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.
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.
On 3 October 2024, changes to NDIS legislation came into effect. This includes the new definition of NDIS supports, and the allowable NDIS supports list.
Play Therapy Melbourne is committed to supporting NDIS participants, their families and carers to understand these changes and reassure Families that all of our clinical team working directly with children in therapeutic interventions meet AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) Level 7 (or above) in a Mental or Allied Health field and are recognised allied health professionals, registered with an approved governing board.
Our Key Worker Team likewise all meet AQF Level 7 or above and demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and meet our strict standards in relation to competency and experience so that they are deemed suitable to engage in professional work in this area.
We reassure you that as NDIS Registered providers we have always focused on ensuring our team have the relevant experience and skills to support children and families and that there will be no impact with the changes in your support services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Play Therapy Melbourne clinicians can work with parents and carers to help resolve their parenting concerns and increase parenting confidence.
If your child is struggling with learning, cognitive assessments can be very helpful in understanding why. Education and health professionals often recommend them.
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.
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.
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 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.
I highly recommend Christine and the team at Melbourne Play Therapy. They have been absolutely amazing in helping my daughter to manage her anxiety, which was affecting her day-to-day life. Since seeing Christine my daughter’s confidence has grown and she is now able to self-regulate and is learning how to manage her anxiety, and is even attending kindergarten unaided, which is wonderful. My daughter loves seeing Christine and can’t get up the stairs quick enough to start her session!! It has changed our lives.
Lauren
My daughter does a lot of laughing in session and re-emerges just that little bit fuller and taller in herself. I highly recommend the clinic to other parents and carers. Play therapy is a gentle, holistic and child lead practice and the resultant personal growth in my daughter is a testimony to Christine's skills as a play therapist. I think the other thing to note is that my daughter is a teenager, she’s almost 18. The term Play therapy implies that it’s only appropriate for young children and solely involves toy based activities. My daughter also has an intellectual disability and autism and I believe that being free to explore her feelings, experiences and uncertainties in a safe and nurturing manner has been instrumental to her growth. Play therapy enables my daughter to work through what she needs to, on her terms and without solely relying on verbal acuity. Christine's skill lies in guiding her to express herself, ponder, integrate and often resolve her own questions about herself and her place in the world. The beautiful thing is that my daughter is able to grow at her own pace in a manner that complements her strengths, is intrinsically empowering and allows her the dignity of guiding her own development as a unique young woman and not someone who is “broken” or “defective”.
Denise
My daughter (aged 11) looks forward to their weekly sessions. Christine has been an amazing support for my daughter in helping her understand her anxiety, worries and behaviour concerns while providing the tools for self-regulation. Christine has also been a wonderful support for me as a parent through gentle guidance and source of information.
Michelle
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.
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.