Group Therapy

Play Therapy Melbourne runs groups in its clinics throughout the year and facilitates groups in many schools and organisations across Melbourne. Group programs are available at multiple locations and enrolments are now open. 

Our Group Programs

Our Group programs have been collaboratively designed, using evidence-based approaches, by our multi-disciplinary team including Mental Health Clinicians, Educators and Occupational Therapists. We have a high ratio of facilitators to children and maintain small group sizes so that each child can benefit from close therapeutic support and scaffolding to practice their skills among their peers and gain confidence within a dynamic “real-world” social learning environment. And of course, they’re fun!

Brain Power School Readiness Program
4-6 years old

Prepare your child for a successful transition to primary school with our specialised program, designed and led by experienced educators and credentialed mental health clinicians.

Our Brain Power Approach

We use our evidence-based ‘Brain Power’ approach to promote neural integration, support nervous system regulation, and help re-pattern children’s nervous systems. We are also a proud provider in the Victorian Kindergarten School Readiness Funding menu.

Evidence Based Design

Collaboratively designed by our multidisciplinary team, including input from occupational therapists and speech pathologists, our program utilises evidence-based approaches to ensure effective outcomes for all children.

Tailored Curriculum

Our program integrates intentional teaching and child-led approaches, personalised to meet the individual needs and interests of each child. Children are explicitly taught about their brain states and self-regulation strategies. Throughout engaging play-based experiences including art, music, storytelling, and mindfulness, children develop essential social and emotional skills.

Individualised Support

With a high ratio of facilitators to children and small class sizes, each child receives personalised attention and therapeutic support. Our dynamic social learning environment fosters confidence and independence while ensuring a fun and enriching experience.

Parent Support Engagement

Prior to enrolment, a member of our highly skilled team will contact you for a parent consult. This provides us with an opportunity to appreciate YOUR unique child and informs our understanding of the goals we will be working on in our Group setting. We will use this information to create a comprehensive support plan, so you are clear as to what we will be focusing on. At the conclusion of the program, you will receive a personalised report detailing progress and outlining future recommendations to support your child. Many Parents and Carers report that this is very beneficial to share with Educators and other Specialists. Throughout the program parents and carers are able to follow their childs experience of each session through StoryPark and will be able to further consolidate their childs growth through access our Brain Power parent resources.

Qualified Facilitators

Our Lead Facilitators are highly qualified clinicians with an undergraduate degree in Allied or Mental Health or early Education with additional postgraduate studies in their chosen area of expertise. They are supported by highly experienced and credentialed co-facilitators. As NDIS registered providers, we committed to a high standard of education and experience for all of our team members.

Program Details

Additional Information

Enrol your child today!

Join us in preparing your child for a successful start to their educational journey.

 

**Children that are already at school are also invited to join and we would love to support them to continue developing social skills and emotional awareness.

Bricks and Brushes Social Club
7 – 11 years old

Bricks and Brushes is a dynamic social club for children aged 7-11. Our club provides a supportive environment for young people to make new friends, tackle fun challenges and improve their resilience.


Through engaging and creative activities, children are encouraged to express themselves and collaborate with others. Our program uses our ‘Brain Power’ approach which is grounded in the latest research on brain development and emotional regulation, ensuring that every activity is both fun and beneficial for your child’s growth.

Our Brain Power Approach

We use our evidence-based ‘Brain Power’ approach to promote neural integration, support nervous system regulation, and help re-pattern children’s nervous systems.

Engaging Sessions

Across eight sessions, children will embark on a variety of group challenges and innovative play experiences. Led by our dedicated team, participants will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity through games, design, and exploration with a wide range of materials and resources.

Empowering Collaboration

We empower children to express themselves, interact with their peers, and problem-solve in a child-led environment. Through collaborative activities, we foster confidence, self-advocacy, and social skills development.

Evidence Based Design

Collaboratively designed by our multidisciplinary team, including input from occupational therapists, speech pathologists and other mental health clinicians, our program utilises evidence-based approaches to ensure effective outcomes.

Supportive Environment

Our program focuses on promoting regulation and interoception awareness, helping children navigate social spaces and extend themselves on their own terms. We prioritise a strengths-based and affirming approach in all interactions. We are guided by neuro-divergent affirming principles and are committed to promoting access and inclusion for all participants. Children are explicitly taught about their brain states and self-regulation strategies

Parent Support Engagement

Prior to enrolment, a member of our highly skilled team will contact you for a parent consult. This provides us with an opportunity to appreciate YOUR unique child and informs our understanding of the goals we will be working on in our Group setting. We will use this information to create a comprehensive support plan, so you are clear as to what we will be focusing on. At the conclusion of the program, you will receive a personalised report detailing progress and outlining future recommendations to support your child. Many Parents and Carers report that this is very beneficial to share with Educators and other Specialists. Throughout the program parents and carers are able to follow their childs experience of each session through StoryPark and will be able to further consolidate their childs growth through access our Brain Power parent resources.

Qualified Facilitators

Our Lead Facilitators are highly qualified clinicians with an undergraduate degree in Allied or Mental Health or early Education with additional postgraduate studies in their chosen area of expertise. They are supported by highly experienced and credentialed co-facilitators. As NDIS registered providers, we committed to a high standard of education and experience for all of our team members.

Program Details

Enrol your child today!

Join us in fostering connections, creativity, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment

Upcoming group dates

Brain Power School Readiness Program
4-6 years old

We are currently taking enrolments for our Brain Power – School Readiness Program for 2024.

Term 3 – Program

Moonee Ponds

Dates: Mondays: July 22, 29 August 5, 12, 19, 26, September 2, 9   

Time: 10.30am – 1pm

Eltham

Dates: Thursdays: July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 , September 5, 12  

Time: 10.30am – 1pm

Frankston

Dates: Wednesdays: July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, September 4, 11

Time: 10.30am – 1pm

 
Term 3 – School Holiday Program

Eltham, Moonee Ponds, Frankston

Dates: September 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, October 1, 2, 3

Time: 10.30am – 1pm

Term 4 – Program

Moonee Ponds

Dates: Mondays: October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25   

Time: 10.30am – 1pm

Eltham

Dates: Thursdays: October 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10.30am – 1pm

Frankston

Dates: Wednesdays: October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 10.30am – 1pm

January – School Holiday Program

Option 1 – ENROLMENTS CLOSED

Moonee Ponds / Eltham / Frankston
Dates: Monday 6 January to Friday 10 January

Time: 9am – 1pm

Option 2

Moonee Ponds / Eltham / Frankston / Geelong

Dates: Monday 13 January to Friday the 17 January

Time: 9am – 1pm


Option 3

Moonee Ponds / Eltham / Frankston / Geelong

Dates: Monday the 20 January to Friday 24 January

Time: 9am – 1pm

Our School Readiness Programs are very popular and fill fast.  Your child’s place will not be confirmed until we have received payment of the initial invoice.  
 
If you are interested in enrolling your child, please contact Play Therapy Melbourne on 9439 2450 or email groups@playtherapymelbourne.com to confirm your interest and arrange a time to talk with one of our Facilitators.  
Costs

Fee Structure: 

 

2024 Groups – 8 x 2.5hr group sessions, 2 x Parent consults, Supportive resources to use at home, and final report $2111.95 to be invoiced in 3 instalments. 

 

January 2025 Groups – 5 x 4hr group sessions, 2 x Parent consults, Supportive resources to use at home, and final report $2111.95 to be invoiced in 2 instalments. 

*Please note your space is not confirmed until the initial invoice has been paid. 

Bricks and Brushes Social Club
7 – 11 years old

Our Social Group is an 8-session program, with each session lasting 1.5 hours (except for January groups, see below for further detail)

Term 3 – Program

Moonee Ponds

Dates: Mondays: July 22, 29 August 5, 12, 19, 26, September 2, 9    

Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Eltham

Dates: Thursdays: July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 , September 5, 12  

Time: 4pm-5:30pm

 
Term 3 – School Holiday Program

Eltham, Moonee Ponds

Dates: September 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, October 1, 2, 3

Time: 2pm – 3:30pm

Term 4 – Program

Moonee Ponds

Dates: Mondays: October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25   

Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Eltham

Dates: Thursdays: October 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

January – School Holiday Program

 

Option 1 ENROLMENTS CLOSED 

Moonee Ponds / Eltham

Dates: Monday 6 January to Friday 10 January

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

 

Option 2

Moonee Ponds / Eltham

Dates: Monday 13 January to Friday the 17 January

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

 

Option 3

Moonee Ponds / Eltham

Dates: Monday the 20 January to Friday 24 January

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

Costs

Fee structure:

 

2024 Groups – Total Cost: $1267.17 which is paid across three individual installments; the first invoice during the enrolment process, the second invoice when commencing sessions and the third invoice at the end of session finalisation.

 

January 2025 Groups – Fee Structure: 5 x 2.5 hr group sessions, 2 x Parent consults, Supportive resources to use at home, and final report $1267.17 to be invoiced in 2 instalments. 

Brain Power (Teens) Group!
11 – 15 years old

Empowering Young Minds Through Interoceptive Activities

The Brain Power Group is a specialized program designed for young people aged 11-15, focusing on building resilience, managing emotions, and enhancing mind-body awareness through interoceptive activities. Grounded in neuroscience, our program aims to support and empower young people by fostering a deeper awareness of themselves.

Key Program Features:

  • Body Sensation Awareness: Through guided body scans, participants learn to tune into their bodily sensations, enhancing their ability to recognize and respond to physical cues.
  • Emotional Vocabulary Expansion: Our activities help participants expand their emotional vocabulary, enabling them to articulate their feelings with clarity and confidence.
  • Deep Breathing Practices: We teach various breathing techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Structure: Delivered over 8 sessions, each 1.5 hours long or 5 x 2.5h sessions for the January groups.

Term 3

Eltham

Dates: Thursdays: July 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, September 5, 12

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

 
Term 3 – School Holiday Program

Eltham

Dates: September 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, October 1, 2, 3

Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Term 4

Eltham

Dates: Thursdays: October 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

January – School Holiday Program

Option 1

Eltham

Dates: Monday 6 January to Friday 10 January

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

 

Option 2

Eltham

Dates: Monday 13 January to Friday the 17 January

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

 

Option 3

Eltham

Dates: Monday the 20 January to Friday 24 January

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

Costs

 

2024 Groups – Total Cost: $1267.12. Includes 8 x 1.5hr group sessions, two parent consults, supportive plans, individual resources and comprehensive reports.

 

January 2025 Groups – Total cost $1267.12. Includes 5 x 2.5 hr group sessions, 2 x Parent consults, and Supportive resources to use at home. to be invoiced over two installments.

 

Join us at Brain Power (Teens) Group to help your young person develop essential life skills through our engaging and supportive program. For more information or to register, please contact us today!

Play Therapy Melbourne is an NDIS approved provider.

Brain Power - School Readiness Program

The goal of our evidence informed program is to create a strong foundation to ensure that your child’s transition and experience to Prep is a positive one. Our program is offered to children aged from 4-6 years old and is facilitated by qualified and experienced Clinicians from our highly skilled team. We offer small groups, with a high ratio of facilitators to ensure your child’s experience is a supportive and individualised one. Our School Readiness Program curriculum integrates both intentional teaching with child-led approaches and experiences and is based on the individual needs and interests of the children attending. These play-based experiences include art, craft, construction, movement, music, stories, role-play, games, mindfulness, and relaxation. Children are supported to develop their independence and confidence in their approach to interactions and engagement in learning. They will have opportunities to learn about and practice regulation strategies and increase their awareness of self and others.

 

Prior to your child’s enrolment in our Program, we will conduct a parent information-gathering session on the phone or via Microsoft Teams, so that we can understand your child’s unique goals and create a tailored support plan which will inform the focus of our Group work with them. Upon completion of the group (8 sessions) you will receive a feedback report outlining your child’s progress and including recommendations. You will also have the opportunity to go through this report with one of your child’s facilitators to discuss your child’s experience in the program.

 

Fee Structure: 8 x 2.5hr group sessions, 2 x Parent consults, Supportive resources to use at home, and final report$2111.95 to be invoiced in 3 instalments. *Please note your space is not confirmed until the initial invoice has been paid.

The School Readiness Program curriculum integrates both intentional teaching and child-led approaches and experiences and is based on the individual needs and interests of the children attending. Children are supported to develop their independence and confidence in their approach to interactions and engagement in learning through play-based experiences. They will have opportunities to learn about and practice regulation strategies and increase their awareness of self and others, engage in social play, structured group time activities exploring emotions, friendship.

The 5 Pillars of VEYLD

The 5 Pillars of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework to support all professionals who work with children aged 0 to 8 years of age are ingrained into the School Readiness Framework throughout the program, informing our curriculum focusing on different areas.

 

The following is an outline of each sessions focus informed by the 5 pillars of Early Education:

  • Developing routines
  • Identity
  • Developing a sense of self in relation to others
  • Developing Self-Regulation strategies
  • Sensory Exploration
  • Sharing and developing friendship
  • Imaginary/ pretend play skills
  • developmentIdentifying emotions in self and others

 

A child’s Social and emotional wellbeing is sometimes referred to as a child’s mental health. This comes from children feeling safe, secure and valued, ensuring they able to meet challenges, express and regulate a range of emotions, explore their environment, and form secure relationships, all within the context of their age and developmental stage.

Brain Power: Social Group

Our Brain Power Social Group Runs across our Clinics across terms and as intensives over the holiday period. Please visit our website for upcoming dates.

 

This is an inclusive and reflective approach to exploring a range of innovative activities as a whole group, in partners or small teams across eight exciting sessions. Children are given opportunities and support to interact, communicate, problem solve and collaborate through creative games and challenges and open-ended play. Our engaging and hands on experiences are planned together with Allied Health and Metal Health Professionals and experienced Educators to develop confidence, autonomy, agency and the ability to self-advocate through exploring and understanding of children’s own strengths, needs and boundaries. We offer a safe, child-led space to share ideas and be heard, to negotiate and compromise and to adapt and increase flexibility by supporting children to create and practice strategies and supports according to their own interests and needs. We encourage and model interoception and self-regulation by integrating Brain Aligned Strategies throughout our eight sessions. Our program meets children where they are at providing individualised and strengths-based care through developing and nurturing rapport and responding to changing needs throughout the Program.

We run group programs across the year in our clinics and in outreach.

Please email us to be added to the waitlist – or let your school know if you are interested in having outreach at your child’s school.