Child Centered

Play Therapy

Child Centered Play Therapy is a specialised form of Psychotherapy

for children aged 2-12yrs.

A developmentally appropriate approach to helping children who are experiencing grief, loss, trauma and attachment, behaviour challenges, medical trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, developmental delays, social skill difficulty and more

What is Child Centered Play Therapy?

This intervention is evidence based, attuned to the developmental stages, and is non-directive
Similar to how adults seek support from talk-based therapists during challenging periods for healing and personal growth, children are provided the same with their natural medium which is 'play'
Working to help children find their 'authentic self'. Instead of looking at reactions as 'right' or 'wrong', we work with the child to help by increasing their understanding about why they are reacting in a certain way. Self-awareness can help them manage where they are at present and be better prepared to face future challenges.
In play therapy, trained therapists use the act of play as a medium to communicate with children. This type of therapy is predicated on the belief that play is the natural medium of communication for children. Through the use of toys, dolls, games, and creative arts, children are able to express their emotions, share their experiences, and process their thoughts and feelings in a way that they might not be able to do verbally.
The child is then given the freedom to play as they wish. This free play allows the child to take the lead, an aspect that’s crucial in building their confidence and making them feel in control, particularly important for children who have experienced situations where they felt helpless or scared.
The therapist creates a safe, accepting, and understanding environment. They observe the child’s play behaviours, looking for themes or patterns that could reflect the child’s emotional state or give insight into their experiences. They may participate in the child’s play, following the child’s lead and refraining from directing the play. The therapist might make reflections to acknowledge and validate the child’s feelings, helping them feel understood and accepted.
At times, the therapist may introduce specific play activities or interventions tailored to the child’s needs, such as role-playing or therapeutic storytelling. These activities can help the child explore different scenarios, express their emotions, or gain mastery over difficult experiences.
Throughout the therapy process, the therapist maintains a delicate balance of being an understanding listener, a supportive companion, and a guiding figure. They may suggest a referral for other professional intervention as part of the support. This might include support for you. It is also crucial that your child knows you are supporting the process.

Studies

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the stages of Play Therapy?

It takes an average of 20 sessions for most children to COMPLETE their therapeutic goals

Important Key Information!

Play Therapy is Site Based at our Therapeutic space named 'Story Corner' in Port Pirie.

You are very important in supporting your child, the following tips help with the therapeutic process

Be consistent and encouraging to your child about attending sessions regularly, same time, same day each week

Resist the urge to ask your child what they did, as this will put pressure on them to comment on something they may have difficulty understanding themselves.

Friendly reminder to resist from asking if your child to ‘be good’ or check they have been. Therapy is not about being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and your child must feel free to express ‘bad’ feelings in an uncensored way.

Play can be messy and it is helpful if your child can wear old clothes to minimise anxiety about this.

During any counselling process, behaviour may appear to get worse before it gets better

You are encouraged to always reach out to ask your child’s Play Therapist any questions throughout the process

Part of a Play Therapist role is to support the caregiver so they can support the child during this process, this may come in the forms of the Play Therapist recommending supports for you.

It is also crucial that your child knows you are supporting the process.

Do I need to stay when my child is in the Play Therapy Session

It is important that you stay in the waiting area so that your child knows you are close by. Should your child become anxious they may come and check that you are still waiting, this is an important part of their process, and a sense of safety is created by knowing you are there.

We also recognise that some children may feel safer and more secure in the first session, with their caregiver very close by, sometimes even in the room.

How can I know the Progress my child is making in Play Therapy

We schedule regular parent review appointments where the child is not present. This time is to discuss how your child is progressing through the various stages of Play Therapy.

Confidentiality is linked to the therapeutic process and a crucial component to the child feeling fully free to express themselves during the sessions. Themes of play that emerge rather than specifics of play are shared with you.

During our review together we discuss the stages your child is working through, the observations from the play therapy room are related to each stage.

Can I get a report for Family Court?

We do not provide court reports

We will recommend other services more suitable for high conflict situations

Please understand this comes from a place where a Child Play Therapist is trained to keep the child in mind and to support parents / caregivers as the child moves through the various stages.

High importance for the child to be in a safe and stable environment to accommodate the therapeutic process, which does involve a period of regression.

What is your Cancellation Policy

Out of respect to people who are waiting to access appointments, you are required to provide 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. This fee will then need to be paid before any further appointments can be scheduled.

The cancellation fees are as follows:

No Show/No Notice- 100% of your appointment fee
24+ hours/Reschedule- No charge

There are certain circumstances where this fee can be waived, however the best way to avoid this fee altogether is to provide adequate notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.