About Us
Black Lake Therapy is led by Dr. Sinéad McDonough, offering compassionate, expert support to help children grow through therapeutic play.
About Dr. Sinéad McDonough
Sinéad has worked with children in a variety of contexts over the past 20 years and has an extensive background within the field of Applied Psychology. Throughout her career, she has worked with children in both primary & secondary schools, children in care/risk of care & with young people in places of detention. Sinéad's qualifications include a Higher Diploma in Psychology, Master’s Degree Forensic Psychology & PhD awarded through the School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork. Sinéad completed a diploma in Child Psychology through Kilroy’s College Dublin & B.A degree through University College Cork. Sinéad is a certified practitioner in therapeutic Play Skills completed through APAC (Academy of Play & Child Psychotherapy). Sinéad has trained both in Ireland and France with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy.
This training provided her with a great awareness of how therapeutic play & play therapy holds numerous benefits for children in helping them to foster emotional & psychological well-being. She is a registered member of Play Therapy Ireland & meet their continuous professional development standards. Sinéad is included on the UK register of Play & Creative Arts Therapists. Her PhD research was prison based. The aim of this investigation was to inform on the forensic assessment of offenders. This work prompted her to commence supporting children to navigate online platforms safely. Sinéad has a keen interest in research that explores & highlights the impact of emerging technologies, online content, gaming & social media platforms on children’s mental health & well-being. She believes that it is as necessary to protect a child’s mental well-being in the online world as it is real world. Sinéad has lectured in many colleges and Universities on courses within the field of Forensic Psychology & Cyber Psychology.
"Inside every child there is a story that needs to be told"
- Winnicott