Introducing Paula. Paula has a profound passion for nurturing the emotional well-being of children and adolescents. As a Parent Coach, Paula also specialises in Filial Play, a therapeutic method that empowers parents to foster stronger connections and communication within the family unit. Paula is a dedicated and skilled play therapist, adolescent therapist and parent coach at NorthStar Clinic, bringing over three decades of experience of working with children and families to her role. With a profound passion for nurturing the emotional well-being of children and adolescents, Paula's extensive background encompasses various roles in the educational and therapeutic fields.
Paula embarked on her journey in the realm of child development as a Post-Primary School Teacher, where she moulded young minds and established a strong foundation for her career. Her natural ability to connect with her students on a deep level, coupled with her empathetic approach, set the stage for her later endeavours.
Paula's educational background is a testament to her commitment to excellence. Alongside her primary degree and teaching qualifications, she pursued advanced training in therapeutic modalities that focus on play and child psychotherapy. She holds a Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Play Therapy accredited by APAC (The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy) in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University, UK. This specialised training equipped Paula with the skills to utilise play as a powerful medium for children to express themselves, heal, and develop crucial emotional coping mechanisms.
Furthermore, Paula holds an IACP accredited Diploma in Integrative Adolescent Psychotherapy with The Greenane Centre, showcasing her expertise in addressing the unique challenges adolescents face during their developmental journey. Her integrative approach draws from various therapeutic methodologies, allowing her to tailor her interventions to each individual's needs.
In her role as School Completion Programme Co-ordinator for Bunclody/Enniscorthy school environments, Paula demonstrates her unwavering dedication to promoting students' well-being and ensuring their successful journey through their educational paths.
Beyond her work with children and adolescents directly, Paula extends her impact to families through her role as a Parent Coach. She specialises in Filial Play, a method that empowers parents to engage in therapeutic play sessions with their children, fostering stronger connections and communication within the family unit. Additionally, Paula is a certified Parent-Child Attachment Play Practitioner, focusing on enhancing the parent-child relationship and promoting secure attachments.
Paula's scope of expertise covers a wide age range, from children as young as 5 years old to adolescents up to 18 years old. Her holistic approach, vast experience, and commitment to ongoing learning make her an invaluable asset to NorthStar Clinic, where she continues to guide children, adolescents, and families towards greater emotional well-being and resilience.