About me

Hi, I'm Rachael, a Child & Adolescent Art Psychotherapist with a lifelong belief in the power of creativity to help young people navigate life's challenges. This belief isn't just professional; it's personal. As a young person, creative expression was a lifeline for me, helping me make sense of difficult emotions and experiences when words weren't enough. That understanding has shaped my career and continues to fuel my passion for this work.

I started out in youth work over 20 years ago, drawn to the energy and honesty of working with young people. Those early experiences taught me the value of being a steady, supportive presence and showed me how much young people thrive when given the space to be themselves. I carried that passion with me into my role as Youth Work Development Officer with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), where I had the privilege of working on national youth initiatives and training professionals as a Child Protection Trainer—a role I still hold today as a freelancer. This role also helps me stay up to date and in tune with all the relevant legislation needed to ensure children's safety, and I can advise parents on this as well when needed.

Over time, I moved into school-based work, providing one-to-one support to children and teenagers in both primary and secondary settings and alternative educational settings. It was in those quiet, focused moments with young people that I truly saw the transformative power of a safe and creative therapeutic space. Working closely with families and educators, I helped young people navigate personal challenges and discover new ways of expressing themselves. Through facilitating parent-and-child support programmes, I witnessed how creativity could rebuild trust and connection even in the most challenging circumstances. I understand the concerns parents may have when seeking support for their child, and I am committed to working in partnership with families to create a pathway toward healing and emotional well-being.

These experiences led me to pursue advanced training in child art psychotherapy. Through placements with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and TUSLA's Therapeutic Hub, I deepened my understanding of how creative processes can unlock insights, process trauma, and build resilience. Creativity has always been my compass, and it remains central to how I help young people explore, express, and heal. In my private practice, this means that I offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where children and adolescents can work through challenges in a way that feels natural and engaging to them. My experience working within multidisciplinary mental health teams has given me valuable insight into how different support systems operate, allowing me to recognise when a young person may need more specialised intervention. I understand how to navigate these systems and can guide families through referral pathways when additional therapeutic, medical, or educational support is required, ensuring that every child receives the right level of care for their needs.

Having successfully completed a Professional MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy at University College Dublin (UCD) in May 2025 with First Class Honours, I am now a pre-accredited member of the Association of Child Art Psychotherapists (ACAP) and working towards full accreditation in January 2026. I currently work part-time as a Child Art Psychotherapist with Tusla and also with the CARI Foundation, while gradually developing my private practice to ensure the best fit for my clients. I work with children and teenagers aged 6 to 18, supporting them through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss, while guiding them through crucial stages of self-discovery. At the heart of my work is a belief in the strength and creativity young people carry within them. My role is to help them access that creativity, navigate their emotional landscapes, and develop the insight and resilience they need to thrive. It's a privilege I never take for granted.