Meet our play therapists

Anne Sheehan
Play and creative arts therapist

Anne Sheehan is a dedicated Play Therapist with a strong commitment to supporting children’s emotional health and overall well-being. She believes that every child deserves a safe space where they feel heard, valued, and understood.

Anne holds a B.A. in Early Years and Childhood Studies, a Postgraduate Certificate (Level 9) in Therapeutic Play, and a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) in Practice-Based Play Therapy from University of Galway and the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy, the largest and most experienced Creative Arts and Play Therapy training organisation in the world.

With over 10 years of experience working closely with children and parents and over 3 years experience as a fully qualified play therapist: Anne brings warmth, professionalism, and deep understanding to her practice. She is passionate about helping children express complex feelings, process difficult experiences, and build resilience through the natural language of play. Anne recognises that children often communicate their inner world through play rather than words, and she skillfully supports them in making sense of their emotions in a developmentally appropriate way.

Anne also values the vital role parents and caregivers play in a child’s emotional development. She works collaboratively with families, offering guidance and practical strategies to help parents feel confident in supporting their child at home, ensuring that the benefits of therapy extend beyond the playroom.
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Anne is delighted to offer Play Therapy services at Longfield Academy, where she provides a safe, confidential, and nurturing environment. Within this supportive space, children are encouraged to explore their feelings, strengthen their self-esteem, and develop healthy coping skills that will support them both now and into the future.

Emma Conroy
Trainee therapeutic play practitioner

Emma is currently completing her Postgraduate Certificate (Level 9) in Therapeutic Play and is training to become a Therapeutic Play Practitioner with University College Cork and the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy.
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She holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Care and has over five years’ experience working alongside children and families. Emma is deeply passionate about supporting children to reach their full potential. She also works closely with parents, empowering them with the knowledge and strategies needed to support their children and complement the progress made during therapeutic play sessions.

Emma currently offers Therapeutic Play sessions for children aged 4 to 12 years who may be experiencing mild emotional or social difficulties. Therapeutic play can also help to identify more complex concerns. Where appropriate, children may be referred to a play therapist, child psychotherapist, or other mental health specialist for further support.

Through the development of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, children are supported in expressing and processing their feelings. As this work involves a level of clinical responsibility, Emma engages in regular clinical supervision to ensure best practice.
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Therapeutic play plays an important preventative role, helping to address mild or emerging difficulties before they develop into more significant challenges.