I completed my BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education at DIT in 2012 and worked with children across preschools, creches, ASD settings and Barnardos Early Intervention for 10 years. I found myself very drawn to supporting children experiencing emotional, social and behavioural difficulties which led me to having a keen interest in learning more about Play Therapy. I completed postgraduate studies in Therapeutic Play Skills with APAC, beginning in 2018 and progressing to a Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Play Skills in 2019.

I have experience supporting children and families through a wide range of circumstances, including ASD, ADHD, anxiety, low confidence, anger, social difficulties, bereavement, bullying, parental separation and experiences of domestic abuse and foster care.

My approach is child-led and individually tailored, allowing each child to work at their own pace through their interests and natural way of playing. I aim to provide a safe, nurturing and non-judgemental space where children feel heard, understood and supported to explore and process their experiences.

As a mother of three, I have a strong personal passion for supporting children and families, alongside my professional experience and training which is why I chose to expand Childspace to involve more play therapists as well as including psychotherapists and counsellors so that we could support the whole family

My name is Yvonne Doyle and I am a qualified Play Therapist with Play therapy Ireland. My background is in Early years education, having completed a BSc in Early Childhood Education from Marino institute of Education in 2022 and worked as an educator in a preschool setting for five years. 

Through studying for my undergraduate degree, and my own experiences working with children, I had an interest in increasing my knowledge and understanding in children’s mental health and well-being, which led to me enroll in a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills in late 2023. Through this course, I found a passion for supporting children through challenging experiences and managing big emotions and progressed on to study the postgraduate diploma in play therapy in September 2024 which I completed in January this year

I provide a safe and supportive space where children can express themselves through play - their natural language. My approach is grounded in empathy and respect for the child’s each unique journey. My goal is to empower each child to feel seen, heard, and understood, while also partnering with parents and caregivers to foster lasting growth beyond the therapy space. 

Hi my name's Imani. 

I'm a pre accredited play therapist with IAPTP and entering my last year of my master's with children's therapy centre as a creative child and adolescent psychotherapist. While I also hold a BA Hons degree in early childhood education and care from Carlow It. I have worked with children for over 15 years. As well as many types of families. I feel an holistic service is needed when working with families. 

My love of play and creative therapies started from my playful childhood, and my mom being a drama therapist. While my love of learning more and working to help children understand themselves as well as their families came from my early days as a foster mom. Working with children who have been in foster care has opened my eyes to how early intervention is paramount, as well as how important a safe, secure attachment is. 

My areas of interest are attachment and trauma, children in care, self esteem and racial identity. 
Every family is unique, resulting in every child being amazing. 

Rachel holds a BA in Social Care, a Postgraduate Diploma in Children and Loss, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy. She is currently completing the fourth year of her Master’s in Creative Psychotherapy and is a pre-accredited therapist with the Irish Association for Play Therapy and Psychotherapy (IAPTP).

Rachel is passionate about supporting children and families and is experienced in working collaboratively with parents to better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs.

Play therapy and creative psychotherapy offer children a safe, supportive space to explore and express thoughts and feelings in ways that feel natural to them. This approach can support children experiencing big feelings, anxiety or worries, loss and bereavement, family changes, traumatic experiences, social or peer difficulties, and transitions such as starting or changing school. Through play and creative expression, children can develop greater emotional understanding, strengthen their coping skills, and build confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

My name is Yvonne Kelly I have worked with children for many years and am a full-time primary school teacher. Throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of supporting children through many different stages of their development. Through this experience, I developed a particular interest in children’s emotional and social wellbeing and became increasingly aware of the importance of providing children with a safe, supportive space where they can express themselves and work through challenges in their own way. This passion led me to further my career in Play Therapy. While I continue to work full-time as a primary school teacher, I dedicate part of my time to Play Therapy because of my strong belief in its value and my passion for supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.

I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills at University College Cork (UCC) in 2024, before going on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate Degree in Play Therapy at the University of Chichester, which I completed in early 2026. I am passionate about a child-centred approach to Play Therapy and am guided by the principles of Virginia Axline, which place the child at the centre of the therapeutic relationship. I believe that children communicate and make sense of their experiences in ways that are often different from adults. As Gary Landreth beautifully describes, “Toys are children’s words and play is their language.” Through play, children can communicate feelings, experiences and worries that they may not yet have the words to express.

I also believe that parents and guardians are the experts when it comes to their own children. Building a trusting and collaborative relationship with parents and guardians is therefore an important part of my work. I look forward to working alongside families, listening to their experiences and supporting them throughout the therapeutic process. My aim is to provide each child with a safe, accepting and nurturing space where they feel heard, understood and valued, while supporting them to develop confidence, emotional wellbeing and resilience so that they can flourish and reach their full potential.

Laura is a certified Therapeutic Play practitioner registered with Play Therapy Ireland (PTIrl). She earned her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from DCU in 2022 and has worked with children in preschools and crèches. She also has extensive experience in primary schools as both a Special Education Teacher and Class Teacher, where she supported children's educational development and their emotional, social, and behavioural needs.

During this period, Laura started exploring play therapy to see how play can facilitate healing and growth for children and their families. She earned a Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills from APAC and is now pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, which she expects to finish by early 2027.

Laura employs the Integrative Holistic Model of Play Therapy to create a safe, nurturing, and accepting space where children can play freely, express themselves, and develop. Her child-led, play-focused method supports children in managing emotional, social, and developmental issues.

Therapeutic Play helps children develop self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, while also improving emotional regulation and positive behaviour. It enhances social, communication, and coping skills, and provides a safe space to process and heal from trauma, loss, and life’s challenges. Additionally, it strengthens the bond between parents and children.

Laura strongly feels that all children should have a safe environment where they can express themselves, feel understood, and simply be who they are.