Alternative Dimensions - Play Therapy

About Me

 

I am Robert Fitzpatrick, a qualified Post-Graduate Play Therapist, registered with Play Therapy UK. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive experience working with children, young people and their families, bringing together a range of skills and experiences that continue to shape my therapeutic practice.

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My journey into Play Therapy began many years ago, during time I spent in Sri Lanka working with children in orphanages. Although I spoke only limited Sinhalese and Tamil, I quickly discovered that play could transcend the communication barriers between us. Children would invite me to play volleyball or hide and seek, and within a remarkably short period of time, positive relationships began to develop. Through play, trust, emotional warmth and a sense of connection emerged. This experience stayed with me and became an important foundation for my future career.

 

I subsequently worked in both special educational needs and mainstream school settings, supporting children who were often described as “hard to reach” or highly defensive. While these experiences were challenging at first, I became increasingly passionate about looking beyond a child's behaviour and understanding the child behind it.

Over time, I saw children gradually lower their barriers, allowing their personalities, humour and individuality to emerge. I found these relationships incredibly rewarding and was motivated to deepen my understanding and develop the knowledge and therapeutic skills necessary to better support children's emotional and psychological needs.

 

My professional journey then continued within Children's Services, where I held a specific role focused on ensuring that the child's voice remained central throughout the Social Work assessment process. During this time, I worked with a wide range of young people, including children at risk of running away from home, those experiencing significant transitions, young people from fragmented or difficult family backgrounds, and children who had previously found it difficult to connect with professionals.

 

I have consistently been humbled by the stories and experiences shared by these young people. Alongside their vulnerabilities, I have witnessed remarkable resilience, courage and inner strength. These experiences have strengthened my belief in children's capacity to develop, heal and grow when they are provided with the right relationships, opportunities and support.

 

My professional journey has ultimately led me to Play Therapy, which I now practise independently within schools and youth services.

 

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: a child's behaviour is a form of communication, and behind that behaviour is a child who deserves to be understood, heard and supported.

 

Through Play Therapy, I aim to provide children with a safe, accepting and trusting environment in which they can express themselves in their own way, explore their experiences and develop the emotional resources they need to move forward.