Services
1:1 Play Therapy Sessions
What Is Play Therapy?
It is a creative counselling process where play is the main modality. Play is the natural language of the child and the toys become the child’s words. A play therapist is specifically trained to be able to identify and understand this.
The ability to understand a child’s play is like having a key into their world. This unlocking is achieved by creating a space of empathy, acceptance and non-judgement. It has been found that strong empathic relationships help children feel calmer, allow them to process big feelings and be more connected to themselves.
Want to chat a little more about our services? We would love to hear from you!
Our Approach
Our approach to therapy may be a little different. It is focused on creating a safe nurturing environment for our little people and parents to thrive in. This environment encompasses total acceptance of the child for who they naturally are.
This is underpinned by the 4 key principles developed by Dr Carl Rogers
- Empathy – feeling with the child
- Unconditional Positive Regard – acceptance for who they are
- Attunement – Meeting the child where they are at with care and support
- Congruence – The therapist models being in alignment with their words, presence and actions
Under these conditions the child is “Free to be the true whole Person” – Carl Rogers
Strong empathic relationships are associated with supporting regulation and integration within the nervous system. Unconditional Positive Regard and Empathy have been shown to increase therapeutic outcomes and increase a child’s belief in their own abilities. As a result, this leads to a decrease in external behaviours such as aggression and improved emotional regulation.
Brain development is experience dependent, and the repetition of activities helps create and strengthen new pathways. When a child engages in play it enhances epigenetic changes in the brain. The ability of a child to initiate play releases a cascade of stress relieving chemicals. Therefor the emotional engagement of a child in play is key. As a result, the highest focus is placed on creating an environment where this can be nurtured.
1:1 Play Therapy Sessions
The richest play environments have natural stimulation, the freedom to explore and a quality adult interaction. Play is an amazing mode of expression for a child and so is the parental/caregiver relationship.
Play Therapy can be used one on one and as a family due to the incredible influence of the parent in enhancing their child’s capacity to grow.
Parent Learn to Play Training
This program was created by Emeritus Professor Karen Stagnitti. This is designed to inform parents on the powers of pretend play and how they relate to different aspects of a child’s development.
This program is focused on using the inherent power of the parent in their child’s growth. This can be run one on one or in a group setting.
Family Play Therapy (Filial Therapy)
This is where play therapy is used to target the family as a whole. This process empowers parents to deepen their relationship with their child using specific therapeutic skills.
The parent is identified as a core agent of change in their child’s life. It provides parents with focused time with the therapist as well as facilliated time together as a family.
Power Of Play
Expression
- Assists in language skills
- Processing of experiences that may be outside their awareness through the power of play
Emotional Wellness
- Safe release of pent up emotions
- Stress Relief
- Release of emotions bound to memories
Personal Development
- Self-Confidence
- Supports Self-esteem
- Problem Solving
Social Connections
- Learn empathy
- Cooperation
- Greater understanding on non-verbal social cues
- Flexible Thinking
“Play is a child’s natural medium for self-expression”