Paula Gatell

Play Therapist from age 5

Adolescent Psychotherapist

Parent Support Coach.

Play Therapist Supervisor

 

Hello! I'm Paula, and I'm passionate about nurturing the emotional well-being of children and adolescents. As a Parent Coach, I also specialise in Filial Play, a therapeutic method that helps parents build stronger connections and communication within the family. With over three decades of experience working with children and families, I bring my dedication and skills to NorthStar Clinic as a play therapist, adolescent therapist, and parent coach.

My journey began as a Post-Primary School Teacher, where I connected with my students on a deep level and set the foundation for my career. My natural ability to understand and empathise with children and adolescents led me to further my education and training in therapeutic modalities focusing on play and child psychotherapy.

I hold a Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Play Therapy from APAC (The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy) in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University, UK. This training has equipped me with the skills to use play as a powerful medium for children to express themselves, heal, and develop essential emotional coping mechanisms.

Additionally, I have an IACP accredited Diploma in Integrative Adolescent Psychotherapy from The Greenane Centre, allowing me to address the unique challenges adolescents face. My integrative approach draws from various therapeutic methodologies, ensuring personalised care for each individual.

As the School Completion Programme Co-ordinator for Bunclody/Enniscorthy school environments, I am dedicated to promoting students' well-being and helping them succeed in their educational paths. Beyond working directly with children and adolescents, I extend my support to families as a Parent Coach, empowering parents to engage in therapeutic play sessions with their children and fostering stronger family bonds. I am also a certified Parent-Child Attachment Play Practitioner, focusing on enhancing the parent-child relationship and promoting secure attachments.

I work with children as young as 5 years old and adolescents up to 18 years old. My holistic approach, extensive experience, and commitment to ongoing learning make me a valuable member of NorthStar Clinic. I'm here to guide children, adolescents, and families toward greater emotional well-being and resilience.