Sinead Corey Play Therapy

30/01/2026

I came across this many years ago and the thought has always stuck with me.
And it's relevant for all age groups! Though good luck with the first three minutes in a teen's day!

It's almost impossible to maintain attuned presence at all times but if we can aim to really notice and connect in quality bursts throughout the day then the relationship flourishes.

23/01/2026

Good luck to everyone awaiting results tomorrow!
You have done your best and that's what counts.
Remember this is one stage of school life and there are many different pathways to success. Grades do not define you.

Well done to everyone for working so hard!

Parents/carers, hold space for your child. If they are disappointed, use the 'Name it to tame it' strategy, as in name the emotions and validate the feelings.

19/01/2026

No such thing as 'Blue Monday' it was a marketing gimmick dreamed up by travel agents years ago.

Today I'm choosing to read from this wonderful book which just arrived in the post! 'An Invitation to Notice' written by Michelle A. Major, The Sunshine Project
I'm ready to immerse myself in learning more about regulation, resilience and rest. And that way I can enhance what I bring to my clients and their families.

17/01/2026

Thanks Sarah Dillon Author and Therapeutic Parenting Consultant for this great video and reminder to pause and reflect before responding.

Sometimes we need a reminder of how all behaviour is communication and a prompt to consider what's actually behind this behaviour.
Do I get it right every time? No absolutely not!

In 2022, Cambridgeshire County Council collaborated with pupils from Swavesey Primary School and Swavesey Village College to produce a performance of the poe...

15/01/2026

Play Therapy has a positive impact!
Relationships matter and connection is crucial.

Recently I met a young person whom I'd supported many years ago. To be honest I didn't instantly recognise her.
It's been around ten years and she's now submitting her UCAS application. She was able to recall sandtray experiences, stories and chats. Most of all she described how she felt after our relationship and the support intervention.

She excitedly told me that I'd helped her so much all those years ago and that she felt the Play Therapy experience and nurturing environment she'd experienced had influenced her choices around her future and also her own personal development and sense of self.

So delighted to bump into such a mature well balanced young person and also get such lovely feedback. Sometimes we just never know the impact of our relationships until much later.

I continue to learn such valuable lessons from these precious relationships too and cherish the memories.

11/01/2026

SandStory Therapy is suitable for children and young teens. It's aimed at children aged 8yrs plus.

Have you noticed that your young teenager is finding the transition to post-primary challenging? It is quite common and I've supported many young people in years 8 and 9.

Are they experiencing friendship issues or showing signs of withdrawal and low levels of confidence or self-esteem?

Did you know that using a creative approach such as Play and Creative Arts Therapy or SandStory Therapy is beneficial for young teens too? Often words are not quite enough and young people retreat into themselves, internalising their worry and fear.

If you're interested in exploring how creative therapy might support your young person, please email with your enquiry.

06/01/2026

Here's to all the strong women I've the pleasure of knowing, my friends, family and colleagues.

Let's be thankful for each other, and show each other kindness, friendship and support.

Happy 'Nollaig na mBan' - Little Women's Christmas!

04/01/2026

What a show! What a woman!
Over the break I've enjoyed watching the final instalment of this great show. I've followed it alongside my family for many years and can't believe it's over. I'm not here to review the drama, I'm not an entertainment critic.

I am drawn to reflecting on my viewing experience as a parent and as a Play Therapist. What struck me as I watched was the strength of 'Joyce's' character and it made me think of how I've witnessed so many of her same traits in the parents I've worked with over this past year.

'Joyce Byers' like so many of the mothers and caregivers I've met displayed such impressive core values such as, trust, honesty, respect, courage and loyalty. Parents are committed to supporting their children and getting the best support for their children and young people.

She, like so many of the families I've worked alongside demonstrated the importance of relationships and being there for your child.

Parents, you are your child's advocate, their champion!
You know when to tune into your parental instincts and know when something is troubling your child.

Thankfully we don't need to protect ourselves from 'Vecna' or demogorgons but there are many other issues that our young children are affected by.

You don't need to do this alone. If you feel like your child might benefit from external support, please reach out. I've limited availability for the new year.

So many of my followers are women, each trying to be the best parent for their child. Let's support each other, if you think you know someone who might benefit from Play Therapy support, please like, comment and share this post.

02/01/2026

New school term next week might bring mixed emotions for children and their parents.
Good advice here from The Contented Child, Child Wellbeing Consultancy
Start to gently introduce some shifts in preparation for next week.

Back-to-School Countdown: Friday Reset

School starts again on Monday — and today is about helping children’s bodies and brains remember what school rhythm feels like.

Not a full reset.
Not strict routines overnight.
Just gentle preparation.

Easing bedtimes.
Bringing wake-ups a little earlier.
Returning to predictable meals and snack times.
Talking about school in calm, curious ways — who they’ve missed, what they’re looking forward to, what they’d love in their lunchbox.

These small shifts help reduce stress before it shows up as behaviour.

Preparation isn’t pressure.
It’s support.

👉 Come back tomorrow morning for an emotional prep post, including a FREE DOWNLOAD Parent Handout — supporting worries, big feelings, and the transition back into school-ready mode.

23/12/2025

The Window of tolerance is a concept developed by Dr Dan Siegel. It's a useful way of looking at where we might be on the emotional ladder and of how we are managing our stress levels and wellbeing. It's normal to move between the states.

Over this festive period, children and their parents/carers will find themselves moving throughout the various states between hypoarousal and hyperarousal. It's difficult to remain within the optimal centered window of tolerance at all times. Many stressor will trigger both children and adults over this next week. High expectations, sensory overload and lack of routine will knock many of us out of kilter.

Self awareness is important and noticing your possible triggers of when you are in danger of tipping too far either side of the window of tolerance will support your emotional wellbeing. Simple grounding techniques, fresh air and pressing the pause button will be helpful.

Remember we are not striving for perfection, everything will be fine, you have done enough!

15/12/2025

Just what we all need, some self-care. Highly recommend HAVEN by Clare