A bit about me!

As young as 16, I wanted to be a play therapist and a mother

When I was 16 my aunt sadly passed away from cancer, and my cousin’s were only aged 3 and 5 at the time. I seen the amazing healing power that play therapy can provide for children and their families. By witnessing first-hand how my cousin’s were able to process our traumatic loss and to be able to move forward in their lives, it was truly life-changing. I remember thinking, “I want to help more children and their families to overcome difficult experiences, I want to be a play therapist”.

I studied an Undergraduate Joint Honours Degree in Guidance and Counselling and Childhood Studies at Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Before studying in Play Therapy, I worked with children, teenagers and their families in various different settings, such as the NSPCC Helpline, Children’s Residential homes and within schools providing pastoral support as a Year Leader since 2015.

Whilst studying to become a Play Therapist with PTUK, I got married and became a mother to two beautiful girls, Hallie and Eva. Becoming a mother was always a lifelong dream of mine, since as long as I could remember, I have always wanted to be a mother. On my own journey in motherhood, I found myself gravitate towards positive, conscious and connected parenting styles towards my children. From my professional experiences and knowledge, I understood the importance and benefits of using the Positive-Parenting approach, as opposed to other styles of parenting that were outdated and unhealthy for a child and their development.

From my own journey of breaking old parenting styles, understanding myself and my triggers, and to becoming the mother I have always wanted to be, this has inspired me to offering coaching support to mothers within the community and in the workplace.

It is my passion to support the mental health of children, teenagers and parents throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK.

 

 

Say hello to Winnie

our emotional support dog in training.

I am currently training my beautiful Newfoundland Winnie to join me in the playroom. She is a playful and energetic three-year-old Newfie with the purest soul!

I truly believe that if the child chooses to have Winnie in the playroom, she will be an amazing supporter for them on their therapeutic journey.

Research has shown that having an animal in the therapy room can enable a child to learn further in areas such as empathy and responsibility for their behaviour and safety. (Kars4KidsParenting, Pet Therapy).

Qualifications & Certificates

I am a Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills on the PTUK register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. CertificateNo: 16287. I am a member of PTUK. RegistrantNo: 201802598.

Undergraduate Degree from Northumbria University in Childhood Studies and Guidance and Counselling

Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills

Diploma in Child Psychology

Certificate in Child Attachment

Certificate in Understanding Bereavement and Loss.

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