As a children's nurse and particularly in my role as neurology liaison nurse in Crumlin Hospital I saw the impact traumatic events and experiences had on children and their families. I felt drawn to explore a more direct role in the support of children experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Having been a full-time mother when my children were young I returned to nursing in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin in 2000. I worked in the CT scanning department at first and then moved to the role of liaison nurse in the neurology department. Both these roles brought a lot of involvement with children and families who were experiencing significant and often ongoing stress and worry at a difficult time in their lives.
I commenced training as a Play Therapist in 2008, attending the Children's Therapy Centre in Co. Westmeath (www.childrenstherapycentre.ie). I qualified as a Play Therapist in 2010. A further year's study resulted in the award of a Diploma in Play Therapy and Psychotherapy. I became a fully accredited member of the Irish Association for Play Therapy and Psychotherapy in May 2013. As a member I am bound by the ethical and practice guidelines of the Association, including the requirement for regular clinical supervision. (www.iaptp.ie ).
