Services
Learn to Play Therapy
Learn to Play is empowering and assists in building confidence. It is an evidence based approach, aimed to promote a child’s language, literacy, social and emotional development. The play therapist does this by working with the child to build on their pretend play skills.
Pretend play is practiced in each session, allowing the child to communicate and interact with toys and the play therapist in a safe environment. The child and therapist will form cohesive story narratives, which builds and promotes language and literacy skills. Think of this as a soft landing into how the child will interact with others in real everyday situations.
The play sessions are 45 minute weekly sessions. Though these can be revised based on the child’s needs. The length at which a child engages in Learn to Play therapy can vary, as each case if different. The play therapist will meet with parents every 4 to 6 weeks.
Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic play therapy is informed by humanistic principles. The therapist tunes into the child’s inner world, accepting the child for who they are; their thoughts, feelings and emotions. They will ensure the child feels validated and understood in the play therapy room. They can be whoever and whatever they need to be and engage with the toys and materials as they need. The therapist may limit set or use structuring techniques within the play room to ensure the child can explore their feelings in a safe way.
Humanistic therapy may assist children who are experiencing:
Difficulty expressing their emotions and/or self-regulating when they are angry or upset.
Anxiety, sleep disturbances, or fears (For example; separation anxiety or fears of the dark).
Low self-esteem, negative self talk, quiet, shy or withdrawn.
Peer grievances (for example bullying, difficulty forming or keeping friends).
Difficulty coping with changes (for example, moving house or new school).
They may have experienced trauma, grief or loss of a loved one or family pet, or they may be struggling with parent separation or divorce.
Children with additional needs and the siblings of children with additional needs.
Individual health conditions.
Toileting issues.
Covid-19 pandemic.
The play sessions are 45 minute weekly sessions. Though these can be revised based on the child’s needs. The length at which a child engages in Humanistic therapy can vary, as each case if different. The Play Therapist will meet with parents every 4 to 6 weeks.
Filial Therapy
Filial Therapy is a family systemic approach and is focused on forming or building upon child and parent/carer attachments, whilst empowering children, parents and the family as a whole. It may also assist children who are experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges.
The Play Therapist will meet with parents frequently to work though practical Filial play skills together. This is aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the child’s world, which allows the child feel more understood. This facilitates a healthier expression of emotions and better coping strategies as well as building on self-esteem and confidence for all involved.
This approach is an evidence-based therapeutic approach and has been developed by Drs. Bernard and Louise Guerney. It has been used as a therapeutic approach with families for over 60 years.
Filial Therapy, is flexible in it’s approach (face-to-face or online sessions available) and can be modified to your family’s needs, this can be discussed with your Play Therapist. Generally undertaken between 16-20 sessions, though this a guide as each case is different.
Teleplay
This may be an option for children and families where face to face therapy is not an feasible. For the online sessions a home play kit my be developed, which will be discussed with your play therapist.
School Visits and
Other Service Meetings
A play therapist may conduct a school, childcare, and/or kindergarten visit, as well as professional health, allied health and teacher meetings to best support your child in their external systems.
Prices and time vary on these services, feel free to discuss with your play therapist.