Play Therapy Wicklow

14/05/2026

I get asked all the time by children and parents what I use in my slime :

- Clear PVA glue (any brand works, I get mine
- Aktywator Activator - The best out there in my opinion and I get this
- I use Mica Powder instead of food colour or paint as mixes well and doesnt stain little hands and I get this from (A little goes a long way)
- Eco Glitter selection then which can be added at the end and this lovely selection I also got

I use a small bowl and put the desired amount of glue for size of slime you want to make.
Add a sprinkle of Mica Powder for colour of choice
Mix colour in before gradually beginning to add Activator. Key here is gradual, drop by drop.

I then remove from bowl and continue to mix on table top to get desired level of slime. I love slime that is stretchy but not sticky and I love making a crackle and pop sound for instant regulation and satisfaction 😌

I then add glitter and usually pick a colour for each feeling of the day.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Slime Play:

Its a calming sensory experience that supports emotional wellbeing through play.

Benefits of slime in play therapy can include: Stress & anxiety reduction
🧠 Improved focus and attention
✋ Strengthening fine motor skills
🌈 Sensory regulation and exploration
💬 Encouraging emotional expression
🧘 Promoting mindfulness and calm
🤝 Supporting social interaction and cooperative play

The squish, stretch, and texture of slime can help children (and adults!) feel grounded, relaxed, and engaged in the moment.

03/05/2026

Offering a chance to win 2 online parenting support sessions in aid of Eímear Byrne in Arklow ❤️🫶 Eímear needs life saving surgery which unfortunately is not available here in Ireland.

Parent support sessions are a 60-90 mins session to help guide you and support you with any parenting difficulties you might be facing. We chat it through, look at ways to make small changes to make big differences and then I send you away to implement. We then have a follow up call a month later to see how things are going.

Please enter by sending me €5 per ticket (you can buy as many as you like) via Revolut before Saturday 9th May. I will donate all payments then to the go fund me

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-eimear-get-urgent-life-saving-surgery

Please help support this worthy cause ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

30/04/2026

Delighted to announce we are opening a new Play Therapy practice in Arklow.

After 10 years of practice in Rathnew and families from Arklow travelling to us, we are excited to now offer them a space locally.

We continue on as normal here in Rathnew 🫶

Please DM or email wicklowplaytherapy@gmail.com to make an inquiry or referral.

27/04/2026

A meaningful milestone ✨️🫶👏

I’m so pleased to have recieved my Supervision Accreditation.

Grateful for the learning, reflection, and growth this journey has brought — and excited to support others in this work.

If you are looking for Supervision for your Play Therapy Work in Wicklow or Wexford please contact me.

20/01/2026

Decided to jump on this 2016 trend. It was a huge year professionally. I qualified as a Play Therapist and took the leap into Private Practice.

I opened the door as a sole trader in Knockrobin Primary Care centre and built up the business solo. It was very exciting and challenging at the same time but one that set me on the path I was meant to walk.

Fast forward 10 years to 2026 and how life has changed both professionally & personally. A life shift that one could never have pictured if you said this would all happen id have laughed (or cried).

I have moved a short hop across the road to Rathnew. Instead of being all on my lonesome I have a wonderful team of therapists to work alongside.

I am now an accredited Play Therapist, a qualified Clinical Supervisor, a tutor for Portobello College and I am a few short months away from beginning another educational journey with adding a Msc qualification to my ever growing list of desires and achievements.

We have 5 Play Therapists, An Adult psychotherapist, an adolescent psychotherapist and a systemic psychotherapist in the practice.

We are a great bunch of ladies and I have every hope for what the next 10 years will bring ❤️🎈✨️💡

I am very proud of this 10 year journey, it was a rollercoaster to say the least but I came out stronger and better 💪

05/01/2026

Parenting can feel overwhelming — especially when children are experiencing big emotions.

The Circle of Security Parenting Programme helps parents understand what their child’s behaviour is really communicating and how to respond with confidence, calm, and connection.

✨ Evidence-based programme
🖥️ Delivered online via Zoom
🤍 Small Supportive, non-judgemental group
👶 Suitable for parents of children aged birth–12

The course offers a calm, supportive space to reflect on your child’s emotional needs, make sense of behaviour, and strengthen your relationship — without judgement and without pressure to be a “perfect” parent.

The course will run for 8 weeks via zoom from the comfort of your own home from 8-930p.

Please DM or email annemarie.playtherapy@gmail.com to find out more or book a place.

Spaces are max of 8 screens and will book up fast ✨️🙌

02/10/2025

Self Care Thursdays starting in November for 9 - 11 year olds.

Small group. Please DM or email annemarie.playtherapy@gmail.com to reserve your space.

21/08/2025

Great article 👏 Well done Orla. I always say parenting in the hardest job you will ever do but also the most rewarding. Co-Parenting can be even more challenging.

In the early days of pregnancy with my son, I went on a weekend trip to Paris with his dad. I remember us sitting by the Eiffel Tower, full of nerves and excitement, imagining what kind of parents we would be. We talked about our hopes for the future, painting a picture of the family life we thought lay ahead.

Not once did it cross my mind that we’d end up parenting from two separate homes. But shortly before my son’s second birthday, our relationship ended and our family’s story took a very different turn.

Last week, I found myself back in Paris – this time with my now-six-year-old son. I met his dad at the Eiffel Tower again, but this time it was to hand over our son for his three weeks with him over the summer holidays. For various reasons that could be an article in itself, Paris is where we agreed to meet.

Needless to say, a lot has happened between that first trip to Paris and the second. If the Orla from that first Paris visit had seen a glimpse of this one, she might have felt devastated. She certainly wouldn’t have believed I’d be happy. But I am.

My family setup looks nothing like what I once imagined, but I’ve worked hard to make it one that works for me and for my son. And now, I genuinely can’t imagine parenting any other way.

Co-parenting comes with its challenges, but I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to mean conflict, chaos or failure. In fact, it’s taught me more about parenting, partnership, and myself than I ever expected.

17/08/2025

Having my mindful cuppa in front garden this morning. Engaging all my senses to relax and enjoy the moment.

Yesterday was a busy day. I did Module 2 tutoring Therapeutic Play Skills for Portobello Institute. Sitting at a desk delivering my body knew I needed movement after so a nice walk with the dog help fill my cup back in and feel grounded.

Today, I start my day hearing the birds sings and the low distant sounds of trees blowing.

Self care, self regulation and filling your own cup is so important ❤️

22/07/2025

Are you ready to strengthen your relationship with your child? 🧒👶

Join my next Circle of Security Parenting course to learn powerful, research-backed strategies for nurturing secure, healthy relationships with your children.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

Understanding your child’s emotional needs

Building their self-esteem

Effective responses to challenging behaviours

Creating a secure, trusting relationship

Online via Zoom 8pm from Monday 29th September for 8 weeks.

👪 Who Should Attend? Parents, caregivers, and guardians of children aged 0-12 who are looking to improve their parenting skills and build a stronger bond with their children.

I like to keep the group small and personable so spaces are limited!

Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards a more connected relationship with your child.

For more information, feel free to DM me.

Let’s grow together as parents! 🌱

01/06/2025

This is fantastic 👏 Well done Liam