Child Play Therapy
Where play becomes a path to healing, expression, and growth.
For children aged 4 years and up
What is Play Therapy?
Play is a child’s natural language - it’s how they make sense of the world, express their feelings, and build emotional resilience. In Play Therapy, children use toys, art, sand, movement, and storytelling to explore experiences and emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
At Glosna House, our Play Therapy sessions offer a safe, supportive space where children can express what’s going on inside - even when they don’t yet have the words.
Who is it for?
Play Therapy can be beneficial for children who are:
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Experiencing anxiety or low mood
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Struggling after separation, loss, or bereavement
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Adjusting to life changes (e.g. new school, sibling, family transitions)
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Dealing with trauma or difficult experiences
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Showing signs of behavioural challenges
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Living with neurodivergence (e.g. ADHD, Autism)
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Having difficulty with friendships, boundaries, or emotional regulation
Every child is unique — and so is their journey. We meet them where they are.
The Child Play Therapy Team . .
At Glosna House, Play Therapy is provided by a carefully structured team of qualified and training professionals.
Our service is led by Jacinta Maher, a fully accredited Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist with specialist training in Play Therapy. Jacinta oversees the Play Therapy service and is closely involved in the clinical screening and allocation process.
Our team also includes pre-accredited and training Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists, who work under professional supervision and in line with best practice standards. Each child is matched with a therapist based on suitability and clinical needs, not on fee preference.
All therapists are supported through ongoing supervision and professional guidance, ensuring your child receives safe, thoughtful and appropriate care at every stage of their therapy journey.
This team approach allows us to offer high-quality support while ensuring each child is seen by the therapist best suited to their individual needs.
Meet your therapist team
Jacinta Maher
Jacinta is a qualified Humanistic and Integrative Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist with a specialisation in Play Therapy, following training with the renowned Children’s Therapy Centre (CTC). She is a fully accredited member of The Irish Association of Play Therapy and Psychotherapy (IAPTP)
Laura Clark
Laura Clark is a training Humanistic and Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist with specialist training in Play Therapy. Starting July/Aug 2026.
Before Play Therapy Begins
To make sure we match your child with the right therapist and offer support that truly fits their needs, we ask that parents or carers complete a Pre-Therapy Questionnaire. This form gives us important background information and helps guide our clinical review and therapist allocation.
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The questionnaire is completed by you and returned to Glosna House in a sealed envelope.
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We do not accept email submissions for this form.
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Once received, your child is placed on our Play Therapy waiting list and reviewed by our team.
This step helps ensure that each child is offered the most appropriate support from the very start.
What to Expect
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Parent/Carer Sessions: The first one or two appointments are held with you (parents/carers) to explore your child’s background, emotional world, and support needs.
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Child Play Therapy Begins: From Session 3 onwards, individual Play Therapy sessions begin with your child.
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Ongoing Review & Support: We stay in touch with you throughout, helping you understand progress and next steps.
Fees with Jacinta Maher
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Child Play Therapy Sessions: €65 per session
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Parent/Guardian Consultations: €100 per session
How Play Therapy Helps
✅ Builds emotional literacy
✅ Enhances self-esteem
✅ Promotes emotional regulation
✅ Reduces stress and anxiety
✅ Encourages problem-solving and creativity
✅ Supports behavioural change
✅ Fosters healthier relationships with self and others
Booking & Contact
To enquire or make an appointment, call us at 087 769 3966
Let’s support your child to grow, express, and thrive — one play session at a time.
Parent Support Sessions
Neuro Dirvergent Screening
Art Psychotherapy
Adolescent Psychotherapy