Hi, I’m Hayley and here is a little bit about me...

I started out my career by completing a degree in Social Science in University College Dublin.

I knew I wanted to work with families and did this degree so that I could become a social worker. Once finished, I had a change of heart and I started substitute teaching in secondary schools around Co. Wicklow. I subbed in primary schools too and decided to train as a primary school teacher. I taught in my local school while completing my diploma in education and once I finished, I moved to Dubai! I spent 4 years teaching Kindergarten there and I loved it. I learned so much about play based curriculums and the power of play. When I returned to Ireland, I continued teaching and began my play therapy training with The Children’s Therapy Centre. After 2 years I qualified as a play therapist. So, after a total of ten years in the classroom, I left teaching and opened up my private practice.

I also began working in my local family centre. I continued my studies with the Children’s Therapy Centre and in 2018 obtained a first class honours master of psychotherapy with a specialism in play therapy.

In 2016 I started a group programme for children which focused on building esteem through superhero play. The outcomes of the group were amazingly positive and I ran it in schools, family centres and privately until covid hit!

Just one year after completing my masters, I realised that if I was going to successfully help children and teens, I needed to help their parents too, so I studied Filial Therapy or parent - child relationship therapy. This was a game changer for me and I love that I get to support parents everyday. I use unique techniques that help parents to tune in to their own patterns, triggers and reactions in order to make meaningful long term changes to their parenting.

In 2020, following the Corona Virus outbreak, I had a huge number of parents reaching out for help. So, I set up an Instagram page where I love to share tips, supportive information and talk about topical issues such as anxiety, behaviour issues and more. You can view it here. It was during this time that I also developed my unique framework for working with parents, helping them to become consciously connected parents. This framework involves much more than recommending strategies and giving tips, it is a process that brings about transformation for the whole family! Check out the feedback here

In 2021 I launched my programmes, workshops and webinars for parents and professionals. They have proven hugely successful and are invaluable to anyone who needs help immediately. You can find them here.

In September 2022 I started facilitating CPD workshops for teachers via the department of education’s various education centres around Ireland. I facilitate webinars on topics such as grief and loss, trauma and regulation, reward chart alternatives, anxiety, anger, the use of movement in the classroom and wellbeing to mention a few. I also visit schools and provide onsite teacher trainings, something which I really love.

In October 2022 I launched our amazing online membership community! This is a place where parents like you can log in and access my support, the community of other like-minded parents, take a course, ask a question and make the changes you want to make! I have been blown away by the success of the membership and the feedback from our members. Learn more about it Here

Qualifications

Primary school teacher (10 years)

Play therapist (2016)

Master in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (2018)

Filial Therapy (parent- Child Relationship) (2018)

Fully Accredited with IAHIP IAPTP

Workshop Facilitation

Trainer on behalf of Dept of Education

Corporate Trainer VHI

Associate Trainer Canavan Byrne

Parent Coaching

1:1 Online Advice Sessions

Group coaching via membership

Self-paced courses with check ins

Featured Expert

Irish Independent

RTE Radio 1

East Coast FM

Spin South West

accredited by