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Services
Here at Ballarat Play Therapy, we understand that children and families come in a number of different shapes and sizes, and that each child or family is unique in their own special way. It is because of this that the support you receive encompasses a holistic and personalised experience for your child and your family, that is backed by a range of evidence-based play therapy models to help children feel empowered, heard and comfortable.
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The length or duration of therapy will differ for each and every child. Whilst some children will benefit from shorter-term interventions, some children will thrive with a more on-going and consistent therapy process that longer-term interventions provide. A good starting point is committing to 12 sessions, which encompasses an initial intake meeting, initial play assessment, 4 weekly play therapy sessions, a mid way review meeting, another 4 weekly play therapy sessions, and a final meeting where we discuss whether the child would benefit from more ongoing therapy or not.
Learn to Play
Learn to Play is a therapeutic play program that aims to build spontaneous pretend play ability of children and/or remediate pretend play ability for children who are experiencing difficulties in this area. Learn to Play is focused on the functional acquisition of pretend play skills.
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Pretend play has an impact on a child’s social skills, emotional intelligence, and language development, as well as aids in improving problem solving, and flexible and logical thinking. When children learn how to play, they begin to understand the world around them more deeply.
Humanistic Play Therapy
Humanistic Play Therapy is a non-directive and child-centered approach to Play Therapy, in which the child directs the content and speed of the Play Therapy process. Humanistic Play Therapy is a really gentle form of counselling and psychotherapy for children and empowers the child by allowing them to process and overcome issues/trauma at their own pace and in a way that suits them. Humanistic Play Therapy provides an opportunity for children to ‘play out’ their feelings or problems, rather than verbalising their thoughts and emotions, which can be very difficult for a child. Using the therapeutic powers of play and the therapeutic relationship formed with their Play Therapist, we work together to enhance the child’s emotional, psychological, social, mental health and well-being.
Filial Therapy
Filial Therapy is a family-based therapy which builds on the principles of Play Therapy, however, differs from it in that it teaches parents/caregivers the skills to provide and hold Humanistic Play Therapy sessions for their own child(ren) themselves well beyond the play room. In Filial Therapy, the parents/caregivers are engaged to be the primary agent of change for their child.
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Filial Therapy helps to improve the relationship and connection between parent/caregiver and child(ren), which simultaneously improves overall family functioning.
AutPlay® Therapy
AutPlay® Therapy is designed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, involving both the child and parent/carer. It is underpinned by the models of both Play Therapy and Behaviour therapy in supporting and engaging with children and adolescents who may have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, being assessed for this diagnosis or other developmental disabilities.