Play Therapy is an effective form of therapy for children faced with a range of difficulties. Play is a child’s method of communication and using play within therapy sessions provides a developmentally appropriate means for children to express themselves in a way which they are most comfortable.
The role of the therapist is to facilitate a therapeutic relationship with the child within the safe space of the therapy room. This allows the child to fully express and explore their difficulties and find methods to overcome these adversities.
Clíodhna has years of experience working with children in both therapeutic and educational settings and has a real passion for helping children in becoming the best version of themselves. Having worked in the early years sector for several years, Clíodhna has a keen interest in early intervention and understands the importance of using a child’s language ‘play’ within the therapy process.
She is a member of Play Therapy Ireland and Play Therapy International, meaning that she adheres to strict codes of practice including carrying out clinical supervision and continuing her professional development. She is Garda Vetted, insured with the Psychologist Protection Society, and noted on the register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists.
Clíodhna’s academic journey began with achieving a bachelor’s degree in arts with Children Studies from NUI Galway. She is a certified Play Therapist and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Practice Based Play Therapy and a Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic play skills both awarded by NUI Galway and the Academy of Play and Psychotherapy (QQI Level 9).
Clíodhna has also received a certificate in creative clinical supervision awarded by Leeds Beckett University and supports both training and qualified play therapists in their work with children here in the west of Ireland.
“Play Therapy for my child has been of huge benefit to her. Her anxiety has improved as has her confidence to try new things. She also knows she had a safe space to return to with Clíodhna if she ever needs it. Clíodhna is very professional, thoughtful, and turned into my child very quickly, helping her with her confidence and communication. Play therapy with Clíodhna has been a hugely positive experience”.
I brought my daughter (7) to play therapy sessions at Bluebell. Play therapy was recommended to me by her teacher as she was really struggling at home and at school with the break up of me and her dad. I had not heard much about play therapy before this and I was a little sceptical but would try anything if it would help my daughter in any way. After the first conversation with Clíodhna over the phone I knew it was the right move., she explained the process so clearly and put my mind at ease straight away. Clíodhna maintained such great communication with us as patents and my daughter really benefitted form the sessions. There has been such a positive change in my daughter since attending and she has maintained the positive changes even a few months after finishing sessions. Clíodhna is so professional and as parents we found it very helpful . If we had any queries Clíodhna gave us great advice and tips. I highly recommend Bluebell play therapy and especially recommend Clíodhna is you are looking into play therapy
“I found play therapy really helpful for my child while we were going through a lot of change. Play therapy has given my son and outlet to express himself in a safe environment which I am really pleased with . It has also given me support and advice to support my son as best as I possibly could. Its provided me with new tools for when dealing with some of my child’s emotions which I struggled with such as anger. He has not had an outburst in weeks and I am truly thankful for Clíodhna,. Play therapy helped us at a difficult time in our lives
“I cannot thank Clíodhna enough for her input in working with me 6-year-old son who struggled in school and at home with emotional regulation. Clíodhna worked with him for 12 weeks and we noticed changes in his behaviour, and he learned to step away from conflict. The main difference was that my son used to get upset for two hours when something didn’t go his way, now my son calms in a couple of minutes. We are planning to return to Clíodhna. She was punctual, professional and caring not only towards our son but to us -parents too. I have recommended Clíodhna’s play therapy to friends and recommended to you too“
Play therapy is an effective form of therapy for children aged 3-12 with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
A time will be agreed with parents. Sessions take place at the same time, weekly.
Sessions are scheduled for 45 minutes
The number of sessions will vary depending on the circumstances. Generally we start with 12, with a review at week 6/7 to determine how best to move forward.
Yes, there is free parking available in Terryland Industrial Estate.
All parents/guardians are encouraged to be involved in the therapy process in attempt to maximize the support for the child. signed consent will need to be received by both parents.
Of course there are circumstances where this is not always possible, please contact the therapist to discuss.
The child will attend the therapy session with the play therapist. Parents are encouraged to stay nearby incase the child needs to finish the session early.