Find a Play Therapist in Australia

Please CLICK HERE to search the APTA Australia-Wide Directory for a Play Therapist. 

----------------------------------

About Play Therapy

Play therapy is a technique used in child counselling to assist children who are experiencing emotional difficulties. It is an expressive therapy using toys and play to allow the child to explore their emotional world. The child is enabled in this process with a play therapist who is trained to build a sound therapeutic relationship and to guide any emotional expression from the child.

Why is play therapy so helpful for children?

Play therapy is helpful for children because it recognises the importance of child’s play for their overall psychosocial development. As a therapeutic technique, it taps into a child’s natural mode of expression, through toys and play. In the unique conditions created in the play therapy playroom, and with the trained play therapist, children are able to express themselves freely, using toys, games, and role play. Play therapy builds on the child’s inner resources and strengths, which are supported by the therapeutic relationship, to bring about growth, development and healing in the child.