Play therapy is a unique and powerful approach to helping children work through emotional and behavioural challenges. So what is a play therapist and what do they do?
A play therapist is a specially trained mental health professional who uses play as a tool for communication, self-expression, and healing. For children, play is a natural way to explore their thoughts and feelings, particularly when words fail to capture what they are experiencing.
Through carefully chosen toys, games, and activities, play therapists create a safe and supportive environment where children can express themselves, build coping skills, and develop healthier behaviours. This approach is particularly effective because it allows children to engage at their own pace and comfort level while fostering trust within the therapeutic relationship.
In Australia, play therapy is increasingly recognised as an effective form of intervention for children dealing with a wide range of emotional, psychological, and developmental challenges.
Why Might Your Child See a Play Therapist?
There are many reasons a child might benefit from seeing a play therapist. Common issues include:
- Difficulty with emotional regulation: Struggling to manage big feelings like anger, sadness, or frustration.
- Trauma or abuse: Processing and healing from difficult experiences such as neglect or violence.
- Anxiety or depression: Coping with worry, sadness, or withdrawal that interferes with daily life.
- Behavioural problems: Managing challenges like aggression, defiance, or difficulties at school.
- Learning difficulties or developmental delays: Supporting children with unique developmental or educational needs.
- Family issues: Adjusting to changes like divorce, separation, or loss.
A play therapist can also work with children experiencing attachment difficulties, low self-esteem, grief, bullying, or limited play ability.
Qualifications and Professional Bodies
Play therapists in Australia undergo specialised training to ensure they can work effectively with children in a therapeutic setting. Most play therapists hold a degree in psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field, followed by postgraduate qualifications in play therapy.
It’s important to choose a therapist who is accredited by a recognised professional body, such as:
- The Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA): This body sets professional standards for play therapists and maintains a register of qualified practitioners.
- The Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA): APTA provides accreditation and support for play therapists across the country.
- The Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA): This organisation ensures professional development, ethical practice, and the highest quality standards in play therapy.
Our Play Therapist is proud to be a member of the Play Therapy Practitioners Association, demonstrating their commitment to ethical practice and professional development.
These organisations uphold rigorous standards for training, accreditation, and continued professional growth to ensure that families receive the highest quality of care.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Play therapists use a wide range of resources to encourage children to express themselves. This can include:
- Art and craft activities
- Music
- Puppets, dolls, and teddies
- Dress-ups and role-play
- Sand and natural objects
- Miniature figurines, games, and other toys
These tools enable children to share their experiences and emotions in a non-verbal, symbolic way. For example, a child might use a toy to represent a difficult experience or explore their fears and anxieties through storytelling and pretend play.
By observing and engaging with the child’s play, therapists identify recurring themes or patterns that provide insight into the child’s thoughts and feelings. This helps the therapist tailor their approach to the child’s unique needs.
Interestingly, play therapists report that contemporary themes—such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—often emerge during sessions, demonstrating how play therapy reflects the child’s real-world concerns.
Why Play Therapy Matters
Play therapy is particularly valuable because it offers children a way to communicate that aligns with their developmental stage. Many children cannot fully articulate their thoughts and feelings with words alone, especially in times of stress or upheaval.
A play therapist works to create a consistent and predictable therapeutic relationship, ensuring the child feels safe enough to explore their concerns. Over time, this consistency fosters resilience, emotional regulation, and a sense of control, helping the child manage their worries and mental health needs.
What to Expect When Visiting a Play Therapist
Before starting therapy, it’s important to consider your child’s needs and what you hope to achieve. Preparing your child by explaining that the sessions provide a safe and supportive space for them to express themselves can help ease any anxieties.
During your first appointment, the play therapist will likely discuss:
- Your child’s emotional and behavioural difficulties
- Their developmental history
- Family dynamics or relevant changes at home
- Your child’s interests and personality
This initial session helps the therapist gain a holistic understanding of your child to create a personalised therapy plan.
Meet Tamara, Play Therapist at Ability Assist
Tamara brings over seven years of experience supporting children with disabilities, first as a Support Coordinator and now as a skilled Play Therapist. With a background in social work, Tamara earned her Play Therapy accreditation through Play Therapy Training Australia and is a proud member of the Play Therapy Practitioners Association.
Passionate about helping children thrive, Tamara believes in the transformative power of play to support growth and development. She is joined in her sessions by her lovable Pet Therapist, Keanu, a King Charles Cavalier, who adds an extra layer of comfort and connection for children.
To connect with Tamara or to learn more about our Play Therapy service, please contact our friendly team or call us on (03) 9306 1770.
