Play Therapy Training and Workshops in Cork
Children's emotional wellbeing doesn't exist only in a therapy room. It lives in classrooms, school corridors, staff rooms and family homes.
The adults around a child, teachers, SNAs, social workers, family support workers have an enormous influence on how that child feels, behaves and copes.
I offer training and workshops for professionals and organisations who work with children and families across Cork drawing on over 20 years of experience in child and family support, and my specialist training as an accredited play therapist.
Who this training is designed for
Training and workshops are available for a wide range of professionals and organisations working with children, young people and families.
Schools and education
Teachers, SNAs, special education teachers, school counsellors, principals and school support staff.
Social care and family support
Social workers, family support workers, community development workers and Tusla staff.
Early years and childcare
Crèche and preschool practitioners, childminders and early intervention workers.
Health and community services
Public health nurses, GP practice staff, youth workers and community organisations.
Training topics and workshop themes
All workshops are practical, evidence-based and tailored to the specific context and needs of the group. Topics include:
Understanding children's emotional and behavioural needs
A foundational workshop exploring why children behave the way they do, how adults can respond more effectively, and what trauma-informed practice looks like in everyday settings. Particularly valuable for school staff and early years practitioners.
Supporting anxious children in school and at home
A practical workshop helping educators and parents recognise anxiety in children, understand what drives it, and develop simple strategies that reduce distress and build confidence. Includes guidance on school refusal and emotion-based school avoidance.
Neuroaffirmative practice - working with autistic and ADHD children
An introduction to neuroaffirmative approaches for anyone working with neurodivergent children. Covers sensory needs, communication differences, demand avoidance, regulation strategies and how to create environments where neurodivergent children can thrive.
The therapeutic power of play
An introduction to play therapy principles for non-therapists exploring how play supports children's emotional development, how adults can use play intentionally in their work, and what referral to play therapy services in Cork looks like in practice.
Child protection and safeguarding awareness
Practical training on recognising signs of abuse and neglect, responding appropriately, and understanding mandatory reporting obligations. Delivered in line with Children First guidelines.
Bespoke workshops for your organisation
If you have a specific training need that isn't listed above, I'm happy to develop a tailored workshop for your team. Get in touch to discuss what would work best for your organisation.
How training and workshops are delivered
Workshops can be delivered in-person at your school or organisation, or online via Zoom.
They range from a focused 2-hour session to a full-day CPD programme depending on the topic and group size.
All workshops include:
Practical, immediately applicable takeaways not just theory
A safe, supportive space for questions and discussion
Real case examples drawn from 20+ years of practice
Handouts and resources participants can refer back to
Play therapy support for schools in Cork
I work with primary and secondary schools across Cork to support children's emotional wellbeing both directly through in-school play therapy sessions and indirectly, through staff training and consultation.
Schools I work with benefit from:
- In-school play therapy for individual children referred by teachers or parents
- Staff training on emotional wellbeing, behaviour and neurodivergence
- Consultation for teachers managing complex student needs
- Liaison with parents, SENCOs, GPs and other professionals with consent
- Support around specific incidents, bereavement in a class group, trauma responses
If you're a school principal or SENCO interested in bringing play therapy support into your school, get in touch to discuss what that could look like for your setting.
About Elaine Breen
I'm Elaine Breen, a PTIrl registered accredited play therapist based in Blarney, Cork.
Before training as a play therapist I spent over 20 years delivering training, parenting programmes and professional development for schools, social care teams, community organisations and health services across Cork.
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy from the University of Galway, a Masters in Social Science, and am a qualified Parent-Child Relationship practitioner. I bring real-world experience to every workshop, not just academic theory.
20+ years experience
No HSE waiting list
PTIrl accredited
Based in Blarney, Cork
Book a workshop or training session
Whether you're a school, a community organisation or a healthcare team, get in touch to discuss your training needs. All workshops are tailored to your group, just tell me what you're working with and we'll figure out the best approach together.