play therapy
what is play therapy?
Play Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that supports children aged 3 to 13+ 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.
who does it help?
Play Therapy is a specialised therapeutic approach that can support young people with:
emotional regulation
confidence & resilience
self-acceptance & self-compassion
relationships, school & social challenges
transitions to school & other life events
anxiety and depression
separation anxiety
selective mutism
anger and aggression
trauma, abuse and neglect
attachment and connection with caregivers
disruptive & aggressive behaviours
grief & loss
separation, divorce & family changes
diagnoses of autism, ADHD, global developmental delay, selective mutism & more
processing experiences in Out of Home Care including adoption and foster care
processing birth and medical trauma, and chronic illness
what to expect
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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.
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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.
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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 offer Play Therapy for NDIS participants at Fuller Life Therapy Services.
better days start here
My therapy room is located at Fuller Life Therapy Services
155 Old South Road, Old Reynella, South Australia
Weekly & fortnightly sessions available
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9.30am–6.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am–12.30pm
Phone
(08) 7084 7970