Childhood is at times very challenging.  In recent years studies have identified a dramatic increase in mental health difficulties in children and adolescents.  

As adults, with a fully developed brain, we have challenges expressing the overwhelm that we feel at times.  As children and adolescents have not yet reached full brain development, it makes expressing their inner hurt through language very challenging. Resulting in behaviours which are concerning to those who love the child.

Within the safe therapeutic space the play and creative materials become the vehicles for the child or young person to express their inner world.  Their fears, stresses, worries, anxiety's and their grief.    We put language to that experience.  Finding ways to organise and understand these challenging life events.   Identifying ways to communicate to our loved ones when we are in distress.  Developing ways in which to bring a feeling of safety back into the body.

We work together in whatever playful modality the young person is most comfortable in expressing themselves. This is not through language alone; 
Music and Lyrics
Painting and Drawing
Clay work
Song
Poetry
Play
Dance
Words
Movement 
Puppets
Nature

Working in this way allows the child to communicate in a way that is developmentally appropriate.  The child feels heard, their pain is understood and maybe for the first time. Within the safety of our relationship we then begin healing and organising all of those parts which were hurting.  I work closely with parents in translating the emotional distress that their child is feeling. Empowering the parent with specific skills to become an agent of change.  Skills to take care of their little persons inner emotional needs.

As a child my parents would have described me as a very caring, empathetic, considerate and nurturing child whether this was to my many pets (big and small), to plants or to people.  They also would have described me as highly sensitive  :)

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Growing up I would often go to work with my mum who was a pre-school teacher. I am sure that is where my interest in working with little people began. I was fascinated by how they played, the intensity of the feelings within it. I loved the way the children were so open.  They lived very much in the moment and how they wore their emotions on their sleeves for the world to see.  The world of children grabbed my attention and I wanted more.

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This interest led me to study an honours BA Degree in Early Childhood Studies in University College Cork. Following a little travel after graduating I began my training as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist.  In 2011 I completed a three year Post Graduate training in Psychotherapy with a Specialsation in Play Therapy with Eileen Prendiville in the Children's Therapy Centre. I hold full accreditation with The Irish Association for Play Therapy and Psychotherapy since 2014 as a Play Therapist and a Psychotherapist.

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For several years I worked in Respite and Residential services for children and adults with learning difficulties.  I also worked for some years in a Special School for children on the autism spectrum in a 1:1 tuition capacity.  Over the years I have worked therapeutically with many organisations such as TUSLA, Barnardos, WASSA, Down Syndrome Ireland, Foroige along with local primary schools and secondary schools.

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I continue to carry out additional training to ensure that I am up to date with current research and practices and keep in line with my accreditation CPD needs. There is yet to be a training which teaches me as much as the young people that I work with in my therapy space.  I am committed to the well-being of the families that I work with and parents are central to the work that takes place.

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Finally I am a parent.  I truly know the stresses that come with raising little humans in this world.  I also know how difficult it can be to just ask for help sometimes.  If you have any questions please just call me on 085-2723909. If you would prefer please send an email to info@childtherapy.ie.

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Thank you,

 Treasa :)