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Get to know us
From Our Lead Clinician::
With a Master of Child Play Therapy from Deakin University and two decades of dedicated service in the early childhood sector, primary school sector and inclusion support for neurodiverse students, I am deeply committed to the emotional support and overall well-being of children.
My professional journey has been driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to be their authentic selves, to be acknowledged, and to freely express their thoughts and feelings.
Recognising the importance of children's emotional health, I have made it my mission to create an environment where they can thrive. My proudest accomplishment is the innate ability to establish a genuine connection with children, enabling them to feel seen, heard, valued and supported. The realisation of authentically connecting with children led me to shift my career focus towards child-centred work. I passionately believe that the early years are a pivotal time for intervention and support when a child's brain is most adaptable, allowing for transformative change. I believe it is imperative to see the child past their behaviours, have a curiosity around the 'why' and hold unconditional positive regard along with compassion wondering how they must be feeling within themselves in those big moments. I value meeting the child where they are at, supporting and nurturing who they are and I accept how they need to be in the play therapy space without judgment while they entrust me on this journey to work through their subconscious. I take great pride in my professional practice, which is characterised by a commitment to continued professional development. Reflective practice is the foundation of my approach, allowing me to continually grow and refine my skills adapting my sessions for the individual client. I am dedicated to ongoing professional clinical supervision to ensure the highest standards of practice. As a Registered Play Therapist with PTPA and a member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), I am committed to upholding ethical and professional standards while respecting the cultural backgrounds, dynamics, and belief systems of the families I work with, ensuring their unique perspectives are honoured, confidentially held, and integrated into the therapeutic process.
Play therapy is significant because it aligns perfectly with a child's primary language—play. I understand the inherent value of this natural form of expression and its potential to facilitate healing and growth. I am deeply committed to harnessing the therapeutic powers of play to guide children on their path toward emotional well-being and self-discovery.
Recognising the importance of children's emotional health, I have made it my mission to create an environment where they can thrive. My proudest accomplishment is the innate ability to establish a genuine connection with children, enabling them to feel seen, heard, valued and supported. The realisation of authentically connecting with children led me to shift my career focus towards child-centred work. I passionately believe that the early years are a pivotal time for intervention and support when a child's brain is most adaptable, allowing for transformative change. I believe it is imperative to see the child past their behaviours, have a curiosity around the 'why' and hold unconditional positive regard along with compassion wondering how they must be feeling within themselves in those big moments. I value meeting the child where they are at, supporting and nurturing who they are and I accept how they need to be in the play therapy space without judgment while they entrust me on this journey to work through their subconscious. I take great pride in my professional practice, which is characterised by a commitment to continued professional development. Reflective practice is the foundation of my approach, allowing me to continually grow and refine my skills adapting my sessions for the individual client. I am dedicated to ongoing professional clinical supervision to ensure the highest standards of practice. As a Registered Play Therapist with PTPA and a member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), I am committed to upholding ethical and professional standards while respecting the cultural backgrounds, dynamics, and belief systems of the families I work with, ensuring their unique perspectives are honoured, confidentially held, and integrated into the therapeutic process.
Play therapy is significant because it aligns perfectly with a child's primary language—play. I understand the inherent value of this natural form of expression and its potential to facilitate healing and growth. I am deeply committed to harnessing the therapeutic powers of play to guide children on their path toward emotional well-being and self-discovery.
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why choose play therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach, drawing upon the profound insights of pioneering theorists. This therapeutic approach provides a secure and nurturing environment where your child can express themselves, explore their emotions, and overcome challenges using the language of play. Grounded in theories of child development and psychology, play therapy acknowledges and respects your child's unique experiences. It facilitates the development of crucial social and emotional skills and aligns with renowned theorists' beliefs in the significance of children's self-expression and self-discovery. Play therapy is primarily focused on the 3-12 year age group, but can be adapted for younger children, older teens and adults when required. Through play therapy, your child can embark on a journey facilitated by the therapist using the therapeutic powers of play. This can foster healing and personal growth in a supportive and enriching environment.
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"In play therapy, children can reveal their true selves, exploring their inner world safely through play."
Donald Winnicott
OUR PROCESS
Each client's intervention will be modified to suit the individual. Here is a general guide to how the timeline may look for your child and family. Typically 20 sessions weekly, preferably at a similar time and day for consistency and predictablity for the client is ideal. The trajectory for the remainder of the intervention is assessed formally at 6-10 weeks
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Step 1
Contact
Initial free phone consultation to discuss play therapy and your child
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STEP 2
Intake meeting
Parent-only session discussing the presenting concerns, history, family, therapeutic goals, discussing the intervention and understanding your child through your lens
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STEP 3
Assessment
Utilising a range of techniques and evidence-based assessments to gain a wider understanding of your child, presenting concerns and beginning to build a therapeutic relationship together
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STEP 4
Therapy Sessions
Sessions commence and will look different for each client. Notes will be taken and adjustments to the intervention as required. Progress is reviewed and discussed with parents midway
(approx. 6-10 sessions)
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STEP 5
Support meetings
Parent meetings with the therapist are required at intake, midway and at any time it will be beneficial for the parent or child. The end discussion meeting will also provide helpful tools, strategies and suggested referrals
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how we can support your child
- Emotional Regulation, Expression and Release
- Self Belief, Self Confidence and Self Awareness
- Trauma Support and Recovery
- Anxiety and Mental Health Challenges
- School and Social Refusal
- Neurodiversity Support
- Developmental Challenges
- Processing Grief and Loss
- Divorce and Separation in Families
- Building Resilience
- Understanding Empathy
- Healthy Expression of Big Emotions
- Enhance Communication Skills
- Social Skills and Conflict Resolution
- Play Skills and Pretend Play Ability
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Attachment and Relationships
- Parent-Child, Sibling Relationships
- Family Dynamics
- Medical or Chronic illness support
- Personal Growth and Self-Exploration
How Children Communicate
Comforting Sad Emotions
Neuroscience and Emotions
Introduction to Sessions for Children
Introduction to Sessions for Parents
Therapeutic Powers of Play
Parson, J., & Renshaw, K. (playandfilialtherapy). (2017, September 27). Therapeutic Powers of Play [Video]. YouTube