Child-centred Play Therapy supporting children to express emotions, build confidence, and navigate life’s challenges — ages 2 to 12.
How Play Therapy supports your child
Play is a child’s natural language for learning, communicating, and expressing their thoughts and feelings. While adults may benefit from talking through difficulties, children’s developing cognitive and verbal skills can make traditional talk-based approaches challenging.
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) recognises the healing power of play, allowing children to symbolically and creatively explore their real-life and inner experiences in a safe, nurturing environment.
- Builds insight and self-understanding
- Develops emotional regulation
- Practise and master new coping skills
- Encourages carer involvement for stronger outcomes
A child-led collaborative process
Play Therapy prioritises each child’s unique needs, interests, and experiences through a child-led approach that allows them to express themselves, make choices, and take an active role in their therapeutic journey.
Through play, children communicate their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences, giving therapists valuable insight to better understand and support their individual world. Support is collaborative, with opportunities to work alongside other professionals involved in the child’s care to provide a holistic approach.
Support for a wide range of challenges
Every child’s situation is unique, and therapy is tailored to the individual child
Diagnoses Play Therapy has proven to support :
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ADHD & AuDHD
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Global Development Delay
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Cerebral Palsy
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Down Syndrome
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ASD
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PTSD
Including:
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Low self-esteem & confidence
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Social skills
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School refusal / disengagement
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Meltdowns & shutdowns
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Trauma / adverse experiences
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Separation & attachment
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Adoption & fostering
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Divorce & separation
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Anxiety & depression
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Grief & loss
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Angry / aggressive behaviours
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Chronic illness
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Sexual or physical abuse
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Gender variance
-
PDA profile
Diagnoses Play Therapy has proven to support :
-
ADHD & AuDHD
-
Global Development Delay
-
Cerebral Palsy
-
Down Syndrome
-
ASD
-
PTSD
Including:
-
Low self-esteem & confidence
-
Social skills
-
School refusal / disengagement
-
Meltdowns & shutdowns
-
Trauma / adverse experiences
-
Separation & attachment
-
Adoption & fostering
-
Divorce & separation
-
Anxiety & depression
-
Grief & loss
-
Angry / aggressive behaviours
-
Chronic illness
-
Sexual or physical abuse
-
Gender variance
-
PDA profile
What your child can gain
Emotional expression
A safe and accepting space where children can express feelings they may not yet have words for.
Self-awareness & insight
Helps children understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; navigate challenges and resolve conflicts.
Emotional regulation
Supports healthier coping strategies, reducing frequency and intensity of big behaviours.
Problem-solving
Encourages creativity, flexible thinking, and social problem-solving through play.
Self-esteem & empowerment
Builds resilience, self-worth, and confidence through a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Healthy relationships
Supports children to develop trust, and strengthen family and peer connections.
Meet your therapist :
Dora
I’m Dora, a registered Child-Centred Play Therapist, with a Psychology background. My approach is trauma-informed, neuro affirming, and centred on creating safe, trusting relationships where children feel seen, understood, and supported. For over 12 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside children, families, and school communities, including inclusive education settings and special education units. I work with children aged 2 to 12, in clinic and at schools. My experience includes wellbeing and learning support, social skills groups, playgroups, and positive behaviour support, always with a focus on helping children build confidence, connection, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.
Parents and caregivers are an essential part of a child’s therapeutic journey. I work collaboratively with families by listening to your concerns, providing parent consultations, sharing meaningful observations and guidance, and supporting you to better understand your child’s emotional needs. My approach is grounded in the belief that strong, trusting relationships are at the heart of a child’s emotional wellbeing.
- Psychology background
- Trauma-informed, neuro-affirming
What to Expect
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Individual Child-Centred Play Therapy sessions tailored to your
child’s unique goals, needs and therapeutic journey.
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Play Therapy sessions
may be provided with siblings when this is appropriate for the children’s therapeutic needs and goals.
- Therapeutic group sessions can support children to develop connection, social skills and confidence through play and shared experiences.
Parent Intake
CCPT Sessions
Parent Updates
Funding Types
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Private payment
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Self-managed NDIS
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Plan-managed NDIS
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Department of Child Protection
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Schools (where applicable)
Frequently asked questions
Play Therapy is an evidence based, therapeutic approach that uses play as a child's natural form of communication. Children often express thoughts, feelings, experiences, and relationships through play before they can explain them with words. A Play Therapist provides a safe, supportive environment where children can explore emotions, develop understanding, and practise new ways of responding to challenges.
Play Therapy is generally designed for children from 2 to 12 years, although suitability depends on each child's developmental stage, needs, and circumstances. A parent consultation is the best way to discuss whether Play Therapy may be appropriate for your child.
Families may seek Play Therapy support for children experiencing low self-esteem, social skill challenges, school refusal, meltdowns, trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety, grief, aggressive behaviours, and many other emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. Every child's situation is unique, and therapy is tailored to the individual child.
The first step is usually a parent or caregiver consultation. This provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, your child's background, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Together, we can consider whether Play Therapy is a suitable support option and discuss next steps.
Parents/carers do not participate in Play Therapy sessions, as this special one-to-one time allows your child to build a trusting relationship with the therapist and have a safe, supportive space to express themselves. Parents remain an important part of the process through regular consultation and communication.
The length of therapy varies depending on the child's needs, goals, circumstances, and progress. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others require longer-term therapy. Progress is discussed after every 5 sessions with parents or caregivers.
Yes. Supporting children within their family context is an important part of therapy. Consent, communication, and information-sharing arrangements will be discussed during the intake process.
Yes, with appropriate consent, reports or professional communication will be discussed before proceeding.
A parent consultation is the best place to explore your concerns and ask questions. Contact Play Therapy with Dora at ptwithdora@gmail.com to discuss your child's needs and whether Play Therapy may be suitable.