Searching for a Play Therapist can feel confusing, particularly when your child is already having a difficult time. Families around Naas, Newbridge and County Kildare may find practitioners with different qualifications, approaches and ways of involving parents. A few practical questions can help you decide whether a service feels right for your child.
Check the therapist’s professional training
Ask about the therapist’s core psychotherapy or Play Therapy qualification, professional accreditation, insurance, safeguarding procedures and clinical supervision. It is also reasonable to ask about their experience working with children who have needs or experiences similar to your child’s.
Ask what kind of Play Therapy they provide
Play Therapy is not simply playing games or completing activities chosen by an adult. In child-led, non-directive Play Therapy, the child chooses how to use the playroom while the therapist follows with careful attention, emotional presence and safe boundaries. The child is not pressured to talk about private experiences before they are ready.
Find out how parents are included
Parents hold essential information about their child and should understand how the process works. Ask whether there is an initial parent meeting, how updates are provided, how often formal reviews take place and how the therapist protects the child’s confidentiality.
At Heartlight, parents meet with Niamh before their child begins. A brief parent update is sent each week and fuller review meetings take place after each block of Play Therapy.
Consider your child’s communication and sensory needs
For autistic, ADHD and otherwise neurodivergent children, it is important that therapy respects their individual communication, sensory profile, focused interests and ways of regulating. A neuroaffirming therapist considers the demands placed on the child and does not judge progress according to how neurotypical they appear.
Think about the setting and weekly journey
Play Therapy usually takes place weekly, so location matters. Heartlight Play Therapy is based at Soearth Projects in Kill, Co. Kildare. The practice is convenient for families travelling from Naas, Newbridge, Sallins, Clane, Rathcoole and surrounding areas, with a dedicated upstairs playroom and access to gardens and natural spaces.
About Heartlight Play Therapy
Niamh Mullins is an accredited child psychotherapist and Play Therapist, mindfulness teacher and neurodiversity specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with children. Her work brings together child-led Play Therapy, creativity, mindfulness and, when appropriate, nature-based practice.
You can explore the Heartlight playroom and Soearth Projects, read about Play Therapy in Kildare, or email Niamh with an enquiry.
