Ruth McDonagh is an Accredited Play Therapist with over fourteen years' experience working with children and parents as a Play Therapist. Having qualified as a Nurse in Cork University Hospital in 1992, Ruth then qualified as a Social Care Practitioner from Athlone Institute of Technology in 2006. Ruth went on to work for Barnardos for sixteen years as a project worker in a family support project in Athlone. In this role Ruth supported children and families who had experienced many different levels of trauma. It was during this time, while attending a play therapy conference, that Ruth discovered the power of play therapy. In 2008 Ruth began her training as a Play Therapist to enable her to better support and help children with their feelings and life situations.

Ruth received a postgraduate diploma in Play Therapy from Canterbury Christ Church University, and a Certificate in Filial Play Coaching and a Certificate in Creative Supervision from the Academy of Play & Child Psychotherapy. Ruth has completed further training with UK charity Big Toes Little Toes and has received certificates in Baby Bonding, Parent Child Attachment Play and Heart to Heart.

Whilst working for over thirteen years as a Play Therapist Ruth has recently trained in Sandplay Therapy with the International Association of Sandplay Therapist.

Ruth is an Accredited Play Therapist with the Irish Play Therapy Community Association and abides by their ethical framework. Ruth is a member of the International Association of Sandplay Therapists and the Institute of Play and Attachment.