Inspire Play Therapy

31/01/2026

Getting Ready for Group Supervision
An invitation to pause and arrive, using cards as a personal check-in. Curiosity is supported through making, with plasticine offering a way to reflect on individual journeys while thinking alongside others.

28/01/2026

Time played with you is time well spent.😍

Simple precious play ideas:
• Sit on the floor and follow your child’s lead
• Build something together, then knock it down
• Draw side by side without asking questions
• Act out a tiny moment from the day or a favourite story using toys
• Set a 10-minute timer and give your full attention

Play supports emotional wellbeing and connection so these little moments can make a big difference 💜💚

25/01/2026

We're always learning and sharing best practice with other play therapists. If you would like to find out how play therapy could help your child please get in touch with one of our registered play therapists at info@inspireplaytherapy.com

21/01/2026

When you bake with your child, you’re supporting:
✨ Emotional Regulation – measuring, stirring, waiting, and problem-solving all help children practice patience and coping skills
✨ Connection & Attachment – shared joy, teamwork, and laughter strengthen your bond
✨ Language Development – following directions, naming ingredients, and storytelling
✨ Sensory Exploration – textures, smells, tastes, and temperatures engage the nervous system
✨ Confidence & Mastery – “I made this!” builds self-esteem and pride
And the best part?
There’s no right or wrong way—just being present

18/01/2026

📘 The Whole-Brain Child
This book helps parents understand how a child’s brain develops and why big emotions show up the way they do. From a play therapy lens, it supports using connection, play, and simple strategies to help children feel safe enough to regulate and grow.

📗 The Yes Brain
This book focuses on building resilience, flexibility, and confidence in children. In play therapy, we see how play helps children move from shutdown or reactivity into curiosity and problem-solving—exactly what this book encourages.

📕 Mindsight
This book helps parents understand their own inner world and how it shapes their relationship with their child. Play therapy often starts here—supporting awareness, reflection, and connection so children feel truly seen and understood .
InspirePlayTherapy EmotionalDevelopment BrainBasedParenting ConnectedParenting

16/01/2026

We were delighted to see this piece featured in the Donegal News, as part of Paul Bradley’s Third Degree column, highlighting the work of Avril and the wider Inspire Play Therapy team.

So many children do not yet have the words to explain what they are going through.
Play offers them a way to express, process and make sense of their experiences in a way that feels safe and natural.

We are proud of the thoughtful, compassionate work being done to support children’s emotional wellbeing 💜💚

Avril also offers play therapy clinical supervision at Inspire Play Therapy and can be contacted at avrilgallagherplaytherapy@gmail.com

14/01/2026

At Inspire Play Therapy ,we know how busy life is.
Appointments, school runs, work, after school clubs, the list can seem endless !

But connection doesn’t need hours. A 10-minute walk with your child
can make a real difference.
No pressure. No fixing.
Just moving side-by-side
and being present together.💜💚

In play therapy, we see it every day…

💚Hanging out builds safety
💜Small moments build trust
💚Connection lives in the everyday

Sometimes the walk is the therapy.

# precious time

12/01/2026

This is the feeling we want children to have through play.
Joy, freedom and connection 💜💚

Play remains at the heart of everything we do.
As we begin the year ahead, this is the intention we are holding onto 💜💚

21/12/2025

Our Christmas wish🎄✨

This Christmas, we’re wishing families moments of joy, rest, and togetherness.
As we take a little pause to rest and recharge, we want to thank you for your support throughout the year. It truly means so much to us.

✨ We’ll be back in our play rooms from January 5th, and we’ll return here a little later in mid-January ✨

Until then, we’re wishing you a gentle and meaningful Christmas, in whatever way it looks for your family.

With warmth,
Cathy, Joanne & Avril
Inspire Play Therapy 💜💚

19/12/2025

“Transforming young lives through the power of play”

We were delighted to speak with Laura Glenn at the Derry Journal and to have the opportunity to talk about something we care deeply about, the power of play, and its role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.

We also appreciated the opportunity to talk about our   campaign and the schools taking part, including Ballougry, Long Tower, Chapel Road, Steelstown, St John’s, St Aengus, St Mura’s, St Baithin’s and St Eunan’s 💜💚

17/12/2025

Before the rush of Christmas, we wanted to offer a gentle reminder.

Play does not have to be big, planned or perfect to matter.
A few minutes of shared play can offer connection, reassurance and a sense of safety for children.

In the midst of busy days, small moments really do count 💜💚

 

16/12/2025

What a lovely way to mark our first birthday. Thank you to the Derry Journal for sharing our story and helping us spread the message about the power of play and play therapy 💜

'Parents know their children best, and they come to us when they feel their child may need extra support.' Inspire Play Therapy, located in Bridgend, has just celebrated its first birthday and spoke to the Journal about the importance of play and its connections.