Qualifications & Experience - A Lifelong Passion for Learning & Healing

My work as a Child & Adolescent Art Psychotherapist is built on a lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and deepening my understanding of how young people express themselves and navigate the world. With a background in psychotherapy, child, family and community studies, grounded in education and youth work, I continously expand my knowledge to better support children and adolescents facing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and loss. My clinical experience in CAMHS and Tusla's Therapeutic Hub has reinforced my belief in creativity as a therapeutic tool, offering young people a space to explore their emotions in ways that feel safe and natural to them. I love what I do and am always learning—ensuring that the support I offer is grounded in both professional expertise and a deep passion for helping young people thrive.

Education & Training

Professional Msc Child Art Psychotherapy, University College Dublin (UCD).
M.A Child, Family & Community Studies, Technological University (TU), Grangegorman, Dublin.
B.A Hons Degree in Community Studies, National University Ireland, (NUI) Maynooth.
Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Studies, IICP.
Certificate in Youth Arts, NUI Maynooth.

Additional training:

Healing Power of Play. Supporting Children & Teenagers to Heal from Trauma, Joanna Fortune.
Accredited Online Creative Mindfulness for Kids Training. Creative Mindfulness Limited.
Accredited Mindfulness for Teenagers. Creative Mindfulness Limited.
Non-Violence Resistance Training for Trainers, TUSLA.
Parents Plus Facilitator Training, Parents Plus.
Working Things Out Facilitator Training, Parents Plus.
Cognitive Behavioural Approach using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Siamsa.
Marte Meo Practitioner Training, HSE Dublin North.
Keeping Safe Child Protection Training for Trainers, Open College Network.

Clinical Experience

Child Art Psychotherapist - Tusla (Therapeutic Hub)
2023 - to Date

Advanced clinical placement as part of the final years of my Professional MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy at UCD.
Providing art psychotherapy to children and adolescents using visual imagery to explore emotions and experiences.
I collaborate closely with families, social workers, and a multidisciplinary team including play therapists, family therapists, and psychologists to address complex needs and provide holistic support.
Enhancing skills in art therapy, supporting creative expression and therapeutic intervention for children in care.

Child Art Psychotherapist – The CARI Foundation

August 2025 – to Date

Providing specialised child art psychotherapy for children and young people aged six years and older who have been affected by child sexual abuse.
Utilising visual art as a therapeutic medium, I support clients in exploring emotions, processing difficult experiences, and developing coping strategies in a safe and structured environment.
Collaborating with families, guardians, social workers, and a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, therapists, and support staff to ensure a holistic and trauma-informed approach.
Continuing to enhance clinical skills in child art psychotherapy, focusing on trauma-informed practice, resilience-building, and supporting the emotional well-being and recovery of vulnerable children and adolescents

Child Art Psychotherapist Trainee - Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
2021-2023

Clinical placement in CAMHS, working with children and teenagers facing moderate to severe mental health challenges.
Utilised visual imagery to help children explore their emotions and experiences through art therapy.
Worked alongside multidisciplinary team members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, occupaional therapists, speech and language therapists and social workers.
Engaged with parents to ensure a holistic, collaborative approach to treatment and support.
Gained in-depth experience in combining art therapy with mental health treatment to foster growth and wellbeing.