Child-Centred Support
Play Therapy for Children
Providing children with a supportive space to communicate, explore emotions and experiences, build confidence and develop skills through the natural language of play.
Why play?
Play is an important part of childhood. It provides children with opportunities to communicate, explore relationships, practise skills, express emotions and make sense of their experiences.
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are thinking or feeling. Play can provide another way for a child to communicate and express themselves.
Play therapy uses the therapeutic relationship and carefully selected play experiences to support a child's emotional, social and developmental needs.
Areas play therapy may support
Every child is different. The focus of therapy depends on the child's individual circumstances, strengths and therapeutic goals.
What might a play therapy session look like?
A play therapy session may include toys, creative activities, imaginative play, sensory materials, storytelling, movement or other developmentally appropriate forms of play.
The therapist creates a supportive environment where the child can engage at a pace appropriate for them.
Although a session may look like ordinary play from the outside, the therapist observes and responds to themes, emotions, communication and interactions within the therapeutic process.
Child-centred
Therapy recognises that children have different personalities, experiences, communication styles and needs. Sessions are adapted to the individual child rather than expecting every child to participate in the same way.
Family involvement
Parents and carers are an important part of a child's support network. Depending on the therapeutic approach and child's needs, the therapist may work with families to understand concerns, discuss progress and support strategies outside sessions.
When might families consider play therapy?
Families may consider seeking professional advice when a child is experiencing emotional, behavioural or social difficulties that are affecting their wellbeing or participation in everyday life.
This may include difficulties expressing emotions, managing change, building relationships, coping with stressful experiences or developing confidence.
Whether play therapy is appropriate depends on the individual child and their circumstances. An appropriately qualified professional can help families determine the most suitable form of support.
Supporting neurodivergent children
Neurodivergent children may communicate, play, regulate emotions and experience their environment in different ways.
Support should recognise the individual child's strengths, communication style, sensory needs and preferences rather than expecting them to fit a single model of development.
Read our guide to supporting neurodivergent children →Play therapy in Balnarring Beach
Spriggle Kids provides child and family supports from our nature-inspired setting in Balnarring Beach, supporting families from across the Mornington Peninsula.
Looking for support for your child?
Join the Spriggle Kids waitlist or book a chat with our team to learn more about play therapy and our other child and family supports.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical, psychological, developmental or therapeutic advice. The suitability of play therapy depends on the individual child's circumstances. Speak with an appropriately qualified professional about your child's needs.