A place of hope & healing through play
Therapeutic & developmental supports for children & families in the Mid North, South Australia
About Amanda (she/her)
Hi, I'm Amanda, a passionate social worker and play therapist with roots in the town of Port Pirie. My journey began with a move to Adelaide to chase my dream of hairdressing. However, motherhood sparked a newfound interest in child development, steering me towards a rewarding career in early childhood education.
As a team leader in the Toddler room, I gained invaluable experience working with young children, which deepened my understanding and love for child-centered approaches. My family and I eventually returned to Port Pirie, where I've continued my work, fostering meaningful relationships with children and their families.
When I'm not working, I cherish quality time with my family, including our two dogs and two cats.
How Child Centred Play Therapy can help your little person:
About Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)
Child-centred play therapy is a therapeutic approach grounded in humanistic and relationship-based principles. Recognising that play is the natural language of children, this method utilises toys as the child’s words, facilitating communication and expression.
This intervention is designed for children aged 2-12 years, though it may also be appropriate for older children in certain cases. The essence of play therapy lies in meeting children at their developmental level, allowing them to express themselves naturally. This process is crucial for their development, healing, and emotional regulation.
In child-centred play therapy, the child leads the session, maintaining complete control over the play. This autonomy supports their ability to navigate and articulate their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Why choose Child Centred Play Therapy
Play therapy offers numerous benefits for children, providing them with a safe space to express complex emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience.
Through play, children learn to communicate effectively, address trauma, and exhibit positive behavioural changes. This adaptable and personalised approach fosters holistic development, enhancing emotional intelligence, social skills, and self-awareness.
While children may lack the verbal skills and emotional regulation to articulate their feelings through words, they can ‘play out’ those feelings.
In play therapy, children understand the world and their place in it through play. They can express their inner and real-life experiences both literally and metaphorically, with toys acting as symbols that take on greater meaning.
Who can benefit from Child Centred Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a versatile therapeutic approach that supports children facing a variety of challenges, including:
- Trauma
- Attachment issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Developmental delays
- Social and emotional difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Fears and phobias
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
CCPT creates a safe and nurturing environment for children to address and overcome these difficulties
What changes can you expect from Child Centred Play Therapy?
Through the process of discovery children learn to develop:
- Self-respect
- Responsibility
- Problem solving and resolution skills
- Self-control and self-direction
- Self-regulation
- Social skills
- Greater self-esteem
- Confidence and resilience
- Decision making