While children should be playing every day, there is a vast difference between Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) and free or recreational play.

In CCPT, play becomes the child’s language. With intentionality and attunement, I support children to express feelings, process experiences, address traumas, build regulation skills, and make sense of their inner world, especially when they don’t yet have the words to do so.

Through a neuroaffirming, evidence-based approach, themes are carefully observed. Patterns, nervous system responses, and relational needs all curated and catered for. The sessions are structured around safety, attunement, and therapeutic goals, while still feeling natural and child-led, providing voice, autonomy and agency in a developmentally appropriate manner. This creates a space where children can explore emotions, work through challenges, and develop coping and relational skills in ways that align with their individual capacity and neurotype, whilst simultaneously supporting and educating the family, schools and broader systems that the child needs some advocacy in being seen and celebrated as their truest self.

In short, play therapy isn’t “just play”, it’s a purposeful, supportive process designed to meet children where they are and help them grow, heal, and thrive.

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is most commonly used with children aged 2–12 years, as this evidence-based approach aligns closely with how children develop, naturally communicate, process experiences, and make sense of their world through play.

With a strong foundation in childhood development, I am carefully considering each child’s developmental stage, emotional needs, and individual capacity rather than relying on age alone.

Children are never “too young” for therapy when support is developmentally appropriate, and equally, some older children and adults still benefit from play-based approaches depending on their needs and preferences. As children move into adolescence, support may shift in form to Teen counselling, which is also offered by ACAFT, using approaches that respect developmental changes, autonomy, and identity, while continuing to provide a safe, affirming space for support.

All therapeutic work is guided by developmental expertise, a neuroaffirming lens, and what will best support each child or young person to feel understood, regulated, and empowered.

Research shows that weekly sessions are often the most beneficial for children, as they support consistency, safety, and therapeutic momentum. In some cases, multiple sessions per week may be recommended to provide a more intensive level of support or address crisis.

At the same time, a neuroaffirming approach recognises that therapy frequency must align with each child’s capacity. For some children, weekly sessions may feel overwhelming, and a different schedule may be more supportive. Fortnightly sessions can be considered on a case-by-case basis; however, it’s important to note that progress may occur at a slower pace. Session frequency is always guided by the child’s needs, nervous system capacity, and overall wellbeing, rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

Consistency and commitment are important parts of the therapeutic process, and parent and caregiver availability is thoughtfully considered. I work collaboratively and integratively with families to balance therapeutic benefit with the practical realities of family life, including time, energy, and flexibility.

For every 4-6 sessions spent in the playroom, parents and caregivers will then undertake collaborative consultations to evaluate progress and refine skill development. These sessions are commonly over ZOOM and are child-free in order for open and vulnerable discussions to take place.

Sessions are booked as a one-hour appointment, which includes a 45-minute therapy session and an additional 15 minutes to support gentle transitions in and out of the playroom and complete necessary case documentation.

Transitions are an important part of the therapeutic process and are paced with the child’s nervous system in mind. At times, a session may be shortened by the child’s lead or due to exceptional circumstances related to safety or regulation. Shorter sessions may also be appropriate depending on a child’s age, capacity, or individual needs, and this can be discussed during collaborative consultations.

Session length is always guided by what best supports the child’s wellbeing, rather than rigid time expectations.

No. Your child does not need a formal diagnosis to attend play therapy at Acorns.

I have extensive experience supporting children with a wide range of formal diagnoses and work confidently alongside diagnostic frameworks when they are helpful. More commonly, however, I am working with children and families who are in the early stages of noticing developmental differences, sensory preferences, are asking questions, or seeking understanding at the beginning of formal diagnosis.

Play therapy at Acorns is grounded in recognising the child in front of me, not only a label or specified neurotype. My support is guided by the child’s needs, capacity, and lived experience, while also advocating for your family in navigating the recognition, assessment, or diagnostic process, if and when that becomes relevant.

Whether your child has a diagnosis, is awaiting assessment, or may never require one, they are welcome here exactly as they are. Diagnosis and labels are important and empowering, but they do not influece the relationship I will share with your child and family.

Yes, NDIS funding can be used for play therapy sessions at ACAFT, as I am a registered play therapist and work with NDIS participants under the current guidelines and price points.

That said, how much support is available depends on each individual’s plan allocations, so it’s always best to check your specific funding.

I also work readily with privately paying clients, offering both in-clinic and mobile appointments. My aim is always to make therapy accessible and supportive, whatever the funding pathway, so families can access the space their child needs to feel welcomed, understood, and supported.

It’s difficult to predict exactly how many sessions a child will need. At ACAFT, sessions are primarily non-directive, which means the child works through their struggles and expresses their needs at their own pace. The rate of progress and duration of therapy can vary widely depending on the child’s individual circumstances, the nature of their trauma or challenges, and the therapeutic frequency.

Research has found that CCPT often completes a 'cycle' within around twenty sessions, but every child’s journey is unique. Some children may have different neurotypes, developmental stagnations or needs, or be living in ongoing crisis, which can mean therapy is longer-term.

My focus is always on supporting each child in a way that respects their timing, capacity, and wellbeing but is done so with constant collaboration and transparency in connection with their primary caregivers.

Whist entering therapy is a commitment and gift to yourself and your child/ren, it needs to be a sustainable and accessible resource that provides a positive framework around any future mental health interventions.

At ACAFT, my work is guided by the relationship, connection, vulnerability, authenticity, and confidentiality shared bwtween your family, child and myself. Because of these values, I do not publish Google reviews or testimonials. Therapy is a deeply personal and private process, and keeping the focus on the child and family’s safety and trust is always my priority.

While you won’t find public reviews, I am happy to answer any questions you have and discuss my experience, approach, and how I work with children and families at any stage.

Please also note any children in photographs used within my website are photos obtained with their explicit consent and excitement to share the playroom and process for other families to learn and grow.

Because I deeply believe in children and families accessing care in expedited timeframes, I don't hold an active waitlist, choosing to refer you to other local, experienced Play Therapists that I am well networked with.

Entering into the therapeutic process rarely has a predictable timeline and ethically commencing services if I am at capacity, not best equipped or the scope is too great, it is not at all morally responsible or aligned with my values.

Rest assured that if I refer you to a different allied health support, they are someone I can trust and recommend as an asset to your family's wrap around support team.