Child Therapy in Belfast and across Northern Ireland

Helping children express and explore their needs through play and creative therapy

We offer in person child therapy sessions in South Belfast, Glengormley, Banbridge, Cookstown and Derry/Londonderry.

What is child therapy?

Child-led therapy is an evidence-based approach that empowers children to select the activities, toys, and creative materials, allowing them to set the pace of each session. Play is a natural and effective way for children to express and explore their inner world. Through play, children can communicate feelings, thoughts, and experiences that they might not be able to articulate verbally. 

Child therapy sessions normally last 50 minutes, but can be reduced depending on the age and developmental stage of the child. The types of materials that would be available in a child therapy session are:

  • Play materials: sand, a range of miniatures, dolls, Lego, games, sensory toys,  puppets and musical instruments.

  • Drama: storytelling, props, small world objects, movement and role-play

  • Art materials: paint, clay, oil and conté pastels, charcoal, coloured pens, nature materials, paint sticks and coloured pencils

Our dedicated child therapy team consists of professionally regulated/accredited therapists with Access NI enhanced clearance and safeguarding training. 

Why might a child come to therapy?

Worry

A small worry becomes a big worry or children may experience many worries at once. Often accompanied by changes in emotions, mood and behaviours that impact on everyday life at home, school, and/or socially.  Physical symptoms such as  "worry tummy" can also occur, causing children to feel sick, get a stomach ache or feel dizzy.

Sleeping difficulties

Children's sleep can become disrupted with difficulties falling asleep or waking in the night. This can also be accompanied by bedwetting, fears, nightmares and/or separation anxiety.

Transitions

Transitions are changes in routine that a child can find hard to manage which can include going to school, transition to post-primary, living between parental houses, and moving home.

Emotional Dysregulation

Big emotions can be present in different ways and with varying levels of intensity, including distress, anger, sadness, fear and panic. 

Anxiety-based school avoidance

School avoidance is a visible, distressing struggle where a child feels emotionally unable to attend school. It is often a nervous system response to feeling unsafe.

Neurodivergent profile

Including Autism, ADHD, PDA, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. 

Family Difficulties

Family difficulties can include separation/divorce, sibling issues, caregiver responsibilities, parent/child attachment, parental substance misuse, domestic abuse, illness.

Trauma

When a child has experienced trauma, abuse or a significant adverse or stressful event.

Bereavement and loss

When a child experiences the death of a loved one in the family like a parent, grandparent or sibling. Or they experience the loss of contact with a family member through changes in family circumstances.

The benefits of Play Therapy

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

  • Improve emotional regulation

  • Build positive relationships and attachments

  • Enhance problem-solving skills

  • Increase confidence and self-esteem

  • Develop the ability to face challenges

  • Recognise their strengths and build resilience

  • Promote independence and autonomy