PLAY THERAPY

for Children in Northern Ireland

Is Your Child Struggling Emotionally, Socially or Behaviourally?

As a parent, it can be worrying and overwhelming when your child is finding life difficult. You may notice changes in their behaviour, emotions, or how they get along with others — and you’re not sure how best to support them.

That’s where play therapy for children can help.

Play is a child’s natural way of making sense of the world. Through child play therapy, children can express what they may not yet have the words to say. In a safe, supportive environment, therapy helps them process big feelings, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping.

At WayMaker, we work alongside families to bring reassurance and hope. Parents often tell us they feel relief knowing their child finally has a space where they feel understood.

What is play therapy and how does it work?

You may be wondering, what is play therapy and why is it different from other forms of support.

Play therapy is a recognised therapeutic approach that uses play a child’s natural language to help them express emotions, process experiences, and find new ways of coping. When children play in a therapeutic setting, they can safely explore difficult feelings, build confidence, and begin to heal without the pressure of having to put everything into words.

This form of therapeutic play therapy is especially effective for children who may be feeling anxious, angry, withdrawn, or who have experienced challenges such as loss, separation, or trauma. Through play, they can regain a sense of control, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relationships.

At WayMaker, we also offer complementary approaches such as Reflex Integration and Sensory Support, which can be combined with play therapy to provide the most effective support for your child’s unique needs.

Please watch ‘What is Play Therapy’ to find out more.

  • Every child is unique, and the challenges they face can feel overwhelming for both them and their family.

    The benefits of play therapy are wide-ranging it gives children a safe and supportive space to express what’s going on inside and to discover healthier ways of coping.

    Children’s play therapy can support children who are experiencing difficulties such as:

    Emotional Wellbeing

    • Anxiety, stress, or phobias

    • Low self-confidence or self-esteem

    • Mood swings or strong emotional outbursts

    Family Challenges

    • Parental or family separation

    • Bereavement, trauma, or abuse

    • Attachment and relationship difficulties

    Social & School Life

    • Friendship difficulties, bullying, or being bullied

    • Struggling to learn or reach academic potential

    • Communication or behavioural delays

    Life Circumstances

    • Children who are looked after, fostered, or adopted

    • Young carers balancing extra responsibilities

    • Neurodivergent children, including those with autism or ADHD

  • Taking the first step can feel daunting, but we make the process simple and reassuring.

    Step 1 – Gather

    We ask parents to complete our referral form. This gives us important background information and helps us understand what may be happening for your child. The form also provides a score across areas such as emotions, behaviour, social skills, and hyperactivity. This means we can get a deeper picture of your child’s needs right from the start.

    Step 2 – Connect

    Once your referral form is completed, our experienced clinical team will carefully review it. We’ll then arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation with you. This is a chance to talk through your concerns, answer your questions, and give you an idea of our waiting list times. Most importantly, it helps us make sure we are the right fit for your family.

    Step 3 – New Beginnings

    You will then be invited to a full consultation where you’ll meet your child’s therapist. This is an important step to make sure the therapist feels like a good fit for your child. From there, your child can begin their play therapy journey with the support they need for calmer days, stronger relationships, and new beginnings.

    Ready to take the first step? Complete the referral form below.

  • 01 | GATHER

    Complete our referral form.

    This helps us ensure we are the right fit for your child.

  • 02 | CONNECT

    A play therapist will give you a free no obligation, fifteen-minute call

  • 03 | New Beginnings

    If we are the right fit, your child can start play therapy

play that matters

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play that matters 〰️

What are parents saying?

I cannot recommend WayMaker highly enough. My daughter was suffering from anxiety....

Testimonial, read more

Begin your child’s healing journey through play

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Complete the referral form below to take the first step, or if you’d like to talk things through, call us. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you gently through how play therapy can support your child.