Play Therapy for Anxious Children in Cork
If your child is lying awake at night with worries they can't explain, refusing to go to school, or seeming fearful in situations that never used to bother them, you're not imagining it.
Anxiety in children is real, it can be exhausting for the whole family, and it's one of the most common reasons parents come to me.
The good news is that children respond very well to play therapy.
The earlier we can give them the right tools, the easier it is for them to manage anxiety as they grow.
Signs your child may be struggling with anxiety
Anxiety in children doesn't always look the way we expect. It isn't always visible worry or crying, sometimes it shows up as behaviour that can seem confusing or even defiant.
If any of these sound familiar, you're not alone. These are signs that your child is carrying something they don't yet have the words or the tools to manage.
If any of these sound familiar, you're not alone. These are signs that your child is carrying something they don't yet have the words or the tools to manage.
Refusing to go to school or clinging at the school gate
Difficulty sleeping, nightmares or waking frequently
Stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause
Constant reassurance-seeking, needing to be told things will be okay
Avoidance of social situations, playdates or activities they used to enjoy
Meltdowns or emotional outbursts that seem out of proportion
Excessive worry about things going wrong, getting hurt, or losing a parent
How play therapy helps children with anxiety
Children process the world through play long before they can process it through words. In play therapy sessions, I create a safe, predictable space where your child can express what they're feeling through art, sand play, storytelling, puppets and creative activities without the pressure of having to explain themselves.
Over time, this process helps children to:
- Understand what anxiety feels like in their body and what triggers it
- Develop their own coping strategies that actually work for them
- Build resilience and confidence in situations that previously felt overwhelming
- Feel less alone with their worries
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Supporting you as a parent
Living with an anxious child is hard. The constant reassurance, the school mornings, the worry about whether you're doing the right thing, I understand how much energy it takes.
Throughout your child's therapy I meet with you regularly, every 4 to 6 weeks to discuss how things are progressing and to give you practical strategies you can use at home.
You won't be left wondering what's happening or what you can do to help. We work through this together.
About Elaine
I'm Elaine Breen, a PTIrl registered accredited play therapist based in Blarney, Cork. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy from the University of Galway and have spent over 20 years supporting children, parents and families across Cork.
Anxiety is one of the most common presenting issues I work with, and one of the areas where I see the most meaningful change through play therapy.
20+ years experience
No HSE waiting list
PTIrl accredited
Based in Blarney, Cork
Take the first step
If you're worried about your child's anxiety, the best starting point is a free, confidential consultation. We'll talk through what you're seeing, whether play therapy is the right fit, and what next steps might look like. No pressure, no commitment.