Play Therapy Wicklow

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

08/05/2025

At our Play Therapy Wicklow, we offer Parent Consultations designed to support YOU.

Whether you’re navigating tantrums, anxiety, sibling challenges, or just want to better understand your child’s inner world, we’re here to help.

Our sessions offer:

Practical tools tailored to your child’s needs

A deeper understanding of emotional and behavioural patterns

Compassionate guidance from an accredited Play therapist & Circle of Security Facilitator.

Empower your parenting. Strengthen your connection.

Book your consultation today — your child’s healing journey starts with you.

Currently offering online or in person. Please DM or email annemarie.playtherapy@gmail.com to find out more.

02/03/2025

Some really great advice from Dr Joanna Fortune in this article

I often come across this in my work. Especially with tween girls and mums! The need for parents to "fix" and "resolve" these friendship fallouts because sometimes perhaps it was trigger us, remind us of a friendship issue we had as a child or even as an adult.

We need to help our children to work this out themselves with guidance and support. So that the next time and the next time and the next time it happens they will have the power to resolve.

Remember....... it's a scaffolding effect for their future 🎈

"Children’s friendships evolve between the ages of nine and 12, when we tend to see an increased emphasis on the “best friends” group, especially among girls."

01/10/2024

Currently have availability in all areas including some low cost options so please contact if you or your family need some support 🎈

23/09/2024

Space available on Wednesday evenings for Adults, Adolescents or Couples.

We have upcoming availability for Couples, Families or Individuals (Adolescent or Adult) sessions on Wednesday evening or Friday morning.

We are offering reduced rate sessions within this also for those who need it. Please contact us for further information or to book a session. You can DM or email wicklowplaytherapy@gmail.com

20/08/2024

Some lovely feedback from past families who have attended my Circle of Security Parenting Programme.

I can't wait to get back to it and run it again in September 🤩🤩🤩

As a parent myself to a strong willed 4 year old and a busy 2 year old I love checking in weekly with a group of like minded parents and learning together.

DM to book a spot or receive further info