Psychological healing through play
Help your child reach their full potential
Play within a positive environment has been proven to help children explore their feelings, process their experiences and reach their full potential.
Because the brain keeps growing and forming new neural links, positive experiences can help heal trauma and improve other conditions – including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and depression – by improving neural integration. One of the most effective ways to provide that positive support for children is through non-verbal activities – like play.
Our approach is non-directive. That means we don’t ‘guess’ what therapeutic activity will be most helpful for a child. Instead we let each child guide us, through their play and ways of interacting, to the exact source of their issue.
About us
At Play Therapy Melbourne, we use an evidenced-based approach to promote neural integration, support nervous system regulation and help re-pattern children’s nervous systems. Our dedicated team of qualified mental health professionals are guided by their understanding of interpersonal neurobiology and the nervous system.
We have been delivering quality therapeutic and evidence-based support for children and families since 2010 and are really proud of our work with many leading organisations across Victoria. We’re also proud of the work we do through our Giving Back Program, which connects children and families most in need to therapeutic support.
Committed to an evidence-based approach
Our services
Child-centred play therapy
Our approach is non-directive. That means we don’t ‘guess’ what therapeutic activity will be most helpful for a child. Instead we let each child guide us, through their play and ways of interacting, to the exact source of their issue.
Animal-assisted play therapy
We are proud to offer animal-assisted therapy in the clinic, schools and outreach programs across Melbourne. We use therapy dogs to complement and enhance group therapy through interaction and play.
Group therapy
Play Therapy Melbourne’s groups provide children with a supported, controlled and consistent environment in which their challenges can be worked through in real time. Children are placed in groups with peers of similar ages or with similar concerns.
Now taking bookings for OT and speech services
We are here to help you
Additional services
At Play Therapy Melbourne, our dedicated team of clinicians are committed to helping your child reach their full potential. We are passionate about children’s counselling and focus on quality outcomes delivered by experienced professionals.
Parent support sessions
Play Therapy Melbourne clinicians can work with parents and carers to help resolve their parenting concerns and increase parenting confidence.
Cognitive assessments
If your child is struggling with learning, cognitive assessments can be very helpful in understanding why. Education and health professionals often recommend them.
Adolescent Counselling
Parents often express their frustration about their teen’s reluctance to engage with support. We try and make this as manageable as possible by facilitating both in-clinic and online sessions.
Teletherapy
Play Therapy Melbourne recognises there is a lack of child and adolescent therapy services in many areas of Australia. We also know some people are reluctant to get to – or just can’t get to –appointments. In those situations, having access to teletherapy services can be invaluable.
School Readiness
The aim of this program is to support children in their transition to primary school. School entry is a key transition for all children.
We can support children with many concerns, including but not limited to:
- angry or aggressive behaviours
- attachment concerns
- attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders
- autism spectrum disorders
- bullying
- chronic illness
- depression
- divorce and separation
- emotional regulation
- family changes
- gender variance
- generalised anxiety
- grief and loss
- low self-esteem
- medical anxiety
- neglect
- oppositional behaviours
- physical abuse
- selective mutism
- separation anxiety
- sexual abuse
- school difficulties
- sleeping difficulties
- social issues
- toileting issues
- trauma
Supportive
An NDIS-approved provider
We offer many services for clients that are funded under the NDIS. We use evidence-based techniques and are excited and passionate about the results we have seen in our clinic.
Supporting children and families since 2010
Why Play Therapy
At Play Therapy Melbourne, our dedicated team of clinicians are committed to helping your child reach their full potential and are passionate about children’s counselling.
NDIS-approved provider
Evidence-based
A small, dedicated team
Supporting Families across Melbourne
Research
Latest research
Meta-analytic findings clearly confirm the effectiveness of play therapy, specifically CCPT approaches that encourage parents and caregivers to be actively involved in the child’s treatment.
Dr. Dan Siegel discusses the 'YES' brain approach to parenting
Autism, the Brain, and How Play Therapy Can Help Your Child
Play Therapy Melbourne is in four convenient locations across Melbourne, Moonee Ponds, Frankston, Eltham and Geelong.
We also offer outreach support across wider Melbourne in schools, educational settings, organisations and homes.
Referrals
We are proud of the work we do with the following organisations and thank them for their support.
