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Helping Children Heal, Express and Thrive Through the Power of Play Therapy

Child smiling at school

Learn about Play Therapy for kids.

Play Therapy is a form of psychological counselling that uses play as a medium for helping children express themselves, process experiences, and develop coping skills. Rather than relying on verbal language, children use play to communicate emotions, resolve inner conflicts, and rehearse real-life scenarios in a safe and supportive environment.

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At Kids Therapy Clinics Australia, our play therapy services are tailored to support the emotional, social, behavioural, and developmental needs of children aged 2–12. Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, developmental challenges, trauma, or social difficulties, play therapy can help them feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Why choose Play Therapy at Kids Therapy Clinics

Play Therapy is especially beneficial for children who:

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  • Experience anxiety, emotional outbursts, or sadness

  • Have difficulty with emotional regulation or managing change

  • Display aggressive, oppositional, or withdrawn behaviours

  • Are navigating trauma, grief, or parental separation

  • Have developmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or language delays

  • Struggle with friendships or peer relationships

  • Need support with confidence and self-esteem

  • Find it hard to adjust to new environments such as starting school

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By working through these issues in a play-based environment, children begin to gain emotional insight, regulate behaviour, and build stronger interpersonal relationships.

How Does Play Therapy Work?

A qualified play therapist creates a safe and welcoming environment equipped with therapeutic toys, art supplies, sand trays, puppets, and storytelling materials. These tools allow children to express and process feelings that they may not be able to articulate verbally.

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The therapist may use:

Child-Centred (Non-Directive) Play Therapy 

Where the child leads the session at their own pace

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Directive Play Therapy 

Involving goal-based play activities initiated by the therapist

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Each session is structured around the child's individual goals and may include observation, emotional coaching, modelling of behaviours, and collaboration with caregivers.

What Happens in a Typical Play Therapy Session?

Play Therapy sessions generally last between 45 to 60 minutes. During the session, the child may:

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  • Engage in symbolic or imaginative play to work through emotional experiences

  • Explore social roles, fears, and aspirations through role-play or puppetry

  • Use drawing, painting, or sandplay to externalise internal struggles

  • Learn self-soothing strategies, turn-taking, problem-solving, and communication

 

The therapist observes the child’s play themes and gently supports emotional expression, regulation, and growth in a developmentally appropriate manner.

What are the benefits of Play Therapy ?

Play Therapy promotes growth across emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and social domains. The benefits extend beyond the therapy room and can be seen in home life, school performance, and peer interactions.

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Emotional Development

  • Helps children identify and express feelings

  • Reduces emotional outbursts and internal distress

  • Builds resilience, confidence, and a positive sense of self

 

Communication & Language

  • Supports expressive language and emotional vocabulary

  • Encourages non-verbal children to communicate through alternative mediums

  • Reduces echolalia and improves reciprocal conversation

 

Social and Relational Growth

  • Builds empathy, cooperation, and emotional understanding

  • Supports friendships, conflict resolution, and social inclusion

  • Enhances interpersonal trust and connection

 

Behavioural and Cognitive Improvements

  • Decreases aggressive, avoidant, or self-defeating behaviours

  • Strengthens attention, memory, and self-control

  • Encourages adaptive problem-solving and decision-making

 

Family Support and Integration

  • Improves the parent-child relationship

  • Offers families insight into their child's emotional world

  • Empowers parents with strategies to support their child at home

Is Play Therapy Evidence Based ?

Yes, Play Therapy is grounded in well-established psychological theory and supported by decades of clinical research. Its theoretical roots can be traced to:

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  • Carl Jung, who used symbolic play to explore the unconscious mind (Jung, 1963)

  • Anna Freud and Sigmund Freud, who recognised the diagnostic and therapeutic value of children’s play

  • Margaret Lowenfeld, who pioneered non-verbal techniques such as sandplay for emotional exploration

  • Virginia Axline, who developed the principles of Child-Centred Play Therapy, inspired by Carl Rogers' person-centred approach (Axline, 1947)

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Contemporary research continues to affirm its efficacy:

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“Meta-analytic findings support the use of play therapy in reducing behavioural and emotional difficulties among children, particularly when parents are involved in the process.”
(Bratton et al., 2005; Ray et al., 2015)

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Outcomes include improvements in:

  • Emotional self-regulation and distress tolerance

  • Social competence and empathy

  • Internalising symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression)

  • Externalising behaviours (e.g., aggression, defiance)

  • Engagement and success in academic settings

Why Choose Kids Therapy Clinics for ABA Therapy?

  • Highly qualified play therapists with specialised child development training

  • Integrated therapy services—collaborating across Speech, OT, and Behavioural Therapy

  • Family-centred approach, including parent coaching and involvement

  • Safe, inclusive, sensory-friendly environments where every child feels welcome

Happy Little Girl

Book your spot now!

We warmly invite you to secure your spot at Kids Therapy Clinics, where we proudly offer a comprehensive suite of therapeutic interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. With a broad selection of services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, ABA Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy, Digital Therapy and Neurofeedback Training, we are committed to providing holistic support. Whether you're interested in a single therapy approach or a combination of therapies to maximize benefits, our team is ready to design a personalized plan that promotes your child's development, well-being, and success. Don't miss out on the opportunity to access our expert care. Book your spot now and take the first step towards empowering your child on their journey to growth and achievement.

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