Is your child having a tough time?

A girl playing with dolls on the floor of a playhouse, surrounded by toy dolls and a toy pink car.

It’s not always easy being a kid. Big emotions and big (and little) changes can make it hard to cope, connect with others and even learn. Just like us grownups, children sometimes need support to express their emotions and process their experiences so that they can reach their potential.

But because of things like brain development, trauma, anxiety, and neurodivergence, kids often don’t have the words or understanding to talk through their troubles.

Play is the way

Hi! I’m Rose.

As a neurodivergent Registered Play Therapist, I help Adelaide children and their families to cope, connect and thrive through life’s changes and challenges.

Play Therapy gives kids aged 3 to 12 a safe space to work through the tough stuff in a fun and natural way. Supported by a trusting therapeutic relationship, they feel seen, heard, and understood as they find their way in the world.

Inside the playroom, your child gets to choose what to do and say (within safe limits). This empowers them to deal with everyday difficulties, process emotions and trauma, solve problems, relate to others, and change behaviours.

Outside the playroom, I work closely with you and your family - and can consult with your child’s school and wider community. So your child has the support they need to flourish now and throughout their life.

My practice supports self-funded, Self-managed and Plan-managed NDIS clients, as well as children in Out of Home Care (OOHC).

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What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that supports children aged 3 to 12 by harnessing the natural language of childhood: play.

Young people often express their feelings and make sense of their world through play, games and creative activities—especially when words are hard to find. In a safe and supportive space, your child can fully and freely explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace.

In the playroom, children lead the way. As an attuned participant in their play, I gain a window into their world and gently respond to what they reveal. As an emotional co-regulator, I also provide a container of safety and security so they can freely go where they need to grow. It’s through this trusting therapeutic relationship that your child will discover new ways to cope and flourish as they grow new neuropathways in their amazing developing brains.

For older children and teens, counselling is offered alongside play and art-based therapy.

I’m here for you every step of the way, too. We catch up regularly (more on that below!) to share updates and gain a greater understanding of your child, their needs and their challenges. So you can foster a closer connection, support their journey, and create a more harmonious home.

Decorative children's play area featuring a light blue teepee tent, plush toys including a star, cloud, and bear with glasses, small wooden toy train and blocks on a wooden floor against a white wall.

turning lemons into lemonade

Play Therapy is an empowering evidence-based modality that can help your child or teen with:

  • emotional regulation

  • confidence & resilience

  • self-acceptance & self-compassion

  • relationships, school & social challenges

  • anxiety and depression

  • anger management

  • trauma and abuse

  • attachment challenges

  • disruptive & aggressive behaviours

  • grief & loss

  • separation, divorce & family changes

  • transitions to school & other life events

  • autism, ADHD, global developmental delay, selective mutism & more

Cute cartoon lemon with a smiling face, rosy cheeks, and a green leaf on top.
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What to expect

  • Colorful 3D number one balloon in shades of purple and blue on a white background.

    intake

    In the clinic, online or on the phone, we meet for up to 1.5 hours without your child so I can hear your concerns, gather important information and answer your questions. Teens are given the choice to attend the intake appointment alone or with you.

  • Colorful 3D number 2 in shades of purple and blue on a white background.

    therapy sessions

    Your child and I meet weekly for 45 minutes. After every 5 sessions, I catch up with you to share my observations, your child’s progress, and find out what’s new in their world—while honouring their right to confidentiality.

  • Gradient purple and blue number 3 on a white background.

    goodbye (for now!)

    Therapy progresses at your child’s pace, and you and I will decide together when it’s time to take a break. Your child then has up to 3 more sessions, so they can get ready to spread their wings—safe knowing they can come back again at any time.

Does the NDIS fund play therapy?

Play Therapy empowers many children to work towards their NDIS goals. In a neuro-affirming, developmentally sensitive way, Play Therapy supports overall health, wellbeing, communication, functional capacity, and participation in daily living.

Research has shown Play Therapy effectively supports children diagnosed with:

  • Autism (levels 2 and 3)

  • ADHD

  • Intellectual disability

  • Global developmental delay

  • Down syndrome

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Hearing impairment

  • Psychosocial disability

  • Vision impairment

At the moment, Play Therapy is delivered under the ‘Other Therapies’ line item within the NDIS price guide. Together with the wider Play Therapy community and my fellow board directors at the Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA), I continue to actively advocate for Play Therapy to be recognised by the NDIS as an ‘official’ support.

I accept NDIS-funded participants at my private practice.

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