Rethink Therapy Services; child and adult therapy

24/04/2026

17/04/2026

16/04/2026

I became who I needed.

I not only chose the bear.
I. Am. The. Bear.

62 million!
In one month...!

"Eventually, I wasn't afraid anymore," said Bear. "Because the worst things that happened to me, and that could have happened to me...
changed me from a rabbit, to a bear."

"You used to be like me?" asked Rabbit.

"I am you," said Bear.

“I became who I needed.”

©️Tara Shannon, 2026

16/04/2026

Newcastle Community Fridge (Northern Ireland) is open Friday 17th April 11am to 12noon. Fully stocked with surplus apples, bananas, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, frozen berries along with a limited amount of ambient goods.
Simply bring a bag, sign in and take what you need.
Our fab volunteers Ann & Paddy will be there to serve you all.
Thanks to The Wee Charity Shop newcastle
County Down Rural Community Network

07/04/2026

A child’s brain develops from the bottom up. Before thinking, reasoning and problem solving can happen, the nervous system needs to feel safe.

The bottom up, whole brain approach recognises that behaviour is not just about choices. It is about the state of the body and nervous system first.

When a child is dysregulated, their lower brain is in charge. This is where survival responses live. Fight, flight, freeze or fawn. In these moments, the thinking brain is much less accessible. So reasoning, consequences or logic often do not work.

Play therapy works with this, not against it.
Instead of expecting children to “think their way” out of distress, play therapy supports regulation from the bottom up. Through sensory experiences, rhythm, movement and relational safety, the nervous system begins to settle. Only then can higher level thinking and reflection start to come online.

In play therapy, the child is not pushed to explain or analyse. They are given space to express, experience and process through play, which is their natural language.

This approach helps to:

• support nervous system regulation before cognitive demand
• build felt safety through consistent, attuned relationships
• integrate emotional and sensory experiences
• strengthen connections between the lower and higher parts of the brain
• enable children to access thinking, learning and relating more effectively

As Bruce D. Perry reminds us, “Regulate, relate, reason.”

Play therapy honours this sequence. It meets the child where they are and supports development in the way the brain is designed to grow.

06/04/2026

Think twice.

04/04/2026

We are excited to launch our first Carer Support Group event with a relaxing Paint and Sip session. This will be a welcoming space for families and carers to come together, chat, unwind, and paint a piece of pottery to take home as a keepsake.🖌🍷🍵
For those who may need support with their loved ones during the event, the Community Hub Disco will be running in Murphy’s from 6:30–8:30pm, and they are welcome to attend.
To celebrate the launch of our first event, there is no cost to attend, however spaces are limited.
To book your place, please email contact@mainstaydrp.org with your name and the number of spaces required.
If you have any questions, please call 028 4461 7178 (option 7) and ask for Alexandra.

Bookings close 24th April 😊