My Services
Humanistic Play Therapy encourages the child to direct and lead their own play, to play out what they desire and what they perceive is important to them at the time. The therapist does not judge, interrupt or change the play but will observe, listen and reflect what the child is communicating through play.
Humanistic Play Therapy encourages children to grow and heal in a positive environment with a therapist who understands, accepts and supports the child to make independent choices. Those experiencing emotional difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, social struggles, grief, or stress can benefit from the expressive and person-cantered nature of humanistic play therapy.
Filial therapy is a type of play therapy that involves training and guiding parents or caregivers to become therapeutic agents for their children. The word "filial" refers to the parent-child relationship.
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In filial therapy, a trained therapist works with parents or caregivers, teaching them specific play therapy techniques and principles. The aim is to enhance the relationship between the parent and child while addressing the child's emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties.
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During sessions, parents engage in structured play activities with their children under the guidance and support of the therapist. This allows parents to learn how to communicate effectively with their child, understand their emotions, set boundaries, and provide a nurturing environment.
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The underlying belief is that when parents actively engage in therapeutic play sessions with their children, it can strengthen the parent-child bond, improve communication, and help the child work through emotional challenges in a supportive and secure environment within the family unit.
The Learn to Play program aims to build on a child's ability to play. Children are assessed on their play skills during pretend (imaginative) play and the therapist will build on these skills during sessions.
The therapist will observe enjoyment in play activity, the child's ability to initiate, lead and continue play activities and the socialisation skills used in play. Research in childhood social and cognitive development and play has shown improvements in abstract thought, narrative expression/language, problem solving and understanding of social rules, assisting in engaging with peers and others.
The cognitive, emotional and social benefits of improving a child's pretend play abilities will improve self esteem and promote wellbeing. Children who are facing emotional challenges, behavioural issues, development disorders or life transitions would benefit from learn to play.