A free 15-minute phone call is scheduled with Tanya to briefly discuss your child's needs and see if play therapy is a good fit. We would then meet for an Intake Meeting allowing usually 1-1.5 hours. This meeting provides the time where we can discuss in depth your child's needs and all aspects of their world including family, school/kindergarten/childcare, community.
This time together allows us to decide how play therapy may work most effectively for you and your child and what the treatment plan may look like. We are able to establish some initial goals and what other supports may also help to have in place. This allows you to also ask any questions you may have about play therapy or your child's developmental concerns. We will then have a parent session every 5-6 sessions to discuss our observations and treatment goals.
When your child attends a play therapy session, they will do so by themselves whilst you wait in the waiting area. However, if they need you to attend the sessions with them
initially, that is fine. The sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes in length, with 1 hour
allowed for debrief, clean up and note writing. In session you may hear your child engage in laughing, music, role play or express big emotions- or they may be silent, as they work through their inner feelings and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. Most of the time your child will leave the playroom regulated and content, but sometimes sessions can be challenging, and your child may need extra emotional support from you.
Upon finishing the session your child may want to share what happened with the session or may want to keep that to themselves. We ask that you ask you don't question your child after a session and let them share information with you at their own pace.
Prior to your child beginning play therapy it's important to let them know that they will be meeting someone new and coming to a place with a special playroom that has toys, games and creative materials. When at play therapy they can be who they want to be and do most of the things that they would like to do with what is available. If your child asks, why they are going to play therapy, you could tell them that it is a special place where there can share their thoughts, feelings, ideas or concerns if they choose to (this can be adapted depending on your child and their circumstances/referral reasons).
Encourage your child to come in comfortable clothes, as play therapy can be active and
messy and they are then ready for this.
“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts and souls meet” Virginia Axline
Hi, my name is Tanya from Barwon Play Therapy... I'd love to answer this question for you!
Play Therapy is a trauma-based psychotherapy approach that is developmentally appropriate and recommended for children aged 2-12 years of age. Play Therapy uses toys, creative mediums and the therapeutic relationship with the play therapist, as the tools for the child to explore and make sense of their feelings and the world in which they live, in a meaningful way.
So I hear you asking,
What is Play Therapy?
REFERRAL PROCESS
SELF REFERRALS
Families/parents/carers are welcome to self-refer, either as self-funded clients or NDIS participants.
NDIS Participants
Families that are NDIS funded and are plan managed or self-managed are welcome to self-refer, if you feel play therapy would support your child to meet their NDIS plan goals. Before commencing therapy, your child's name, date of birth and a copy of your child’s NDIS goals will be required.
AGENCY REFERRALS
Agencies are welcome to refer clients. Once the required paperwork is complete, an estimate for the period of intervention required with be provided, in order to secure funding. The agency will be invoiced for the sessions prior to commencing therapy.
Client Reviews
After engaging with Tanya in a fun play based, child led environment, my children have learnt to identify their emotions and work through them in a safe and appropriate way.
Amanda
We met Tanya at a time that we needed extra support and I will be forever grateful for how she has quickly developed a beautiful relationship with my child. He looks forward to their sessions and remains engaged and open throughout their time together.
Mel
Tanya's approach is both compassionate and effective, creating a safe space for Mia to express herself and work through her challenges. Her dedication to Mia's growth and development is truly commendable.
Tanya is passionate about working with children and is a registered Play Therapist with a Masters in Child Play Therapy from Deakin University and an Honours degree in Early Childhood Studies from The University of Melbourne. Tanya has more than 25 years of experience in early childhood, which she applies to her practice.
Get to
Know Tanya
Child Centered Play Therapy
Child Centered Play Therapy is a non-directive one-on-one approach, where the child takes the lead, using the toys and materials available to express emotions and communicate their feelings and inner world.
Our Learn to Play program is a dynamic and interactive program that supports children in developing their ability to spontaneously self-initiate play and builds their pretend play skills to their expected age and development level.
Filial Therapy is a type of family play therapy that aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship, create healthy attachments and prevent family disruption, through the use of play.
