About
Attune Play Therapy is a children's mental health service based in Derry, Northern Ireland that provides Play Therapy to children aged 4-12. Play Therapy sessions are delivered by a Certified Play and Creative Arts Therapist in a welcoming and calming space in the city centre.​
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a type of psychotherapy where play and art materials are used as the main way for people to express themselves. Using play in therapy helps people to express themselves in their own way; especially if they are struggling to understand how they are feeling, or are finding it hard to put their experiences into words.​​
Why play?
​Play Is Important​. Play is a child’s natural way of experimenting, learning, rehearsing, and mixing real with fantasy.​ It is an integral part of childhood development across physical and cognitive domains, and is a vital part of all our lives whatever our age. Using play as the medium to express themselves and what they are experiencing, makes sense to children.
Our Approach
At Attune Play Therapy, we use an Integrative Holistic model of Play Therapy which is validated by the PTUK clinical evidence base. It integrates the therapeutic use of a wide range of creative arts media – the Play Therapy Tool-Kit; working with unconscious as well as conscious processes; using mainly non-directive and directive approaches when required and integrating research with practice.​ Data based on PTUK’s national database of client outcomes states that 77%–84% of children show positive change after receiving play or creative-arts therapy when delivered to PTUK standards.
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“Play is a child's language, and the toys are their words.”
Margaret Lowenfeld (1930s–1950)
Our Services
1:1 Play Therapy
Our individual play therapy sessions are designed to address each child's specific emotional needs and help them navigate life's challenges. Through a collaborative and supportive approach, we aim to empower children to overcome obstacles and thrive in their emotional development.
Parent/ Carer Support
​​​Our parent support services focus on enhancing communication, building trust, and strengthening the parent-child relationship. We provide a supportive environment for parents to address concerns, improve understanding, and foster a deeper connection with their children.
"A child grows through experiences, and the people in a child’s world are a vital part of those experiences.”
Victoria Axline (1947)
Step Inside The Play Room
The play room is located in the heart of Derry City Centre, just a stones throw away from Brooke Park. There is convenient parking close by, and a comfortable waiting room is available for parents and carers during sessions.
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The playroom is a calm, contained space designed to help children feel safe enough to explore big feelings. Soft lighting, predictable layout, and thoughtfully selected materials support emotional regulation and give your child the freedom to express themselves in whatever way feels right for them.
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In the playroom you’ll find:
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A sand tray with a wide range of miniature figures for storytelling and emotional expression
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Art and craft materials for creative expression
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Role-play items to help children try out ideas and experiences
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Sensory and regulation tools to support emotional grounding
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Symbolic play objects that support metaphor, processing, and meaning-making
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Games that encourage moments of connection, problem solving and choice
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These resources are selected for their therapeutic value, allowing children to communicate through play in ways that words alone cannot.
Testimonials
"My daughter attended play therapy after the passing of her daddy through covid, she was completely lost.
Sarah made the biggest impact on my daughter. She struggled with emotions, not knowing how to express them or deal with them.
Sarah did an amazing job in helping her to understand why she feeling certain ways and helped her to deal with them.
As a mammy, I would highly recommend play therapy for any child. Thanks again Sarah"
Parent
“Sarah used a wide skillset to support children identified and very good outcomes were reached”
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“Very organised and methodical approach to resources and there use”
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“Sarah speaks confidently and shares information as required - very confidential”
Principal
"Sarah has helped me as a parent in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Her great tips, resources and valuable knowledge all help make sense once explained simply, professionally and backed by the science behind the reasons ‘why?' my child may be behaving in a certain way.
Putting her guidance into practice with my son has really helped me to understand how a toddlers brain works - in turn helping me to keep calm in times of tantrums and stress, she has helped me to be able to acknowledge that the feelings of anxiety and stress are all very normal as a mum.
So not only has Sarah helped me to help my son, she has helped me in being the best mum I can be for my son by understanding the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ to handle certain difficult situations we all find ourselves in as parents."
Parent