CHILD-CENTRED PLAY THERAPY · DUBLIN

A safe space for
little people &
big feelings.

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.

Nead

Irish, noun. A nest.

A place of safety.
A feeling of belonging.

Like a nest, Nead offers a secure base: somewhere your child can feel accepted, understood and free to be themselves.

UNDERSTANDING PLAY THERAPY

When words are hard,
play can help.

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.

Support for what your child is experiencing

Every child’s story is different.
01

Worries & big feelings

Anxiety, emotional overwhelm or feelings that are difficult to express.

02

Change & loss

Making sense of loss, change or difficult experiences.

03

Confidence & connection

Low confidence, friendship challenges or social difficulties.

04

Behaviour & school

Behavioural difficulties and challenges with school or learning.

A child-centred, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approach.

THE PERSON BEHIND NEAD

A warm welcome.
An understanding
presence.

SinéadPLAY THERAPIST & PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

Hello, I’m Sinéad.

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.

Training & professional background
  • PG Diploma in Play Therapy, University of Chichester | APAC
  • PG Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, University of Chichester | APAC
  • Professional registration with Play Therapy Ireland
  • MA in Primary Education, Hibernia College
  • Nurture Schools Ireland Teacher Training, Blackrock Education Centre

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

Small steps,
taken together.

You know your child best. Parents and carers are important partners throughout the process, with time to talk, reflect and feel supported.

A consistent, reassuring rhythm

12 sessions 40 minutes Weekly

  1. 01

    We begin with you

    A parent intake meeting creates time to talk about your child, what brings you here and what to expect.

  2. 02

    A space for your child

    Weekly, child-led play sessions take place at the same time each week, helping your child build trust and feel secure.

  3. 03

    Time to reflect

    A midway parent review provides a chance to pause, share observations and reflect on how things are going.

  4. 04

    Coming together again

    A parent closing meeting brings the programme to a thoughtful close, with space to reflect on your child’s experience.

INSIDE THE PLAYROOM

Many ways to express.
No right way to play.

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.

  • Art & clay
  • Music & movement
  • Sand
  • Puppets & stories
  • Imaginative play

A FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS

It’s okay to
have questions.

For anything else, you’re welcome to get in touch.

Does my child need to talk about their feelings?

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.

How long is the programme?

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.

How are parents and carers involved?

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.

What if we need to cancel a session?

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.

How do I find out about fees and availability?

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

You don’t need to have
all the answers.

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 · Dublin