About Me:
Stephanie O'Brien. BSocSC (Hons) UCD, Masters in Social Work Trinity College Dublin, Post Graduate Diploma Play Therapy CTC,
I am a practicing Snr. Social Worker having qualified in 2004. I qualified as a Play Therapist in 2016 and currently work in Voluntary and private practice in Dublin. I am a pre accredited member of the IAPTP and have my own insurance for practice purposes. Historically, I have worked in children's services in both the statutory and acute hospital settings where I have gained a wealth of experience in supporting children with significant diagnoses; children experiencing social and behavioural issues; families in crisis; and children who have experienced all types of loss. Working in such settings developed a keen interest in working therapeutically with children both individually and in group settings, as well as working collaboratively with families. This in turn led to further studies in the area of Children and Loss (Irish Hospice Foundation:Certificate in Children and Loss) and more recently, a diploma in Play therapy from the Children's Therapy Centre,
What issues can Play Therapy help with? Play therapy is of benefit to all children as it promotes all aspects of a child's development as well as the development of self confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Children may be referred for reasons such as:
Behavioural issues
Communication difficulties
Developmental delay
Poor play skills
Loss issues to include parental separation and bereavement
Relationship difficulties
Adjustment issues (new school, new home)
Trauma
Bullying
Anxiety and self esteem issues. Play therapy also benefits children with specific issues related to ADHD, autism, as well as speech and language delay. The Process of Play Therapy:
Referrals are accepted from parents/carers as well as statutory and voluntary agencies with parental consent. From here, an intake session with parent/ carer takes place and this then leads onto individual confidential sessions (50 minutes) with the child. In the first session the child is introduced to the Play therapy room, and why they have come to see a play therapist. Every child is reassured that they can play with any toys of their choosing and that they are the boss of the play room during the session! The number of sessions vary depending on the issues and the child in question but at least 6/8 sessions are needed to build a therapeutic relationship with the child and anything from 10 - 20+ sessions in total , but again this is very individual. Sessions generally take place weekly. Play therapy sessions like counselling sessions are confidential, however reviews are incorporated to discuss progress through themes and to work in partnership with parents and carers to help improve behaviours/issues at home. Each child is well prepared for the ending process. What materials do Play Therapists use? The toys used by play therapist are often familiar to those in many a play room, however they also include a kit which includes:
Sand trays, puppets, arts and crafts (to include masks and clay), therapeutic stories, musical toys and music, creative visualisations, role play materials.
