Play Therapy Counselling in County Mayo

Photo of Walburg Ruane, Psychotherapist, MA, APCP
Walburg Ruane
Psychotherapist, MA, APCP
Online Only
I am an Accredited Psychotherapist and Guidance Counsellor working in the West of Ireland. My approach integrates elements from many different schools of psychotherapy and my therapeutic frameworks include Person Centred, Psychodynamics, CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Mindfulness. I work online with Individuals, Adolescences, Families and Couples and believe that a safe and supportive connection will lead to positive changes and healing. I volunteer weekly in Knock Counselling Centre and the Accord Centre in Co Mayo.
I am an Accredited Psychotherapist and Guidance Counsellor working in the West of Ireland. My approach integrates elements from many different schools of psychotherapy and my therapeutic frameworks include Person Centred, Psychodynamics, CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Mindfulness. I work online with Individuals, Adolescences, Families and Couples and believe that a safe and supportive connection will lead to positive changes and healing. I volunteer weekly in Knock Counselling Centre and the Accord Centre in Co Mayo.
(01) 568 2872 x60 View (01) 568 2872 x60
Photo of Şeyda Uzunbay, Psychologist, MSc, MPSI
Şeyda Uzunbay
Psychologist, MSc, MPSI
Serves Area
I integrate EMDR, Psychodrama, Psychodynamic Therapy, Gottman Couple Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Experiential Play Therapy according to each client's story and goals.
Life can bring challenges for us all. With 10 years of experience, I support you through trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, and life transitions. In a safe, non-judgmental space. My clients are usually at a crossroads, seeking depth, trust, and peace in relationships, and ready to face anxiety, depression, or past trauma. They often long for a safe, non-judgmental space to express themselves openly. Their goals include understanding themselves better, unlocking inner strength, overcoming life’s blockages, and creating a more harmonious, balanced, and meaningful life.
I integrate EMDR, Psychodrama, Psychodynamic Therapy, Gottman Couple Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Experiential Play Therapy according to each client's story and goals.
Life can bring challenges for us all. With 10 years of experience, I support you through trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, and life transitions. In a safe, non-judgmental space. My clients are usually at a crossroads, seeking depth, trust, and peace in relationships, and ready to face anxiety, depression, or past trauma. They often long for a safe, non-judgmental space to express themselves openly. Their goals include understanding themselves better, unlocking inner strength, overcoming life’s blockages, and creating a more harmonious, balanced, and meaningful life.
(01) 267 6641 x76 View (01) 267 6641 x76
Photo of Dr. Jill Woods - Cocoon Clinical Psychology, Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol PSI
Cocoon Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol PSI
Serves Area
My service caters for all ages, including those navigating the complexities of being neurodivergent (Dyslexic,Autistic,ADHD) in a predominantly neurotypical world. Those striving for personal growth, validation and emotional well-being. You may be struggling with Identity and self-acceptance, masking/burnout, executive dysfunction(planning, organising/time management), emotional dysregulation, low mood/anxiety, barriers to academic or professional success. I can support you with exploration of strengths and self-acceptance, the freedom to be authentic, and discuss tailored tools and strategies for growth and personal fulfilment.
My service caters for all ages, including those navigating the complexities of being neurodivergent (Dyslexic,Autistic,ADHD) in a predominantly neurotypical world. Those striving for personal growth, validation and emotional well-being. You may be struggling with Identity and self-acceptance, masking/burnout, executive dysfunction(planning, organising/time management), emotional dysregulation, low mood/anxiety, barriers to academic or professional success. I can support you with exploration of strengths and self-acceptance, the freedom to be authentic, and discuss tailored tools and strategies for growth and personal fulfilment.
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Online Therapists

Photo of Madeleine Grant, Psychotherapist, MIACP
Madeleine Grant
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Rathdrum, County Wicklow A67
I am an Accredited Play/Creative Arts Therapist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist, & Environmental Art Therapist with additional Sand, Art and Bereavement training.
I specialise in the area of grief and loss following a bereavement, illness, surgery, any major life event. I work on a one to one basis with clients, face to face or online. I also can work with clients outside using nature as a therapeutic tool. I am based in Rathdrum Co. Wicklow .
I am an Accredited Play/Creative Arts Therapist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist, & Environmental Art Therapist with additional Sand, Art and Bereavement training.
I specialise in the area of grief and loss following a bereavement, illness, surgery, any major life event. I work on a one to one basis with clients, face to face or online. I also can work with clients outside using nature as a therapeutic tool. I am based in Rathdrum Co. Wicklow .
(01) 568 2872 x44 View (01) 568 2872 x44
Photo of Poliana Mihaela Aniculaesei, Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Poliana Mihaela Aniculaesei
Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Dublin, County D6W
Play Therapy: play therapy including parents.
Mihaela Poliana Aniculaesei (MIACP) completed a Masters Psychotherapy for for Couples, Families and Children in 2011, full qualification in Gestalt Therapy in 2013 and a Diploma in Trauma Therapy in 2019. She also has full qualifications in EFT, WRAP and Capacitar, which provide crucial tools in working work with PTSD/trauma. She incorporates her Family Constellation training, mindfulness and dream work from a Gestalt Therapy approach into her work. Where appropriate she also incorporates motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy. She is a fully accredited member of IACP.
Play Therapy: play therapy including parents.
Mihaela Poliana Aniculaesei (MIACP) completed a Masters Psychotherapy for for Couples, Families and Children in 2011, full qualification in Gestalt Therapy in 2013 and a Diploma in Trauma Therapy in 2019. She also has full qualifications in EFT, WRAP and Capacitar, which provide crucial tools in working work with PTSD/trauma. She incorporates her Family Constellation training, mindfulness and dream work from a Gestalt Therapy approach into her work. Where appropriate she also incorporates motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy. She is a fully accredited member of IACP.
(01) 230 8537 x21 View (01) 230 8537 x21
Photo of Amy Emily Lane, Psychotherapist, MA, APCP
Amy Emily Lane
Psychotherapist, MA, APCP
Croom, County Limerick V35
I also provide therapy support through creative play to children from the age of 4 years to support with various different social, emotional and behavioural challenges which includes various types of creative style of child appropriate therapy.
I specialise in supporting individuals and their families in the neurodiverse population specifically.
I also provide therapy support through creative play to children from the age of 4 years to support with various different social, emotional and behavioural challenges which includes various types of creative style of child appropriate therapy.
I specialise in supporting individuals and their families in the neurodiverse population specifically.
(01) 592 4196 x85 View (01) 592 4196 x85
Photo of Joe Kelly, Psychotherapist, MIACP
Joe Kelly
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Mullingar, County Westmeath N91
Senior Clinical Psychotherapist I work from a humanistic perspective with a person-centered ethos and Iintegrate this approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Integrating CBT and MI creates self-awareness and promotes evidence-based techniques, helping clients build the skills necessary to overcome obstacles, improve mental well-being, and achieve their goals with confidence and clarity. I also dedicate much time to working with adolescents and young adults with a diagnosis of ASD and co-morbid conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD.
Senior Clinical Psychotherapist I work from a humanistic perspective with a person-centered ethos and Iintegrate this approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Integrating CBT and MI creates self-awareness and promotes evidence-based techniques, helping clients build the skills necessary to overcome obstacles, improve mental well-being, and achieve their goals with confidence and clarity. I also dedicate much time to working with adolescents and young adults with a diagnosis of ASD and co-morbid conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD.
(01) 267 6692 x85 View (01) 267 6692 x85
Photo of Christina Mary Enright, Psychotherapist, MA
Christina Mary Enright
Psychotherapist, MA
Dublin, County A96
I approach my work with the belief that with compassionate care and acceptance, no matter how challenging our early lives have been, we all have a capacity for transformation and the potential to live a more enriched and fulfilling life. I believe that helping people to recognise and believe in their worth enables them to be more resilient in the face of challenges and difficult emotional experiences and to be able to make self-supportive and affirming choices.
I approach my work with the belief that with compassionate care and acceptance, no matter how challenging our early lives have been, we all have a capacity for transformation and the potential to live a more enriched and fulfilling life. I believe that helping people to recognise and believe in their worth enables them to be more resilient in the face of challenges and difficult emotional experiences and to be able to make self-supportive and affirming choices.
(01) 267 6595 x40 View (01) 267 6595 x40
Photo of Aimee Ford, Psychotherapist, MIACP
Aimee Ford
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Mullingar, County Westmeath N91
Waitlist for new clients
I have completed many separate courses, and also completed a Cert in Play Therapy and I begin my Master in Child and Adolescents Counselling
Hi, I'm Aimee. I'm a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist and an accredited member of IACP. I am a therapist who offers honesty, empathy, acceptance, congruence, and many more. Having experienced a wide range of issues such as anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, bereavement, depression, relationships, stress, suicide intervention, sexual issues, sexual assaults, and more. I offer a therapeutic counseling approach tailored to the individual needs of the client.
I have completed many separate courses, and also completed a Cert in Play Therapy and I begin my Master in Child and Adolescents Counselling
Hi, I'm Aimee. I'm a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist and an accredited member of IACP. I am a therapist who offers honesty, empathy, acceptance, congruence, and many more. Having experienced a wide range of issues such as anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, bereavement, depression, relationships, stress, suicide intervention, sexual issues, sexual assaults, and more. I offer a therapeutic counseling approach tailored to the individual needs of the client.
(01) 267 6675 x18 View (01) 267 6675 x18
Photo of Deborah Daly, Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Deborah Daly
Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Dublin, County D20
My name is Deborah Daly. I work with adults, children and adolescents in a warm, person-centred way. I believe every client’s story is unique, so I adapt my approach to meet your individual needs and pace. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family dynamics, parental challenges, chronic illness, grief and loss, stress, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
My name is Deborah Daly. I work with adults, children and adolescents in a warm, person-centred way. I believe every client’s story is unique, so I adapt my approach to meet your individual needs and pace. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family dynamics, parental challenges, chronic illness, grief and loss, stress, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
(01) 267 6536 x21 View (01) 267 6536 x21
Photo of Louise M Patterson, Psychotherapist, MA, MIAHIP
Louise M Patterson
Psychotherapist, MA, MIAHIP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I currently have availability online Wednesday and Thursdays for adult therapy and supervision appointments. I am an adult, child and adolescent Psychotherapist. I have worked in a number of sectors including school settings, residential care settings, and for charitable bodies. I am passionate about working therapeutically with families, children and teens living with life challenges such as anxiety, bereavement, selective mutism, parental separation, foster and residential care, ADHD, Autism, bereavement, homelessness, amongst others.
I currently have availability online Wednesday and Thursdays for adult therapy and supervision appointments. I am an adult, child and adolescent Psychotherapist. I have worked in a number of sectors including school settings, residential care settings, and for charitable bodies. I am passionate about working therapeutically with families, children and teens living with life challenges such as anxiety, bereavement, selective mutism, parental separation, foster and residential care, ADHD, Autism, bereavement, homelessness, amongst others.
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Photo of Marie Fariñas, Psychotherapist, MA
Marie Fariñas
Psychotherapist, MA
1 Endorsed
Galway, County H91
I also provide Play Therapy for children and Creative Counselling for teens.
I help individuals navigate emotional regulation, heal from childhood trauma, and deepen their self-understanding.
I also provide Play Therapy for children and Creative Counselling for teens.
I help individuals navigate emotional regulation, heal from childhood trauma, and deepen their self-understanding.
(01) 263 0697 x34 View (01) 263 0697 x34
Photo of Deborah Mulvany - Elmwood Counselling and Psychotherapy, Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol PSI
Elmwood Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol PSI
Dublin, County D02
Established in 1987, The Elmwood Therapy Centre, is one of the oldest counselling and psychotherapy services in Ireland. The centre was set up to provide therapy to individuals, couples and families who want to take the first step towards resolving their issues, improving their sense of well-being and developing the confidence to change. As part of a new initiative to support the community, Elmwood has now introduced low cost counselling. This service is offered by trainee and pre-accredited therapists who are trained to Masters level, who engage in intensive professional supervision, and strictly adhere to a code of ethics.
Established in 1987, The Elmwood Therapy Centre, is one of the oldest counselling and psychotherapy services in Ireland. The centre was set up to provide therapy to individuals, couples and families who want to take the first step towards resolving their issues, improving their sense of well-being and developing the confidence to change. As part of a new initiative to support the community, Elmwood has now introduced low cost counselling. This service is offered by trainee and pre-accredited therapists who are trained to Masters level, who engage in intensive professional supervision, and strictly adhere to a code of ethics.
(01) 267 6641 x94 View (01) 267 6641 x94
Photo of Michelle Brunton, MA
Michelle Brunton
Verified Verified
Prosperous, County Kildare W91
My name is Michelle, I have an MA in Child, Family and Community Studies, and am an accredited Play Therapist and creative mindfulness practitioner.
I work with children who experience a wide range of issues, including anxiety, autism spectrum, family separation/ divorce, self esteem issues, bereavement/ loss, communication issues, withdrawn, nightmares, bullying, underperformance, delayed development. I offer a safe space for a child, allowing them the freedom to express themselves.
My name is Michelle, I have an MA in Child, Family and Community Studies, and am an accredited Play Therapist and creative mindfulness practitioner.
I work with children who experience a wide range of issues, including anxiety, autism spectrum, family separation/ divorce, self esteem issues, bereavement/ loss, communication issues, withdrawn, nightmares, bullying, underperformance, delayed development. I offer a safe space for a child, allowing them the freedom to express themselves.
(01) 568 2872 x51 View (01) 568 2872 x51
Photo of Laura Angela McMahon, Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Laura Angela McMahon
Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Dublin, County D01
I have experience of working with children, adolescents and adults with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, loneliness, relationship difficulties, bullying and bereavement. I have particular interest in and understanding of individuals with Specific Learning Difficulties.
I have experience of working with children, adolescents and adults with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, loneliness, relationship difficulties, bullying and bereavement. I have particular interest in and understanding of individuals with Specific Learning Difficulties.
(01) 267 6692 x12 View (01) 267 6692 x12
Photo of Melanie Brown, Psychotherapist, MA, MIAHIP
Melanie Brown
Psychotherapist, MA, MIAHIP
Feakle, County Clare V94
Waitlist for new clients
I hold a Masters Degree (1st) in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy; utilising creative modalities like sandtray, art, play and embodiment to safely facilitate expression and resolution of difficult life experiences.
I'm a Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist so I believe in the clients own inate ability to thrive and to live their best life, given the right supports. I work with ALL age groups, having trained initially as an adult Psychotherapist with Tivoli and later specialising in Child and Adolescent Therapy with The Child Therapy Centre. So talk and creative therapies are integrated depending on the needs of the client. I am a warm, relational therapist, providing a safe base for the client to work through all their issues. I am trauma informed, neuroaffirmative, LGBTQI+ affirmative and am looking forward to working with you.
I hold a Masters Degree (1st) in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy; utilising creative modalities like sandtray, art, play and embodiment to safely facilitate expression and resolution of difficult life experiences.
I'm a Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist so I believe in the clients own inate ability to thrive and to live their best life, given the right supports. I work with ALL age groups, having trained initially as an adult Psychotherapist with Tivoli and later specialising in Child and Adolescent Therapy with The Child Therapy Centre. So talk and creative therapies are integrated depending on the needs of the client. I am a warm, relational therapist, providing a safe base for the client to work through all their issues. I am trauma informed, neuroaffirmative, LGBTQI+ affirmative and am looking forward to working with you.
(061) 572 524 x53 View (061) 572 524 x53
Photo of Alan Oates - Marino Counselling and Psychotherapy, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, APCP
Marino Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, APCP
Dublin, County D03
Here at Marino Counselling and Psychotherapy we offer both short and longer-term counselling and psychotherapy. Our therapists can provide the support you may require to address any difficulties you are facing. We can also help you to learn about, and come to a greater understanding of yourself. Sometimes these troubles can be overwhelming. People seek counselling for many different issues such as Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement or Addiction issues. Talking with a therapist can help alleviate the stress and help a person learn to cope with their situation in a better way.
Here at Marino Counselling and Psychotherapy we offer both short and longer-term counselling and psychotherapy. Our therapists can provide the support you may require to address any difficulties you are facing. We can also help you to learn about, and come to a greater understanding of yourself. Sometimes these troubles can be overwhelming. People seek counselling for many different issues such as Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement or Addiction issues. Talking with a therapist can help alleviate the stress and help a person learn to cope with their situation in a better way.
(01) 267 6595 x11 View (01) 267 6595 x11
Photo of Lisa Maguire, Psychotherapist, Pre-Accredited Member IACP
Lisa Maguire
Psychotherapist, Pre-Accredited Member IACP
4 Endorsed
Dublin, County D03
I am a trauma-informed, neurodiverse-affirming psychotherapist with lived experience of ADHD and dyslexia. Whether you’re facing anxiety, low mood, stress, or the impact of past experiences, you might feel stuck, lost, or unsure of yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what’s going on. I work with adults and young people, offering a compassionate space where connection and understanding are at the heart of my work. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back, build on your strengths, and take steps towards meaningful change.
I am a trauma-informed, neurodiverse-affirming psychotherapist with lived experience of ADHD and dyslexia. Whether you’re facing anxiety, low mood, stress, or the impact of past experiences, you might feel stuck, lost, or unsure of yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what’s going on. I work with adults and young people, offering a compassionate space where connection and understanding are at the heart of my work. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back, build on your strengths, and take steps towards meaningful change.
087 936 6042 View 087 936 6042
Photo of Coman Wilkinson, Psychotherapist, MSc, MIAHIP
Coman Wilkinson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MIAHIP
Limerick, County V94
Deciding to come for counselling can often be a difficult and drawn-out process. It is often also a very rewarding and enriching experience leading to changes in one’s life that reduce distress and increase one’s ability to cope with difficulties and challenges. By it's nature the process involves engaging with uncomfortable aspects of oneself and our relationships that are challenging. The goal of the process is to increase self-knowledge, self-acceptance and self-compassion to enhance our capacity to relate to ourselves and others in healthier and more fulfilling ways.
Deciding to come for counselling can often be a difficult and drawn-out process. It is often also a very rewarding and enriching experience leading to changes in one’s life that reduce distress and increase one’s ability to cope with difficulties and challenges. By it's nature the process involves engaging with uncomfortable aspects of oneself and our relationships that are challenging. The goal of the process is to increase self-knowledge, self-acceptance and self-compassion to enhance our capacity to relate to ourselves and others in healthier and more fulfilling ways.
(01) 267 6675 x46 View (01) 267 6675 x46
Photo of Jane Topkin - Healingmatters Counselling & Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MIACP
Healingmatters Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Naas, County Kildare W91
My name is Jane Topkin and I am the founder of Healingmatters Counselling & Psychotherapy. The concept of my practice is based on the idea of the relationship with ourselves. We may endure many struggles in life and as humans, we are resilient and creative, however, we can never run away from ourselves. As many of our core issues perpetuate, they will not cease to show up until we face ourselves in the midst of our truth. Our relationships with others are also of crucial importance, being the reason why many people come to therapy in the first place.
My name is Jane Topkin and I am the founder of Healingmatters Counselling & Psychotherapy. The concept of my practice is based on the idea of the relationship with ourselves. We may endure many struggles in life and as humans, we are resilient and creative, however, we can never run away from ourselves. As many of our core issues perpetuate, they will not cease to show up until we face ourselves in the midst of our truth. Our relationships with others are also of crucial importance, being the reason why many people come to therapy in the first place.
(01) 267 6641 x62 View (01) 267 6641 x62
Play Therapy Counsellors
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.

Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behaviour and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.

What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.

What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.

How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behaviour.