Play Therapy
Play is a window into your child’s world. Our experienced Play Therapists use toys and games to deliver support and therapy in a child-friendly way.
Play Therapy
A window into your child’s world
Children are naturally drawn to play. Through free, unstructured play, children are able to explore and process their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Play Therapy is child-led, giving your child space and freedom to play in whatever way they like.
Play Therapy empowers their belief in themselves, and their understanding of the world around them.
Getting down on your child’s level as a supportive observer, your Play Therapist will quietly watch how they interact, their sensory preferences and the types of play they choose. Play Therapy is ideal for very young children, or for children who struggle to communicate their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
How Play Therapy can help
As a child-led therapy, Play Therapy looks different for everyone. It’s particularly beneficial for children seeking support for:
- Trauma
- Neuro-diversity
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory overload and processing
- Confidence
- Anxiety and fear issues
- Social skills
- Grief
- Aggression and anger
- Self-control and impulsivity
- Family relationships
Child-led therapy
A window into their world
Play Therapy provides a child-led, fun-based approach to helping children process their experiences and explore their emotions in a non-verbal way.
Our highly trained Play Therapists in Mornington will allow your child to explore the resources around them, and observe what they’re drawn to – like whether their style of play is rough or gentle, or whether they prefer soft or hard objects. They’ll note the types of play and characters your child includes, and whether there are any consistent themes they repeat through their play.
Play Therapy can be used alongside other therapeutic approaches, like Occupational Therapy and Psychology, to help your child explore their experiences and support them as they learn
A therapy for all ages
Play Therapy isn’t just for young children. Many children struggle finding the words to express their emotions or problems that they’re experiencing. Play Therapy is designed to help children communicate in a way that’s not daunting or overwhelming, but instead invites adults into their world.
Typically, Play Therapy supports children from 3 to 12 years.
Meet your Play Therapist
Our therapists are more than professionals. They are compassionate guides on your family’s journey.
Catherine
Play Therapist
Approach
For younger children, I use play as a developmentally attuned pathway to help them build confidence and express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe.
A holistic approach
All your therapies in one place
Being able to come to therapy in a familiar, friendly space can make all the difference for your child’s progress. If you’re interested in accessing other therapies and supports, like Speech Pathology, School Tutoring and Child Psychology, we’re here to help your child thrive. Whether you have an existing treatment plan or you’re starting fresh, Grow Health and Therapy Hub can be your support village.
Looking for support in your home?
We understand that sometimes children feel safest in their own space. If you’re interested in a home or community visit, please reach out and get in touch.
FAQs
Common questions about Play Therapy
Will I be involved during my child’s therapy?
Play therapy is typically one-on-one with the child and therapist. This helps to create a safe, supportive space where your child can play freely.
Can I claim a rebate through Medicare?
Play therapy is not currently eligible for Medicare rebates.
Is Play Therapy suitable for my child?
As a child-led therapy, Play therapy is suitable for all children. It’s particularly helpful for children who are coping with trauma, anxiety, emotional dysregulation or are neurodiverse, however as all children process their thoughts, emotions and experiences through play, it’s suitable for everyone.
When can I talk to my therapist about my child?
It is important that discussions about your child occur without your child being present. You can discuss any questions or concerns you have during reviews with your therapist. You can also email or arrange a call with your therapist to discuss your concerns.
Do you offer mobile play therapy?
We typically provide Play Therapy in our Mornington clinic. However, if you are local to the area and feel your child would benefit from being in their own familiar environment, we’re happy to discuss options.
Book a Care and Connect Call
Book a complimentary Care and Connect Call, where we take the time to gently explore how we can best support your family’s wellbeing and growth.