Worries & big feelings
Anxiety, emotional overwhelm or feelings that are difficult to express.
CHILD-CENTRED PLAY THERAPY · DUBLIN
Sometimes feelings are bigger than words. At Nead, children have the time, space and support to express themselves through play, at their own pace.
A warm welcome for your child. A listening ear for you.
Irish, noun. A nest.
A place of safety.
A feeling of belonging.
UNDERSTANDING PLAY THERAPY
Play is one of the ways children make sense of their world. In a supportive therapeutic relationship, it can give them a way to explore feelings, relationships and experiences that are difficult to put into words.
At Nead, your child leads the play. Sinéad meets them with warmth, curiosity and acceptance.
Anxiety, emotional overwhelm or feelings that are difficult to express.
Making sense of loss, change or difficult experiences.
Low confidence, friendship challenges or social difficulties.
Behavioural difficulties and challenges with school or learning.
A child-centred, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approach.
THE PERSON BEHIND NEAD
I’m a fully qualified Play Therapist and Primary School Teacher. I created Nead around a simple belief: children need a safe, accepting space where they can be themselves.
My work across primary and special education, Nurture and Forest School, in Ireland and abroad, has shaped how I listen to and support children. I have experience supporting neurodivergent children and children with a wide range of developmental, emotional, behavioural, social and sensory needs.
I’m drawn to story, imagination, creativity and nature, and the possibilities they offer when words are difficult. My approach is warm, child-centred and responsive to each child’s unique way of communicating and experiencing the world.
Ongoing professional development includes children’s anxiety, neuroscience, autism, ADHD, adverse childhood experiences, selective mutism, bullying and restorative practice. Sinéad also delivers mindfulness workshops for children.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You know your child best. Parents and carers are important partners throughout the process, with time to talk, reflect and feel supported.
12 sessions 40 minutes Weekly
A parent intake meeting creates time to talk about your child, what brings you here and what to expect.
Weekly, child-led play sessions take place at the same time each week, helping your child build trust and feel secure.
A midway parent review provides a chance to pause, share observations and reflect on how things are going.
A parent closing meeting brings the programme to a thoughtful close, with space to reflect on your child’s experience.
INSIDE THE PLAYROOM
Children are free to explore the materials and activities that speak to them. Sinéad offers a warm, accepting presence, without directing or judging their play.
At Nead, sessions are child-led. Your child can explore through art, music, sand, stories, movement and imaginative play. Sinéad follows their lead without directing or judging their play.
The programme includes 12 weekly play therapy sessions, each lasting 40 minutes, at the same time each week. It begins with a parent intake meeting and includes a midway review and a parent closing meeting.
Parents and carers are important partners. The intake, midway review and closing meeting provide dedicated opportunities to talk with Sinéad and reflect on your child’s experience.
Please give 24 hours’ notice where possible if a session needs to be cancelled or rescheduled. Missed sessions and late cancellations are normally charged at the full session fee. Illness and unexpected circumstances are always considered with care.
Please contact Sinéad directly to ask about current fees, availability and the practice location in Dublin. You can email neadplay@proton.me or call 089 950 7557.
LET’S TAKE THE FIRST STEP
If you’re wondering whether play therapy could be right for your child, you’re welcome to get in touch. We can start with a conversation.
Nead Play Therapy · DublinFor your first message, your name, contact details and a brief enquiry are enough.