Welcome!
Welcome to Evergreen Play Therapy.
We provide a safe and confidential therapeutic service allowing children to explore and process their difficulties and increase their emotional intelligence.
The world can be a scary place for a child and it can be difficult for them to express their fears, worries or lived experiences through language.
Our aim is to promote resiliency in children and enable them to develop holistically in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
This is where the magic of play comes in. Play allows children the ability to make sense of what is going on and is a natural medium of expression for children. Not only that, but play is essential for a child’s development. Play therapy allows the child to “play out” their feelings and concerns, supported by the therapist.
I was a little late to the party but a few weeks ago, I watched Inside Out 2 with my youngest daughter.
As well as being a lovely movie, I think it’s a good reminder that there are a myriad of emotions that allow us a full human experience. Each one is important, each one is valid. Emotions can be intense and yet they all contribute to our personal growth and development. They do not, however, define who we are as humans. Our emotions are things that we feel, not who we are.
This movie can be a very effective way to open this discussion with children ❤️
#playtherapy #evergreenplaytherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac #insideout2 #joy #sadness #anger #fear #disgust #anxiety #envy #embarrassent #ennui
There is something really magical about child-led play. It provides your child the opportunity to make decisions, problem solve, and understand and develop their interests.
The majority of the work we do as play therapists is child-led for this reason. For the child, being in control of the play can increase self-confidence, social skills, concentration and also fosters deeper connection between the child and therapist.
Parents, if you have the chance to spend a little time playing with your child, allow them to lead, follow their example and be curious.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #childledplay
Delighted to introduce my Summer social groups!
Aimed at children who find it difficult to initiate or maintain friendships or find social situations challenging. Or just those who want to branch out and meet more new friends, get creative and have fun.
These groups will provide a playful and safe environment for children to socialise with their peers, develop relationships and have fun along the way.
Starting Tuesday the 2nd of July, we will meet every week for 6 weeks in Killaloe Ballina Family Resource Centre.
To register interest or for more information, email lillian@evergreenplaytherapy.ie or on 089 4454187
Today is the first ever International Day of Play. It’s estimated that 160 million children globally are working rather than playing.
Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child enshrines Play as a fundamental right of every child.
Play allows children to learn, grow, express, process, connect and imagine. Play is so vitally important to each and every child and we need to ensure that they are given ample opportunities to do so.
More information can be found at https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-play
#internationaldayofplay2024 #uncrc #playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #evergreenplaytherapy #play #apac
Today marks World Autism Day. There is much more acceptance, awareness and understanding in today’s world but that doesn’t mean where we are is ideal.
We need to ensure that we are recognising the unique strengths of autistic individuals and not comparing them to their neurotypical peers.
#worldautismday #autism #neurodiversity #neuroaffirming
As a practitioner with special interest in autism and neurodiversity, I work to ensure that each of my clients feel supported, respected and accepted just as they are.
Adopting a neuroaffirmative stance is a small step we can all take to move away from the old views of trying to “fix” neurodiverse individuals and expecting them to conform to societal “norms”.
We should instead be seeking to empower our neurodiverse children and clients to accept and embrace their differences and develop a positive self-identity.
#playtherapy #neuroaffirmative #evergreenplaytherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #playtherapyclare #playtherapytipperary #autism #adhd #pda #spd #dyspraxia #dyslexia #dyscalculia
In the play therapy room, the child has full permission to be their authentic selves and this comes about naturally through play. The play therapist also models this permission by being authentic themselves.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #evergreenplaytherapy #play #apac #playtherapyclare #playtherapytipperary
Children often love the sense of control they have in the play therapy room. There is no expectation for them to play or behave a certain way.
#playtherapy #playtherapyireland #playtherapyclare #playtherapytipperary #ptirl #ptuk #apac #evergreenplaytherapy
We need to reframe how we view “tantrums”. Often times, a “tantrum” is a result of a child being overwhelmed and emotionally flooded. In this situation, the child’s rational brain cannot function properly.
As difficult as it can be to remain calm in this situation, a hug can do far more than a stern word. A hug can teach your child that you are there to support them when their emotions become too much for them. Empathising is not the same as “giving in”.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #playtherapyclare #playtherapytipperary #playtherapyireland #evergreenplaytherapy
Emotional recognition is important. Children can experience a wide range of emotions every day. It’s it’s important for them to understand that not only are these emotions okay, but they are meaningful.
Within the play therapy room, each and every emotion is not just accepted, but welcomed. The play therapy room is a safe space for the child to express any emotions that may arise- sadness, joy, anger, fear - without judgement from the play therapist.
#playtherapy #playtherapyireland #playtherapyclare #playtherapytipperary #ptirl #ptuk #apac #evergreenplaytherapy
Monday is often the most dreaded day of the week, and this third Monday in January can feel worse than others. The weather is cold and bleak, the days are short, Christmas feels like a distant memory and payday is still a little way off.
For children, perhaps the novelty of being back at school has worn off, they may be missing the family time they had over the break. It’s back to early morning starts, childcare and homework.
Today is a good day to focus on connection. Giving the gift of your time, even if it is just 5 minutes for a story and a cuddle at bedtime can give you and your child a boost of happy hormones 💙💙💙
#playtherapy #bluemonday #evergreenplaytherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac
Christmas can be a challenging time for many. Feelings of stress, grief, loneliness or unrealistic expectations can be heightened at this time of year for both adults and children.
Just a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself. Embrace the imperfections, give yourself the gift of self compassion and open yourself up to the small joys around you.
Focus on connection and let your presence be the most important present.
Sending love to you all.
Glimmers are the opposite of triggers.
They are small moments, interactions or occurrences that promote a feeling of connection, safety and peace.
Glimmers can help to alert the nervous system that we are safe, helping us to move out of our fight/flight/freeze response. They can have positive effects on our mental health and general well being.
Glimmers are all around us, if we can open ourselves up to seeing / feeling them. It could be a spin on the swings in the park, a cuddle from a pet, a warm hug from a loved one, listening to your favourite song, pleasant smells.
What are some glimmers you have experienced today?
The very best of luck to all of the no-doubt anxious teens who will be receiving their results today.
If you got the results you wanted, a huge well done!
If you didn’t do as well as you hoped, go easy on yourself. These results do not define you.
In the play therapy room, the child is encouraged to be 100% themselves. They don’t need to put on a brave face or “behave”.
Each and every behaviour and emotion is accepted and welcomed, so long as both client and therapist are safe.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac
When your child is anxious, you likely want to make all of their worries go away. You may want to tell them there is nothing to worry about or that everything will be fine.
Of course this comes from a good place but we don’t want to minimise the child’s feelings and it is important for children to learn how to manage their worries. Using some of the phrases above can help your child feel seen, heard, understood and supported.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac #anxiety #childrensmentalhealth
In Play Therapy, we focus a lot on “holding space”. We believe in the child’s ability to work through their concerns on an unconscious level.
By holding space for the child, we allow them to do this in a safe and supportive environment. Holding space is a passive approach - the therapist actively listens and offers emotional support, acknowledging the child’s feelings and accepting each one as they emerge.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac
Book recommendation:
I have to admit, I found this book brought out a lot of emotions. If your child has experienced a loss, this beautiful book explores how to fill that hole with memories and gratitude for all that you had.
The hare shaped hole is a poignant and touching story that explores themes of loss and grief in a gentle manner.
Written by @writerpoetjohn this is a book that evokes so many emotions and sends the message that while those we love may no longer be with us physically, they are always present in memories.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac #therapeuticstorytelling #thehareshapedhole
When we think of a child being “regulated”, we picture a calm, peaceful child. But that is not always the case. For a child to be regulated, their energy levels and emotions should match the situation they are facing.
We hear a lot about co-regulation too. As parents and caregivers we often feel the need to stay calm when our children are out of sync. Lisa Dion @synergeticplaytherapy has a wonderful blog post about this topic and why connections, not calm is the important factor when attempting to co-regulate.
https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/how-trying-to-be-calm-gets-in-the-way-of-regulation/
Most of us know the phrase “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. The point of this phrase is to emphasise that we need to replenish our own emotional, mental and physical resources in order to be able to care for those around us.
Spa days, getaways or hours to ourselves may sound amazing but they are not always realistic when trying to balance work, family and everything else.
It can be helpful to focus on the small things that can add volume to your cup. Meditation, a phone call with a close friend or family member, reading a chapter of a book, a quick walk or a hug can all add to your cup. It’s worthwhile thinking about little things you can fit into your day in order to replenish your resources and encourage children to do the same.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac #play
We tend to think of play as a hobby, something that comes second to learning. For children, play is essential in developing language, cognitive skills, emotional well-being and social skills.
Play provides the opportunity for healing and builds resilience. Through play, children can develop coping skills and work through their experiences at their own pace in a way that feels natural.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac #play
Transitions can be challenging. At this time of the year, there are plenty of transitions ahead for children. Leaving school for the summer, a change in routine, foreign holidays and the looming move to a new class, new teacher and for many, a new school.
Many children will be preparing to start primary school or transition to secondary school and this can be a daunting prospect.
As their caregivers, we need to acknowledge that our children may be nervous or apprehensive about these changes. These events are huge milestones for children and so it is important that we are present and connected in order to support them through these transitions.
#playtherapy #ptuk #ptirl #apac
“Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.”
- Oscar Wilde
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #masks
Thinking of all of those beginning their Junior and Leaving Cert today. It can be a stressful and challenging time for students and their families.
As parents and caregivers, we need to be present, listen and refrain from judgement. If your child feels they performed poorly on an exam, be their shoulder to cry on, hold space for them and offer compassion. We have been in their shoes and know the toll it can take.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #exams #juniorcert #leavingcert
“Music can heal the wounds that medicine cannot touch.”
- Debasish Mridha
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #music
Puppets can provide the opportunity for the child to gain perspective and act out their own physical experiences in a safe and supported manner.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #puppets
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
- Albert Einstein
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #creativevisualisation
If you ever got lost in a book as a child (or indeed as an adult) you will understand the power storytelling can hold. Stories can transport you to different worlds, and the right story for the right child can provide insight into the child’s challenges while allowing them the opportunity to address and overcome them.
Therapists can also create stories for the children we work with that are written with a specific therapeutic goal in mind.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #storytelling #therapeuticstories
Drama and role play can create magic in the play therapy room. They can provide a safe and expressive space for children to explore and process their difficulties, allowing them to heal and grow.
Within the session, the child has access to a selection of props and accessories to help them to embody their therapeutic characters.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac
Within the play therapy session, we are not looking at artistic talent, skill or even a finished piece of art. It is the process of creating art that is important. What a child creates through art-making can provide insight into their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Pictured is a piece of art I created during experiential training. This was a prompted piece of art that once explored, had deeper meaning than I initially realised.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #art
“A definite movement with a definite trace form is always connected with inner happening such as feelings, reflections, determinations of the will, and other emotional impulses.”
- Rudolf Laban, Choreutics
#playtherapy #movement #ptirl #ptuk #apac #laban
The use of clay can help to promote expression within the play therapy room. Through the manipulation and moulding of the clay, the child has the ability to shape their feelings and concerns into something physical, allowing the opportunity to address and understand them.
Pictured is a piece of clay that I worked on during my own experiential training. I love the tactile experience of working with clay. It is malleable and yet it provides enough resistance to require some effort to shape.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #gptw2023
The sand tray attracts a lot of curiosity within the play therapy room. Children are drawn to the miniatures and the worlds they can create with them in the sand tray. It is a wonderful way for children to externalise what they are feeling inside, without even realising it. The sand tray provides a degree of separation, allowing the child to express themselves freely.
Pictured is one of my own sand trays from my experiential training. I personally love using the sand tray, the feeling of soft sand the ability to create scenes instinctively is very therapeutic and grounding.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #gptw2023
“Toys are used like words by children, and play is their language.”
-Gary Landreth
Over the coming weeks, I will focus on each of these tools individually.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac
Who can benefit from Play Therapy?
Play Therapy can be helpful in alleviating a range of challenges faced by children.
Play Therapy promotes self-confidence, resilience, imagination, problem-solving skills and concentration.
Play Therapy also provides a degree of removal from the challenge being faced as the child can project their experiences on to the modalities they choose to utilise within the session.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #gptw2023
What is Play Therapy?
Children often have difficulty explaining how they are feeling and why. It can be challenging for children to identify and express complex emotions.
Play is a natural form of expression for children. In the play therapy room, the child has the opportunity to “play out” their feelings and concerns without the need for talking. Play provides the child the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings in dynamic and creative ways. This is done in a safe and non-judgemental environment with the support and acceptance of the Play Therapist.
#playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #gptw2023
In honour of Global Play Therapy Week 2023, my first post is in appreciation of the influence of Virginia Axline.
Virginia Axline is renowned as the pioneer of non-directive Play Therapy and it is her eight guiding principles that have informed how many therapists practice in their work with children.
#gptw2023 #playtherapy #ptirl #ptuk #apac #axline
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