Sharon Welch is a qualified Play Therapist. She is passionate about Child Mental Health and well-being and it is her wish that all children have the freedom to be themselves.
Sharon has over 18 years experience working with children and young people, which involved being a youth worker, owning and managing a preschool and as a Play Therapist. Sharon Trained as a Play Therapist with The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC). She is a member of IPTCA – Irish Play Therapy Community Association and adheres to their code of ethics.
Play Therapy is a service that promotes positive health and emotional well being which is led by a professionally qualified Play Therapist. The aim is to “promote the use of play and the creative arts therapies to enable children to reach their full potential by alleviating emotional behavioural and mental health problems.
Play Therapy helps children modify their behaviours, develop social skills and boost self-esteem. In Play therapy children are supported by the therapist to express their confusing and painful emotions through play activities and through playing with the child.
Children can be referred to Play therapy for many reasons:
- Abuse or neglect
- Attachment and bonding issues
- Anxiety
- ADD, ADHD and Autism
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Bedwetting /soiling problems
- Communication difficulties
- Delayed development
- Domestic violence
- Excessive shyness
- Emotional, social, or behavioural issues
- Eating problems
- Family disruptions such as marital separation or divorce
- Foster care or adoption
- Illness or hospitalisation
- Learning difficulties
- Low self-esteem
- Poor play skills
- Sleep problems
- Separation anxiety
- Selective mutism
- Trauma/Post Traumatic stress, persistent anger, worry, sadness or fear which hinders the life of the child
Sessions last for 50 minutes and are held in a private room with carefully selected toys. The activity and type of play will be dictated by the client’s needs. In none-directive Play therapy the child leads, and the therapist follows. An initial consultation can be arranged before the child begins sessions. Children normally attend 12-15 sessions; however, each child is an individual and progress happens at their own pace. A review session takes place after 8 weeks to discuss if more sessions are require.
Please contact Sharon for more information
Mobile: 087 6732574
Email: beeuplaytherapy@gmail.com
Education:
B.Soc Science Youth & Community work
Diploma in Montessori Education
Fetac Level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education
Fetac Level 6 Advanced in Early Childhood Care and Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play
Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy