Play Therapy

How play therapy may support your child, what to expect, and how to get started.

Behaviour can be a form of communication. When a child is having difficulty coping with the demands of their environment, it can show up as challenging behaviour. A child-led perspective understands this as communication: a sign that a child may be overwhelmed or have important unmet needs.

The Therapy Room

Sessions take place at Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, A63 HW54, in a dedicated room prepared for play therapy.

The room includes creative materials, small-world play, figures, games, and space for children to explore and express themselves in ways that feel manageable for them.

Is Play Therapy Right for My Child?

I mainly work with children through play therapy. Parent/carer sessions are available where they may help the adults around a child feel more informed and supported.

Play therapy may be helpful if your child is:

Feeling anxious, worried, or low in mood
Showing changes in behaviour such as withdrawal, aggression, or difficulty listening
Struggling with emotional regulation or becoming easily overwhelmed
Finding it hard to express feelings or communicate needs
Experiencing challenges with friendships or relationships
Going through a significant life change
Coping with grief, loss, or a difficult experience
Needing additional emotional support alongside developmental differences

You do not need to wait until things feel severe. Early support can make a meaningful difference.

What Play Therapy Is and How It Works

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play as the primary way children communicate and process experience. It helps children express feelings and work through experiences in ways that match their stage of development.

Sessions take place in a safe, thoughtfully prepared environment. I follow the child’s lead while holding clear boundaries and therapeutic intention, so the work feels manageable and purposeful.

Over time, a consistent therapeutic relationship can help children explore feelings, strengthen emotional regulation, and build confidence and more secure relationships.

What Parents Can Expect

The process usually begins with an initial parent consultation to understand your child’s needs, history, and current challenges. This is a space to share concerns, ask questions, and consider whether play therapy feels like the right fit.

If therapy goes ahead, your child attends regular sessions in a safe and consistent space. Regular parent and carer check-ins provide space to reflect on progress and think together about how best to support your child at home.

The Play Therapy Pathway

Initial discovery call

A free 15-minute conversation to share concerns and discuss whether play therapy may be the right fit.

Consultation session

If appropriate, a longer parent consultation explores your child’s needs, context, and suitability.

Parent support and intake

Parent sessions or intake can build a fuller picture of your child across family, school, and wider context.

Play therapy sessions

Your child attends regular one-to-one, child-led sessions. A minimum of 12 sessions is usually recommended.

Review points

Progress is reviewed every 6 to 8 sessions, with space to reflect together and consider next steps.

Closing, pausing, or transitioning

Any ending, pause, or change is approached gradually and collaboratively, with your child’s needs in mind.

Common Questions from Parents

What age range do you work with?

I work with children aged 3–18.

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions take place at Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, A63 HW54. Families are welcome to get in touch if they feel the location may be workable for them.

How long is each session?

Child sessions are usually 45 minutes. Parent/carer sessions are usually 60–90 minutes.

How often do children attend?

Most children attend weekly, depending on their needs and what is agreed with parents/carers.

How many sessions are usually needed?

This varies from child to child. We can discuss what may be appropriate after the initial consultation. A minimum of 12 sessions is typically recommended.

Do you offer sessions for parents/carers?

Yes. My main work is with children through play therapy, but I also offer parent/carer sessions where helpful. These provide space to think together about how best to support your child outside the therapy room.

Can parents self-refer?

Yes.

Do you work with schools or other professionals?

If required, I can liaise with your child's school or other linked professionals. This would be discussed during the initial consultation.

Are fees and availability discussed before committing?

Yes. I can discuss fees, availability, and next steps before any decision is made. Child sessions are €80. Adult sessions are €100 per hour, pro-rated for longer sessions.

Book a Discovery Call

The Discovery Call page is the best place to begin an initial conversation about fit, support, and next steps. You can also read more about my background and approach.

Go to Discovery Call