Does your child constantly seek movement, crash into things or struggle to sit still? Or perhaps they avoid noise, certain clothes, textures or busy environments. Understanding sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviours can help us look beyond the behaviour and recognise what your child’s body may be telling us.

When a child can’t face going to school, there is often much more happening beneath the surface. Explore school refusal and EBSA, why some children become overwhelmed by school, and how understanding what’s underneath can help you find the right support.

If your child can’t concentrate at school, it may not simply be about attention or trying harder. Discover what could be happening beneath the behaviour, and how sensory processing, development and retained reflexes can sometimes make learning and concentration more difficult.

When school starts to feel too much, a child’s refusal to attend is often communicating something deeper. We explore school refusal and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), what may be happening beneath the behaviour, and how understanding your child’s individual needs can help you find a way forward.

Struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night? Discover practical tips, consistent routines, and gentle techniques like baby massage to help your little one settle, relax, and sleep better.

Talking to children about play therapy can help them feel safe, understood, and confident before their first session. Simple, reassuring words and gentle conversations give children a sense of choice and make therapy a positive experience.

Teenagers today face growing pressures that can leave them feeling overwhelmed and anxious. From creative therapies like art therapy to simple coping strategies, there are effective ways to support teens in building resilience and managing stress.

Play therapy is a gentle yet effective way to help children manage anxiety. Through play, children can explore worries, build coping skills, and feel calmer and more confident in daily life.

Children can thrive in single parent households when they feel loved, supported, and secure. WayMaker offers guidance, play therapy, and practical resources to help parents and children build resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Art therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy that helps children and adults express feelings, process experiences, and build emotional resilience through creative activities like drawing, painting, and clay work.

Play therapy is more than just play. It’s a powerful intervention that helps children regulate their nervous system, rewire the brain, and manage behaviour in healthier ways. Discover the key benefits of play therapy and why it’s proving so effective for children who are struggling emotionally and socially.

Play therapy gives children a safe, supportive space to express feelings, work through challenges, and build emotional resilience. Using toys, art, and creative activities, children can explore emotions, process experiences, and strengthen relationships in a nurturing, child-led way.

National Lottery Funding for Play Therapy & Family Support

WayMaker Child Therapy has received Awards for All funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to provide Play Therapy, Parenting Sensory Support and our Brain Balance programme for children and families. The funding will help us provide accessible therapeutic and developmental support, while equipping parents with practical tools to better understand and support their child's individual needs.

After months of keeping it under wraps, we are so excited to finally share our latest project: "A New Day for Little Bear." This animated short is a labor of love, designed to help children and families gently navigate the challenging emotions of grief and loss. Little Bear’s story—his journey from heartbreak to hope—captures the resilience we all have within us. We can't wait for you to experience it soon as part of the Cinemagic Film Festival.

Discover Joyful Parenting with "Parenting the Playful Way" Journal

Join Eileen Russell, a seasoned play therapist and parenting coach, on a heartwarming journey of playful parenting. Embrace the magic of everyday moments, reignite connections, and nurture joyful bonds with your child. Explore the transformative power of play through prompts, guidance, and genuine connection. Unlock a world of joyful parenting with the "Parenting the Playful Way" journal, exclusively available at WayMaker Child Therapy. Start your journey today!

Summer has arrived, and with it comes the school holidays, bringing a mix of excitement and anxiety for parents. The pressure to entertain our children and create endless activities can feel overwhelming, especially when we see the picture-perfect moments shared on social media. But here's the truth: playing with our children doesn't have to be a complicated production. It's about being present and finding joy in the simple moments spent together.

In this blog, we're going to take a deep breath and let go of the expectations and pressures that often weigh us down. We'll explore how to make this summer a time of play, connection, and fun without breaking the bank. Remember, you don't need extravagant outings or expensive crafts to create beautiful memories. Nature provides the perfect sensory experiences, and the great outdoors offers endless opportunities for adventure.

CELEBRATING OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY AT FAIRHILL HOUSE, BALLYMENA

Unleash the Healing Power of Play: Join our Training Sessions Starting on 22nd June 2023