Anne-Marie O’Riordan is an experienced play therapist who brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for child-centred therapeutic work to her role as a tutor at Portobello Institute.
Anne-Marie joins our team of expert tutors, bringing her knowledge to the Therapeutic Play Skills short online course at Portobello Institute. This is an introductory course suitable for anyone who works with children or wants to understand the basics of play therapy.
Originally from Dublin and now based in Wexford, Anne-Marie combines her extensive professional experience with a strong academic background to support the next generation of practitioners.
A Solid Foundation in Therapeutic Education
Anne-Marie’s journey began at Portobello Institute itself, where she completed her Montessori Diploma in 2002. Her passion for children’s emotional and psychological well-being led her to pursue a Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Play Therapy with NUI Galway and Play Therapy Ireland in 2016.
Since then, she has continued to expand her skill set, becoming a certified Circle of Security Therapeutic Parenting facilitator in 2021. She now runs this programme several times a year both online and within her own practice.
Anne-Marie is currently furthering her qualifications with a diploma in Creative Supervision, enhancing her ability to support fellow professionals.
Her educational path has been both challenging and rewarding.
“The academic side required dedication—balancing theory, practice, and often emotionally intense self-work,” she explains. However, the opportunity to see play unlock healing and growth in children has made every step worthwhile.
A Career Built on Compassion and Expertise
Anne-Marie runs a thriving private practice, Play Therapy Wicklow, which she founded after completing her qualifications. Over nearly a decade, the practice has grown from a solo venture into a full team of seven play therapists and psychotherapists under her management.
Education has been central to her professional development. The theoretical frameworks and evidence-based approaches she studied have equipped her to support children and families with empathy and professionalism.
“Studying Play Therapy really deepened my understanding of children’s emotional worlds and the nonverbal ways they express themselves,” she says. It has also contributed to her personal growth, particularly as a parent.
A Day in the Life of a Therapeutic Play Specialist
Anne-Marie works three days a week in practice, where each day begins with a review of client notes and preparation of the therapy room.
She typically holds up to five 50-minute sessions per day, with time between sessions dedicated to updating records and liaising with parents, teachers, or social workers.
She finishes each day by tidying the playroom and making space for essential self-care, especially after particularly complex sessions.
Empathy, emotional awareness, and the ability to maintain clear boundaries are among the key skills she employs daily.
These qualities create a safe, trusting space where children and families can explore, heal, and grow.
What she enjoys most is witnessing the resilience and emotional development of the children she supports.
“I especially love when I meet with parents and hear about the changes they have gained within the family unit,” she said.
Preparing Future Practitioners at Portobello Institute
Anne-Marie is excited to share her experience and insights with students at Portobello Institute. Her decision to step into a tutoring role comes from a natural evolution in her career, an opportunity to guide others in using play as a tool to support children’s emotional and developmental well-being.
“I am looking forward to teaching this class and sharing my experience and knowledge with others,” she says. With her rich blend of academic learning and hands-on practice, Anne-Marie is exceptionally placed to inspire future professionals in the field of therapeutic play.
As she continues her own studies in Creative Supervision, Anne-Marie is also preparing to mentor other practitioners further extending the impact of her work in the therapeutic community.
If you are interested in studying Therapeutic Play Skills visit our course page here.