Child playing with two colorful hand puppets during a Innate Play Therapy Session, a green one resembling a dinosaur and an orange one resembling a monkey, in a playroom.

Play, the Innate Way

Long before they have the words for what they feel, children have play. A simple game can become a way to express emotions. A story can help make sense of a difficult experience. Imaginative play can create a safe space to try, practise and discover.

That’s more than a nice idea. It’s how children naturally communicate, explore and make sense of their world.

Innate Play Therapy exists because I believe therapy for children should work with this natural way of being, not against it. Rather than asking children to sit still and explain their feelings in grown-up language, I meet them where they are; in their stories, their games, their imagination and their play. Through play, children can express what may be difficult to put into words and explore their experiences in a way that feels natural to them.

At first glance, it might simply look like play. Look closer, and you may see a child expressing feelings, making sense of a difficult experience, practising new skills, building confidence, or finding new ways to cope. 

That’s the power of Play Therapy. It meets children where they are, rather than asking them to be somewhere they’re not yet ready to be. It recognises that children are more than the challenges they are experiencing, giving them space to be themselves, communicate in their own way and work through challenges at their own pace.

I believe children do best when the adults around them feel supported too. That’s why I work alongside parents, carers and other important people in a child’s world to build understanding, connection and confidence in supporting them.

A Little About Me

Honnie Craig - Play Therapist
Master of Child Play Therapy | Bachelor of Education | Registered with APPTA

I’m a Master’s-qualified Play Therapist and mum to two young children, with close to nine years’ experience as a primary school teacher. My experience working alongside children and families has shaped my belief in the importance of connection, understanding and meeting children where they are.

I believe play gives children a unique way to express themselves, make sense of their world and discover their own strengths. My role is to create a safe, accepting and playful space where children can be themselves, feel understood and work through challenges at their own pace.

Outside of work, I volunteer at my local toy library and love reading, being outdoors and of course, playing! I feel incredibly privileged to support children as they develop their self-worth, confidence and belief in their own capabilities through play and connection.

Close-up of a woman, Honnie Craig play therapist, with light skin, brown hair styled in a braid, gray-green eyes, and a warm smile, wearing a brown and white patterned top, against a plain white background.
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My Philosophy

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Play is Innate

Children naturally use play to communicate, express themselves and make sense of their world, so I create the space for this natural process to unfold.

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Evidence-Based

While play may look simple and unstructured, each session is grounded in established, research-informed therapeutic frameworks and professional expertise.

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Safe & Accepting

I create a safe, accepting space where your child can be themselves, feel understood and express themselves without judgement or expectation.

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Partner with Parents

You know your child better than anyone, so I work alongside you to build understanding, share insights and support your child beyond the therapy room.

Innate Play Therapy provides child-centred, evidence-based Play Therapy that gives children space to express themselves, make sense of their experiences and navigate life’s challenges through the natural language of childhood… play.