Play therapy

Little Oaks

When feelings are too big for words, play therapy gives children a safe and creative way to express themselves, feel understood, and start to be fully themselves.

Welcome​

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a special help for children who feel sad, worried, angry, or confused. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about what’s happening inside, especially when you don’t have the words to explain it. That’s where play therapy comes in.

In play therapy, children can use toys, games, stories, art, and other creative activities to show their feelings. They don’t have to talk if they don’t want to—the way they play can help to tell their story. A play therapist is a trained professional who knows how to help children feel safe, figure things out, and start to feel better.

Through play therapy, children explore their thoughts and feelings, and with the guidance and support of the play therapist, they can overcome their difficulties.

Why do children need to see play therapist?

Children might need to see a play therapist if they’re feeling confused, sad, angry, or full of worries. Sometimes big feelings can be hard to understand and might make it difficult to enjoy time with friends, do well at school, sleep, or feel happy.

These feelings can sometimes show up as actions that upset them or others. A play therapist is there to help children understand what’s going on inside them and support them in feeling better, calmer, and more like themselves again.

Oksana Jakuska
Play therapist

Oksana Jakuska

Oksana is a Certified Play Therapist registered with the Play and Creative Arts Therapy Professional Standards Authority. Oksana specializes in child-centred, holistic therapeutic intervention for children aged 4-12 years old. She holds an MSc in Psychology and Well-being from DCU and a PGDip in Practice-Based Play Therapy from the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC); University of Chichester. Oksana is a registered member of Play Therapy Ireland (PTIRL), a Graduate member of Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and fully insured with PPS (Psychologists Protection Society).

Play therapy / Sand play / Counselling / Psychotherapy

Helping children heal through play

Is your child feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or withdrawn?

Discover how play therapy can support their emotional well-being in a safe, child-friendly space.

Affiliations

Frequently asked questions