Spring Play Therapy

Child and Adolescent Play Therapy and Psychotherapy

Welcome to Spring Play Therapy, based in Trim. Co. Meath. I offer a safe and caring space to children to work through their difficulties. My ethos is based on the firm belief that given appropriate support and guidance positive change is inevitable. Support is given through partnering parents in their parenting process.

SERVICES

WHAT IS PLAYTHERAPY?

Play is an essential component in a child’s emotional, psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioural development

Play therapy allows the child play through their difficulties in a secure empathic relationship with their therapist

Unlike adults, children don't have the language ability to communicate their muddles and worries. Playing in the presence of a therapist allows the emotional distance that the child can require to process what is causing upset

MY WORK

A collection of cars we've renovated with passion

Often children experience difficulties adjusting to life changes e.g. parental separation, death of a close relative or a house move. Parents and carers can worry about their child if they are sad, anxious or showing challenging/disruptive behaviour. It can be difficult to get to the bottom of what is causing the problem. In addition, it can be deeply concerning if a child's development is not progressing in a typical manner and parents worry about how they can assist their child

For children toys, musical instruments, creative media etc. provide the words and play with these provides the opportunity to explore and express what is happening in their world. As their play therapist I gently encourage each child, through the use of therapeutic skills, to have an awareness of their feelings and to find ways of expressing them appropriately. In so doing they find resolutions to their difficulties.

Play therapy provides children with a variety of toys and materials that serve as a medium for self-expression, relationship exploration and self understanding. Toys, puppets, art materials, dress up outfits, small world structures and figures and multi-sensory materials are just a few of the resources available for exploration.

In a relationship with a play therapist new skills of trust, empathy, self reliance, assertiveness and emotional intelligence develop. Children whose development is compromised, for whatever reason, learn how to build relationships, develop play skills, modulate their emotions and become happier children.

In essence I, as play therapist, get to know your child in great detail as they observe, interact and respond during each therapy session. Establishing boundaries when required and working within these boundaries is also an essential element within the therapeutic process. Children respond to the safety boundaries provided in a positive and healthy manner.

Empowering children is at the heart of the therapy. Children have the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and to make choices within the security of the play room and relationship.

My work

Who can play therapy help?

WHO DOES PLAY THERAPY HELP?

Research shows that play therapy is most beneficial for children/ adolescents who are experiencing the following:

Anxiety issues
School attendance issues
Self-esteem issues
Adoption or fostering
Phobias
Parental separation
Low mood
Relationship issues
Bullying
Grief or loss
Anger issues
Poor play skills
Illness and Hospitalisation
Attention Deficit Disorder
Trauma
Poor social skills

I have specific interest in working with children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder.

ABOUT US

ABOUT ME

I have been working with children for the past 15 years and am passionate about each child’s innate ability to overcome even the most challenging of situations given the appropriate support. During my career I have worked collaboratively with parents/carers, teachers and other professionals to create the type of support each child requires to face their difficulties and develop the skills needed to move through their situation. An essential part of this has been the development of a positive relationship with the child concerned and a real understanding of them as individuals and of their needs. My training in play therapy, psychotherapy, behaviour management, communication development and emotion regulation has given me the skills needed to offer this level of support to those I work with. In addition I offer many personal traits such as a passion for working with children and their carers, an attitude of non-judgement and transparency and a high level of commitment to those with whom I work.