Play Therapy
Play Therapy Achieves Personal Growth & Personal Reward
How does Play Therapy work?
At Connections Play Therapy in Bundaberg, we assist children in making sense of their difficult and sometimes painful life experiences in a safe, supporting environment through Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Children’s counselling and play therapy build on the child’s inner resources and strengths, such as confidence and positive self-esteem, offering them insight and clarity. We also help your child find healthier communication methods that promote resilience and coping, which generally transfer as newly developed skills into everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
How long will my child need to attend play therapy?
Each child is an individual and their play therapy journey is not linear. On average children will require 20 sessions with some children requiring more or less time on the play space to reach the end of their journey. Play therapy sessions are scheduled weekly (recommended) or fortnightly in some cases.
Do we need a GP referral to attend play therapy?
No, you can self-refer your child to play therapy. We take private clients, NDIS clients and government organisation referred clients.
My child has an NDIS plan, how does this work?
Children with self-managed or plan managed NDIS plans are able to attend play therapy and use their NDIS funding. Sessions will be invoiced in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. NDIS reports can also be issued for your child to provide evidence for NDIS reviews of their therapy progress and NDIS goals.
How is the play therapy progress measured and communicated?
The therapist will track the child’s progress through observing their themes and stages of play. A child will move through four stages of play before they transition out of play therapy, exploratory, aggressive, regressive and mastery. Progress is communicated through a face-to-face parent consultation or emailed report each term.
Will play therapy teach my child how to play?
This is a very common misconception. A child will not learn how to “play” during their therapy sessions as each child’s expression through play is individual. The therapist will follow the child’s lead and what they are representing in their play and language. This is why play therapy WORKS as it allows ALL children to feel seen, heard and valued, building confidence and a sense of agency.
My child’s communication and language skills are still developing, will play therapy still help?
Play therapy does not require a child to be verbally responsive in the play space. We have had experience with children not communicating verbally in the play space for all their sessions and they reach their goal and have positive changes in outside environments. This is due to the connection within the therapeutic relationship and positive regard we show ALL children. A child feels accepted for who they are in the moment with no expectation and pressure for change. They are able to be their whole self in the play space.
My child is Autistic, is play therapy appropriate?
Connections Play Therapy and Consultancy is proudly neurodiversity-affirming. This means that no matter the child’s neurotype they are welcome and supported in the play space to be their whole self.
Play Therapy Intake Pack
Please read through the information and complete the intake form and service agreement