PLAY THERAPY
A safe and supportive space where children can express themselves through play, explore emotions and experiences, and develop confidence, emotional regulation and coping skills at their own pace.
Learn moreAthlone / Ireland
Play as a tool for child development.
Through Play Therapy, I support children’s emotional, social and behavioural development through respectful, child-centred approaches.
Get in touchABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Marina Melo
I am a Play Therapist and Parent Educator working with children, families and schools through play-based, relationship-centred and emotionally supportive approaches. My work is grounded in child-centred Play Therapy, neuroscience-informed practices and developmentally respectful approaches, with a special focus on supporting neurodivergent children and their families.
I work bilingually in English and Portuguese, offering in-person sessions for children aged 4 to 14 in Athlone, Ireland, as well as online parental support for families in different contexts.
Training & qualifications
Training and experience
I have a wide range of skills and experience, having completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy and a Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills. My qualifications also include a BA in Applied Addiction Studies, a Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy, a Higher Diploma in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, and professional certificates in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I have also undertaken training in autism, neurodivergence, inclusion, neuroscience and early childhood.
HOW I CAN SUPPORT YOU
Care and support for children, families and schools
I offer therapeutic support for children, families and schools through play-based, relationship-centred and emotionally supportive approaches.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
Practical and compassionate support for parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s behaviour, emotions and needs, strengthen connection, and find realistic strategies for everyday family life.
Learn moreSCHOOL SUPPORT & TRAINING
Practical support and training for educators and schools to better understand children’s emotional and behavioural needs, with a focus on regulation, connection, inclusion and strategies that can be applied in everyday school life.
Learn moreABOUT PLAY THERAPY
The power of play in emotional development
Play is a child’s natural language. While adults often use words to talk about what they are feeling or going through, children may find it easier to communicate, explore and make sense of their experiences through play.
In Play Therapy, children are offered a safe and supportive space where they can be themselves, without pressure to talk or explain. Through play, creativity and the therapeutic relationship, they can explore feelings and experiences, build confidence, develop emotional regulation and discover new ways of coping with challenges.
Each child’s process is different. Therapy follows their individual needs and pace, giving them the time and space to express what may be difficult to put into words.
Emotional expression
Play gives children another way to communicate. It can help them express feelings, experiences and needs that may be difficult to understand or put into words.
Connection & regulation
A safe and consistent therapeutic relationship helps children feel understood and supported, creating space to develop emotional regulation, confidence and new ways of coping.
Child-Centred Approach
There is no expectation for a child to play, talk or behave in a particular way. Each child is met where they are, with their individuality, pace and way of experiencing the world respected throughout the process.
EXPERTISE & SUPPORT
Supporting children through different challenges
My sessions are tailored to each child’s individual needs, creating a safe and supportive space for emotional expression, connection and development.
I work with children aged 4 to 14, supporting both neurodivergent and neurotypical children across different stages of development.
Could Play Therapy support my child?
Neurodivergent Children
Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others.
Emotional & Behavioural Challenges
Anxiety, emotional regulation, frustration, self-esteem and behavioural difficulties.
Families & School Transitions
Support through developmental changes, school challenges and family-related transitions.
Looking for support tailored to your child’s needs? Get in touch
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Therapeutic support through play and connection
Play Therapy is a process that develops over time, with each child moving at their own pace. Sessions take place in a safe and consistent environment where children are free to explore, create, play and communicate in the way that feels most natural to them.
Parents and caregivers are also an important part of the process. Regular communication and review meetings help us understand how things are going outside the playroom, reflect on progress and consider together what the child may need as therapy develops.
INITIAL CONTACT
It starts with a conversation. You can get in touch to tell me a little about your child, what has been happening and what has led you to consider Play Therapy. We can then decide whether it feels like the right support for your child.
PARENT CONSULTATION
Before sessions begin, we meet without the child to talk in more depth about their development, experiences, strengths and current challenges. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and understand what to expect from the therapeutic process.
THERAPEUTIC SESSIONS
Your child attends regular one-to-one Play Therapy sessions in a safe and welcoming playroom. There is no pressure to talk about particular issues — the sessions follow the child’s pace and allow them to communicate and explore through play, creativity and connection.
PARENT REVIEWS & ONGOING SUPPORT
We stay connected throughout the process. Parent reviews provide space to discuss changes you are noticing, reflect on progress and think together about ways to support your child at home and in everyday life.
WORDS SHARED BY FAMILIES
Experiences shared by families throughout their therapeutic journey
“We had such a lovely experience with our child’s play therapist Marina Melo. She was incredibly kind, caring and professional throughout, and made both us and our child feel completely comfortable and supported. Our child really enjoyed the sessions and always looked forward to them. We are so grateful for the warmth, patience and professionalism she showed, and would highly recommend her to any parent looking for a wonderful play therapist.”
“My daughter attended play therapy with Athlone Care Clinic I would recommend Marina.”
“Before his first session, he was saying, ‘I don’t think I will like it, and if I don’t, I won’t go back.’ But afterwards, he told me he loved it and was even asking what would happen if he never wanted to stop attending! It was such a huge turnaround. He seemed to warm up so quickly and really enjoyed the session. Thank you!”
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Play Therapy?
Play is a child’s natural language. While adults often use words to talk about what they are feeling or going through, children may find it easier to communicate, explore and make sense of their experiences through play.
What age group does Marina work with?
I work bilingually in English and Portuguese, offering in-person sessions for children aged 4 to 14 in Athlone, Ireland, as well as online parental support for families in different contexts.
Does my child need to talk about what is happening?
In Play Therapy, children are offered a safe and supportive space where they can be themselves, without pressure to talk or explain. Through play, creativity and the therapeutic relationship, they can explore feelings and experiences, build confidence, develop emotional regulation and discover new ways of coping with challenges.
Are parents involved in the process?
Parents and caregivers are also an important part of the process. Regular communication and review meetings help us understand how things are going outside the playroom, reflect on progress and consider together what the child may need as therapy develops.
Do you support neurodivergent children?
Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others.
Is Parent Support available online?
Online Parent Support also available.
Do you work with schools?
Practical support and training for educators and schools to better understand children’s emotional and behavioural needs, with a focus on regulation, connection, inclusion and strategies that can be applied in everyday school life.
Where is Marina based?
Athlone, Co. Westmeath Play Therapy available in private practice and school settings.
How does the process begin?
It starts with a conversation. You can get in touch to tell me a little about your child, what has been happening and what has led you to consider Play Therapy. We can then decide whether it feels like the right support for your child.
CONTACT
Not sure if Play Therapy is the right support for your child?
If you’d like to tell me a little about what’s been happening, ask a question or find out more about how I work, you’re very welcome to get in touch.