About us
About Play and Bloom
It can be very difficult, as a parent, to feel that we cannot help our children when they are struggling with big feelings and worries. We often think that we should have all of the answers.
The vision for Play and Bloom was to create a safe space, for all children. A space where children can play, create, sing, and express all of their inner-most thoughts and worries. Children are inherently resilient and with some help they can find a way to bloom again.
My name is Kelly Kavanagh, and I am a qualified non-directive play therapist. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy through NUI Galway. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Care and Masters of Arts Degree in Child, Family and Community Studies through Technological University Dublin.
Having worked with children and families for twenty years, in a variety of social care settings, my experience is unique and varied. I have worked with children experiencing issues such as; depression, self-harm, anxiety, addiction, trauma, homelessness and family breakdown. I also have experience working with neurodivergent children with diagnosis of ADHD, ASD and SPD.
I am fully insured, Garda vetted and first aid trained. I am a member of Play Therapy Ireland and the Irish Play Therapy Community Association.
Working with children and families is a position of privilege and I will endeavour to work ethically, respectfully and compassionately with all.
What we offer at Play and Bloom
At Play and Bloom we provide a safe and confidential space for parent consultations.
Consultations with parents, whilst children engage in therapy is necessary to support the child, parents and the family unit at home. Review meetings generally happen every 8 weeks and as needed.
Parent consultations are also offered as a standalone support service. Parents can use this space to explore their parenting approach, unpack their worries or concerns for their child and strategize how best to support the child at home.
AutPlay Therapy is a neurodiversity-affirming, integrative play therapy approach designed to support neurodivergent children and their families.
Play and Bloom is a certified Autplay Therapy Provider. We have ample experience working with children who have diagnosis such as ADHD, ASD, PDA, Dyslexia, and SPD. We also have experience supporting children and families navigating the assessment process in Ireland.
At Play and Bloom we offer a range of supports to children and parents of neurodivergent children. We provide parent consultations to support parents in understanding the assessment process. We provide individualised play therapy programs to neurodivergent children. We also implement the “Follow Me Approach” as part of the Autplay program. This caters for the child and parent together in the playroom, with the aim of teaching the parent practical skills and tools to use at home with their child.
Creative Mindfulness is a unique method to teach mindfulness to children in a fun and creative way. It focuses on building resilience, emotional intelligence and self compassion through activities such as art, storytelling and meditation.
Play and Bloom provides both group and individual creative mindfulness classes. Group programs may run at various times throughout the year. Referrals can be made by parents, professionals and state agencies.
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach where children use play to express emotions, process experiences and develop coping skills. Play Therapy works best for children within the ages of 4-12 years. Referrals can be made by parents, professionals and state agencies. Sessions take place weekly and for a minimum of twelve weeks. Each session lasts 40 minutes in duration, and children participate in the individual sessions independent from parents and caregivers.
Group play therapy is a therapeutic approach where children engage in structured play within a group setting to develop social, emotional, and coping skills. Programs are devised to support children with one shared experience or challenge such as anxiety, parental separation or bereavement. Programs may run at various times throughout the year and referrals can be made by parents, professionals, and state agencies.