deliver personalised, strengths-based therapy programmes in both school and community settings. I particularly enjoy working on sensory regulation and functional life skills—helping children develop practical strategies that carry over into real-life routines.
I approach every session with energy, empathy, and curiosity. I love getting to know each child’s unique personality and supporting them to overcome challenges in playful and empowering ways. For me, therapy is about building relationships, noticing the little wins, and creating a sense of “I can” for every child I support.”

Deborah Carr
Play Therapist Assistant
Deborah is currently studying for her BA in Childhood and Youth Studies, building on her strong foundation of over 20 years’ experience working with children. She also holds a Diploma in Play Therapy, which has equipped her with creative therapeutic tools to support children’s emotional expression and development.
In addition, Deborah is Level 2 Autism trained, enabling her to support neurodiverse children with understanding and sensitivity. Across her career, she has worked in a variety of roles with children and families, developing a warm, child-centred approach that focuses on helping each child to feel safe, valued, and empowered.
