Therapist Aileen Whelan

Aileen is a Certified Play Therapist

Previous experience:

Nursery practitioner
Special Needs Coordinator
Play Therapy Individual Sessions
Play Therapy Group Sessions

Qualifications to date:

BSc Sports and Exercise Science
MSc Applied Child Psychology
Certificate in Therapeutic Play
Diploma in Play Therapy (Distinction)

How did your interest in child care start?

I have always been interested in caring for children and I knew that when I was to get my first job, it was always going to be working in a nursery setting.

Where did your career start working with children?

I started as a nursery practitioner working with children aged between 6 months to 4 years and worked in the same setting for 8 years. I progressed to become the nursery SENCo during my time there and thoroughly enjoyed this role. I knew then that I wanted to be able to support children with difficulties myself rather than referring them onto other professionals and therefore qualified as a play therapist.

What settings/abilities/disabilities have you worked in and with?

I mainly work in nursery’s and schools and in these settings, I work 1-1 and in small groups with children displaying various abilities and difficulties. Examples of these are difficulties in low self-esteem, confidence, behaviour, attachments, anxiety and social difficulties to name a few. I believe there is no child that cannot benefit from a form of play therapy.

What governing body are you associated with?

I am governed by Play Therapy United Kingdom – PTUK and adhere to their ethical framework and safeguarding guidelines.

What is your specific area of interest/favourite area of the tool-kit?

I have a specific interest in the sand and the way children use the miniatures to play out their feelings and unconscious thoughts. I find it fascinating how a child can get fully immersed in the metaphorical world of play within the safety of a confined sand tray space.

From the first session, Amanda put our son at ease and he has enjoyed attending play therapy each week ever since. Our son’s confidence is gradually improving at school and with peers, and we look forward to seeing continued growth in months to come.

(Parent of Pre-Schooler, Haywards Heath)

Amanda put our son at ease

“Aileen works with some of our most vulnerable children, she is professional in her approach and very passionate to achieve a positive outcome for each child.”

(Mrs Chamberlain, SENCo at St Marys C of E School)

Passionate to achieve a positive outcome

“My son is a worrier and gets particularly anxious in new situations. This coupled with separation anxiety made for a pretty overwhelmed, unhappy little boy. During group work at school Aileen helped him identify his emotions and feel confident to seek support that was around him whenever he felt he needed it. The sessions were fun and engaging and quickly became something he looked forward to. By the end of the term my son had definitely gained in confidence and while worrying is still in his nature, he’s now much better at recognising this and asking for help.”

(Parent of a young boy after group play therapy)

Sessions were fun and engaging

“I cannot fault Aileen’s professionalism and commitment to the children during her time at Brownsover Community School. Her passion for the job was inspiring but more importantly was the impact that she had on the children she worked with. We saw a marked improvement in the children’s confidence with other people and the ability to handle what may have been stressful situations for them. She made a big difference to the school and the children’s lives that she worked with. I cannot recommend her enough.”

(Mrs Bourne, SENCo at Brownsover Community School)

Passion for the job was inspiring

Amanda has really helped our pre-schooler handle his big emotions. Even after a few sessions we saw a real change and it’s lovely to see how their relationship has grown.

(Mother of a Private Client, East Grinstead)

We saw a real change

It has been amazing to see the transition from an angry and anxious to resilient and confident child through the support that my son has gotten from Amanda. The safe space that Amanda has provided for him to be able to learn to effectively communicate how he is feeling with both his teacher in school and his family at home has had a significant positive impact and as a mother I am extremely grateful.

(Mother of boy, aged 8 years, Haywards Heath)

It has been amazing to see the transition

My 5 year old son has formed a bond of trust with Amanda very quickly. He has told me she is a very good person to tell his worries to… and has lots of great toys/games to play with! I have seen a significant improvement in my sons confidence and ability to manage his emotions since play therapy commenced. I feel the weekly sessions are invaluable to his mental health and overall well-being going forward. I hold complete faith in Amanda’s abilities and commitment to my son.

(Parent of individual play therapy, Haywards Heath)

I have seen a significant improvement

Aileen has helped our daughter to grow in confidence and she is now so much happier. Our tearful pre-school goodbyes are a thing of the past, she happily interacts with her peers now and even says she is excited to go to pre-school – something I thought I would never hear her say!’
(Parent of individual play therapy, Haywards Heath)

Working with Aileen has been a hugely positive journey