Child & Play Therapy 

We provide a safe environment for children to express and explore their needs through play and creative based approaches

Play therapy 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-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.

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

Why might a child come to therapy?

Worry

A small worry becomes a big worry or many worries. Often accompnaied 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 present causing children to feel sick, get a sore tummy or some dizziness.

Sleeping difficulties

Children's sleep can become disrupted either having trouble falling asleep or waking in the night. Can also be accompanied by bedwetting, fears, nightmares and/or separation anxiety (need for parent/carer at night).

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 behavioural and emotional ways and intensity such as 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 difficuties can include separation/divorce, sibling issues, caregiver responsibilities, parent/child attachment, parental substance misuse, domestic abuse, illness.

Trauma

When a child has experienced an adverse, traumatic, stressful event(s) or abuse.

Bereavement and loss

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

The benefits of Child Therapy

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

  • Improve emotional regulation

  • Build positive relationships and attachments

  • Enhances problem-solving skills

  • Increase confidence and self-esteem

  • Ability to face challenges

  • Realise their strengths and build resilience

  • Promote independence and autonomy

Meet the Child Team

Cynthia 

 MBCAP accred Play Therapist

Meabh 

HCPC reg Dramatherapist

Sarah 

HCPC reg Art Therapist

Sinead 

PTUK accred Play Therapist & SandStory Therapist

Bronagh

 HCPC reg Art Psychotherapist

Emma 

MBACP accred Child Therapist

Our dedicated child therapy team is composed of highly trained, skilled and experienced professionals, all accredited or regulated by  professional bodies such as the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), PTUK (Play Therapy UK), or HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). Each therapist is also trained in safeguarding children and have Access NI enhanced clearance.