Frequently Asked Questions

  • Play Therapy is not currently a profession regulated by CORU in Ireland, meaning there is no CORU register for Play Therapists.

    Aoife is an Accredited Play Therapist with Play Therapy Ireland, holds a Level 9 postgraduate qualification from the University of Galway and is listed on the Play Therapy UK professional register.

    Register: https://playtherapyregister.org.uk/contact/aoife-fennell/

  • Yes. Aoife is Garda Vetted as part of her professional practice and commitment to providing a safe environment for the children, young people and families accessing Pebbles Ireland.

  • Yes. Pebbles Ireland uses Acuity Scheduling, a secure online booking system that allows you to book and manage appointments, classes and programmes.

    For some services, including Play Therapy and Creative Clinical Supervision, an initial enquiry or conversation may be required before appointments can be booked.

  • Currently, Pebbles Ireland does not offer outreach services. Support is available online or in person at the Pebbles Ireland practice in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

FAQ’s Pebbles Classes

  • No. Pebbles Classes are not Play Therapy.

    Play Therapy is a therapeutic process that provides children with a space to process conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings and experiences through play.

    Pebbles Classes are educational. Children learn about topics such as emotions, the brain and nervous system, mindfulness, relationships and wellbeing in fun, creative and age-appropriate ways.

    They may use some of the same things children naturally enjoy, such as play, art, stories, games, music and movement, but the purpose and process are different.

  • No. Pebbles Classes are designed for children to take part independently. Parents or caregivers can drop their child off and return at the end of the class.

  • Pebbles Classes are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 6 to 8 children depending on the class. This allows plenty of space for children to take part in activities, share ideas, play and learn together without the group becoming too large

  • Just themselves! Everything needed for the activities is provided. Comfortable clothing is recommended as classes may include play, movement, art and creative activities.

  • Pebbles Classes and Play Therapy offer different types of support. If you are unsure which may be more appropriate for your child, you can get in touch to discuss your concerns and explore the available options.

  • Yes. Siblings and Relatives are welcome to join together.

  • Each class is different, but children may take part in a mixture of games, stories, creative activities, art, movement, music, mindfulness and play. Activities are adapted to the age and theme of the class.

  • No. Pebbles Classes are open to children who would like to take part in fun, creative learning around emotions, wellbeing, mindfulness, relationships and understanding themselves. They are educational classes and are not based on a child having a diagnosis or particular difficulty.

  • It is completely understandable for some children to feel unsure about joining a new group. Pebbles Classes are intentionally small, with a maximum of 6 to 8 children depending on the class, and activities are introduced in an age-appropriate and welcoming way.

  • No. Children are never expected to disclose personal experiences or talk about something they do not want to. Pebbles Classes focus on learning and exploration rather than asking children to discuss personal difficulties.

  • Yes. Neurodivergent children are welcome at Pebbles Classes. As these are small group classes, children need to be able to attend and participate independently without a parent or caregiver remaining in the class.

    If your child has additional needs or you are unsure whether a particular Pebbles Class is the right fit, please get in touch before booking. We can have a brief conversation about your child’s needs and the class environment to help determine whether it is an appropriate support for them.

    The priority is making sure that each child is accessing a service that is suitable for their individual needs.

  • Final Year of ECCE / 3 years+

    Must be toliet trained and be able to use the bathroom unassisted.

  • Pebbles Den is for children in Junior and Senior Infants.

    Activities are designed with this age and developmental stage in mind, using play, creativity, and engaging activities to explore emotions, wellbeing, and other Pebbles themes

  • Pebbles Club is for primary-school children from 1st to 6th Class, with children grouped by age:

    Pebbles Club Junior : 1st, 2nd & 3rd Class
    Pebbles Club Senior : 4th, 5th & 6th Class

    This allows activities, discussions and learning to be adapted to each age group.

  • Weekly payment is not offered as standard. Payment details are outlined when booking.

    However, payment plans are available to help make the classes more accessible. If your family would benefit from a payment plan, please contact Aoife to discuss the available options.

  • Fees vary depending on the class, age group and class duration. Current prices are clearly outlined in the booking section of the website.

  • No. Consent from one parent or guardian is sufficient for a child to attend Pebbles Classes.

    Pebbles Classes are educational after-school activities and are not therapy, so they do not follow the same consent process as Play Therapy.

  • Places in Pebbles Classes are small and limited. When you book, you are committing to a place for the full class term or programme outlined at the time of booking.

    If your child is unable to attend an individual class, unfortunately, a refund or credit cannot be provided for the missed session, as their place has been reserved for the duration of the programme.

  • If your child is attending individual or group play therapy with Aoife, it is not suitable for them to attend Pebbles classes at the same time. This boundary helps protect your child’s therapeutic relationship and the safety of their therapy space.

    If your child is receiving play therapy or another therapeutic intervention elsewhere with a different practitioner, they are very welcome to attend Pebbles classes.

Your Play Therapy Questions, Answered

  • Play Therapy is generally suitable for children aged 3 to 13 years. Whether Play Therapy is appropriate will depend on the individual child, their developmental needs and the reason for referral. This will be considered as part of the initial parent consultation.

  • Parents and guardians can contact Pebbles Ireland directly. Referrals may also come from schools, GPs and other professionals involved in supporting a child, with the appropriate parental or guardian consent.

  • The first step is to complete to reach out via our Contact page or by emailing support@pebblesireland.com and Pebbles Ireland will then make contact to discuss the referral and, where appropriate, arrange an initial parent or guardian consultation before any sessions with the child begin.

  • Availability varies throughout the year and depends on current caseload and suitable appointment times. Pebbles Ireland will advise families of current availability following an enquiry.

    Where there is no immediate availability, families may be offered a place on the waiting list.

  • This depends on the child's individual needs and the reason for referral. Individual Play Therapy provides one-to-one therapeutic support, while Group Play Therapy offers a therapeutic experience within a small group.

    Pebbles Ireland will discuss the most appropriate option with parents or guardians as part of the referral process.

  • No. A child cannot attend individual and group Play Therapy at the same time. This helps maintain clear therapeutic boundaries and ensures the child has one consistent therapeutic process.

  • PPebbles Ireland requires consent from all legal guardians before a child can begin Play Therapy.

    Legal guardianship in the Republic of Ireland relates to the legal rights and responsibilities a person has in relation to a child. Who holds guardianship can depend on individual family circumstances, including parentage, marital status, agreements and court orders. For example, married parents are generally joint guardians, and separation or divorce does not in itself change this.

    Where a child has more than one legal guardian, Pebbles Ireland requires consent from each legal guardian before Play Therapy can commence.

    If you are unsure who holds legal guardianship for your child, further information and independent guidance is available through https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/birth-family-relationships/cohabiting-couples/guardianship-and-cohabiting-couples/#b449c6

  • This depends on the family's individual health insurance provider and policy. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their insurer directly before beginning Play Therapy to confirm whether sessions with an Accredited Play Therapist are covered under their plan.

    Pebbles Ireland can provide receipts for sessions attended.

  • The process begins with an enquiry or referral, followed by an initial parent or guardian consultation. This provides an opportunity to discuss the child’s needs, developmental history and what has brought the family to Play Therapy.

    If Play Therapy is considered appropriate, an initial 12 sessions will be arranged for the child. Sessions are typically held weekly to provide consistency and predictability within the therapeutic process.

    A parent or guardian review usually takes place around sessions 8 to 9. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the therapeutic process, discuss how the child is doing outside the playroom and consider recommendations or next steps beyond the initial 12 sessions.

  • A child's Play Therapy session is 40 minutes.

    Sessions usually take place at the same time each week, as consistency and predictability are important parts of the therapeutic process.

  • Yes. A child’s Play Therapy sessions are treated with respect and confidentiality. Parents are supported to understand the therapeutic process, but children are not expected to have everything they play, say or create reported back after each session.

    Parents and guardians remain an important part of the therapeutic process and are supported through review meetings, while respecting the child’s therapeutic privacy.

    There are limits to confidentiality where concerns arise regarding a child’s safety or welfare. In these circumstances, Pebbles Ireland follows its safeguarding responsibilities in accordance with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the Children First Act 2015. These limits to confidentiality are explained to parents and guardians before Play Therapy begins.

  • Many parents understandably wonder how they can support their child while respecting the confidentiality of their Play Therapy sessions.

    During the initial consultation, general resources and strategies may be discussed to help parents understand and respond to their child’s needs. At parent reviews, themes and patterns observed through the child’s engagement in Play Therapy can be explored, alongside practical ways to support them at home.

    At Pebbles Ireland, there is an understanding that healing does not happen in isolation. Sometimes meaningful change also involves shifts within the child’s wider environment. Parents and guardians can be supported with strategies and approaches that strengthen connection, deepen understanding and help them respond to their child’s needs in healthy and supportive ways.

  • No. Pebbles Ireland does not provide diagnostic assessments through Play Therapy.

    Play Therapy is a therapeutic intervention rather than a diagnostic assessment. Where additional assessment may be beneficial, families can be encouraged to discuss appropriate pathways with their GP or another suitably qualified professional.

  • No. One of the reasons Play Therapy can be particularly suited to children is that they do not have to rely on words to communicate. Children can use play, creativity, metaphor, movement and other forms of expression to explore conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings and experiences.

  • The details of your child's sessions are confidential. Parents are kept involved through reviews, where relevant themes, observations and ways of supporting the child can be discussed without unnecessarily sharing the private details of their play or conversations.

  • Both are forms of Play Therapy, but the therapeutic environment is different.

    Individual Play Therapy provides a child with their own one-to-one therapeutic space. Group Play Therapy brings a small number of children together within a shared therapeutic space, while still recognising each child's individual therapeutic needs and process.

  • Children are not simply placed together because they are a similar age. Consideration is given to factors such as age, developmental needs, presenting needs and the overall group dynamic when determining whether a particular group may be appropriate.

  • No. Children are not required to disclose personal experiences or explain why they are attending. The therapeutic process takes place primarily through play and creative expression.

  • The length and structure of Group Play Therapy can vary depending on the particular programme. The number of sessions and practical arrangements will be clearly outlined before your child begins.

    Typically each session is 50 minutes in Length and held at the same time each week for the duration of the programme.

  • Group Play Therapy is generally structured as a programme, with children beginning and completing the therapeutic process together. For this reason, places are arranged before the group begins rather than children joining partway through.

  • No, this is generally not recommended. This includes attending group play therapy with one therapist while receiving individual play therapy from another. Working with two play therapists at the same time may create confusion or overlap and can affect the consistency and safety of your child’s therapeutic experience

  • Yes. A child can usually attend speech and language therapy or occupational therapy alongside play therapy. However, every child’s circumstances are different. During the initial parent consultation, we will consider whether attending several therapeutic interventions- particularly on a weekly basis- is manageable and in your child’s best interests.

  • No, it is generally not recommended for a child to attend psychotherapy with one therapist while also receiving play therapy from another. Both approaches support a child’s emotional and mental health, so there may be significant overlap between the two. Working with one therapist at a time helps provide a clear, consistent and secure therapeutic relationship for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Parents

  • You don't need to know before getting in touch. Pebbles Ireland offers different ways of supporting parents, including the Pebbles Parenting Programme, Playful Parenting and individual 1:1 Parent Support. You can get in touch to discuss what you are looking for and explore which option may best suit you and your family.

  • No. Parent support isn't only for times when something is going wrong. You may want to better understand your child, explore a particular behaviour or stage of development, reflect on your own responses, or simply find new ways of approaching everyday family life.

  • No. Parent Support at Pebbles Ireland is not individual psychotherapy. It provides opportunities for learning, reflection and practical support around parenting, relationships, emotions, behaviour and family life.

  • No. You know your child best. Parent Support is not about providing a set of rules or telling you there is one right way to parent. It is about bringing knowledge, reflection and practical approaches alongside what you already know about your child and family.

  • Yes. You can access Parent Support independently. Your child does not need to be attending Play Therapy or another Pebbles Ireland service.

  • Unless a programme is specifically designed for parents and children to attend together, we usually ask parents and carers to come without their children or other siblings.

    Our parenting programmes provide an adult space for open discussion, mindful reflection and, at times, guided meditation. One-to-one parenting support also offers a private space where you can speak openly about your thoughts, feelings and concerns, including anything you may not feel comfortable discussing in front of your child.

    We therefore recommend arranging childcare where possible. However, if you would like to access support and childcare is a barrier, please still get in touch. We will be happy to discuss your circumstances and explore what may be possible.

Pebbles Parenting Programme

  • Yes, where places are available. Parents and caregivers can attend together, although you can also attend individually.

  • Because the programme builds across the different sessions, parents are encouraged to attend the full programme wherever possible. If you know in advance that you will miss a session, you can discuss this when booking.

  • No. Parents may attend for many different reasons. You might have a particular concern, want to understand your child's behaviour or emotions differently, or simply be interested in learning more about parenting, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

  • No. There are opportunities for discussion and reflection, but you decide what you feel comfortable sharing. You will not be expected to disclose personal or family experiences to the group.

  • No. The Pebbles Parenting Programme is a parenting education and support programme, not psychotherapy or Play Therapy. It combines accessible learning, reflection, discussion and practical tools within a supportive group environment.

  • If something arises that you would prefer to explore privately or your family's needs go beyond the scope of the group programme, you can enquire about 1:1 Parent Support or discuss other appropriate options.

  • Our Programmes run in set terms throughout the year. Class days, times and term dates may vary depending on the programme and age group.

    Programmes may also be facilitated in collaboration with schools, community groups and other organisations. These opportunities will be advertised on our social media pages.

    All upcoming Pebbles Ireland classes and availability can be found on the Bookings page.

    Follow @pebblesireland on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming classes, programmes and announcements.

1:1 Parental Support

  • You can bring whatever feels most relevant to your family. This might include behaviour, big emotions, boundaries, communication, changes within the family, understanding your child's needs, or your own responses and experiences as a parent.

  • Generally, 1:1 Parent Support is a space for the parent or caregiver. If another arrangement would be appropriate, this can be discussed beforehand.

  • There isn't a set number that suits every family. Some parents may want a space to explore a particular concern, while others may benefit from ongoing support. This can be discussed based on what you are looking for.

  • Yes. Parent Support is treated as a private and respectful space, subject to the usual safeguarding and legal limits to confidentiality, which will be explained as part of the process.

  • Yes. Parent reviews are already an important part of the Play Therapy process, providing space to discuss relevant themes, your child’s needs and ways you can support them at home, while protecting your child’s therapeutic space and confidentiality.

    You may also feel that you would benefit from more continued support for yourself as a parent, beyond these reviews. In this case, separate 1:1 Parent Support is available to give you additional space to reflect, explore challenges and consider approaches that feel right for your family.

Schools & Organisations

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We work collaboratively with schools, family resource centres, community groups, charities, businesses and other organisations that support children, young people, parents, families and professionals.

  • Pebbles Ireland can work with your organisation to provide practical, supportive workshops and programmes for employees who are balancing work with parenting or caring responsibilities.

    Workshops/Programmes can explore areas such as understanding children’s emotions and behaviour, emotional regulation (for both parent and child), strengthening connection, parental wellbeing and responding to the everyday challenges of family life. Support can be tailored to the needs of your team and delivered as a once-off workshop or a wider programme.

    Supporting parents and carers can contribute to a healthier, more understanding workplace in which employees feel recognised and supported in both their professional and family lives.

  • We offer a range of therapeutic and wellbeing supports, including creative classes, workshops, parenting programmes, professional wellbeing services and individual or group play therapy.

    We can bring an existing Pebbles programme to your setting or develop something tailored to your needs.

  • Yes. We begin with a conversation about the people you support, what you are noticing and what you would like to offer. From there, we can develop a workshop or programme that is relevant, practical and suited to your setting.

  • Yes. We can provide workshops and programmes for organisations that want to support the wellbeing of their employees, including those who are parents or carers. Content can be tailored to the needs and interests of your team.

  • Depending on the programme, we can work with children, young people, parents, carers, staff teams and other professionals. We will discuss your intended audience with you and recommend the most suitable form of support.

  • This will depend on the service, location and availability. We can discuss the most suitable delivery option during your initial conversation with us.

  • Costs vary depending on the type of support, number of participants, location, duration and level of customisation required. Following an initial conversation, we can provide information about the available options and associated fees.

  • Please contact us through our contact form or email support@pebblesireland.com. Tell us a little about your school, organisation or workplace, who you would like to support and what you hope to offer. We will then arrange a conversation to explore the next steps.