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.