Frequently Asked Questions

About Play Therapy

  • Play Therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses play as a primary way for children to communicate, explore experiences and work through challenges.

    Children often communicate through play long before they can put their thoughts and feelings into words. In Play Therapy, a qualified Play Therapist provides a safe and accepting space where children can lead through play, while the therapist uses their clinical skills to support their growth and wellbeing.

    Research supports the use of Play Therapy with children experiencing a range of emotional, social, behavioural challenges.

  • No. While Play Therapy may look like ordinary play, it is a purposeful therapeutic process.

    Qualified Play Therapists are trained to understand children's play and development and to respond therapeutically to what emerges. The child leads the play, while the therapist provides the relationship, environment and clinical support that make the play therapeutic.

  • Traditional counselling often relies on talking about thoughts, feelings and experiences. Young children may not yet have the words or developmental capacity to do this easily.

    Play Therapy meets children at their level, giving them another way to communicate and explore what is happening for them through play, creativity and imagination.

Is Play Therapy Right for My Child?

  • Children may benefit from Play Therapy when they are experiencing things such as:

    • Anxiety, worry or big feelings

    • Changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing

    • Social and relationship difficulties

    • Challenges with confidence or emotional regulation

    • Family changes or transitions

    • Grief and loss

    • Difficult or stressful experiences

    Every child is different. If you're unsure whether Play Therapy is right for your child, I’m happy to talk it through with you.

  • Innate Play Therapy works with children aged 3–12 years.

  • Absolutely. Children aren't required to talk for Play Therapy to be helpful.

    Play gives children another way to communicate, explore experiences and express feelings at their own pace.

  • No. Families can contact Innate Play Therapy directly. A referral from another professional is not required.

What to Expect

  • I begin with an initial conversation with you to learn more about your child, understand what has brought you to therapy and consider whether Play Therapy may be a good fit.

    If together we agree Play Therapy is appropriate, we then arrange a more detailed parent/carer intake before your child's first session. This meeting takes place without your child and gives us an opportunity to gather important background information and answer any questions you may have.

    I will usually respond to enquiries within two business days.

  • The Play Therapy space is thoughtfully prepared with a range of toys and materials that support different types of play, including imaginative play, creative expression, sensory play, sand and small-world play.

    Sessions are one-to-one between the child and therapist, providing dedicated time and space for your child to build a therapeutic relationship and explore through play.

    Your child chooses how they engage, while the therapist follows their lead, builds connection and responds therapeutically to what emerges through play.

    If you are concerned about your child separating from you, please let me know. I can work with you and your child to support a gradual and comfortable transition into the Play Therapy space.

  • Weekly sessions are generally recommended, particularly at the beginning of therapy, as consistency helps children develop a sense of safety and familiarity within the environment and therapeutic relationship.

    The number of sessions varies from child to child. As a general guide, Play Therapy may involve around 15 sessions, although some children may need fewer or more depending on their individual needs, goals and progress.

    This will be discussed with you throughout the therapy process, including regularly reviewing your child's progress and considering when therapy may come to an appropriate end.

  • Parents and carers are important partners in the therapy process. I provide appropriate feedback about themes that emerge, your child's progress and ways you can support them outside of sessions, while respecting your child's privacy and the therapeutic relationship. I don't provide a detailed account of what is said or happens during sessions, allowing your child to have a safe space to express themselves freely.

Fees & Practical Information

  • Play Therapy sessions and parent consultations are $170 per session.

    Individual Play Therapy sessions are 60 minutes in total, made up of:

    • 45 minutes of face-to-face Play Therapy with your child

    • 15 minutes for supporting your child's transition, preparing and packing up the therapy space and completing progress notes

  • Play Therapy sessions at Innate Play Therapy are not currently eligible for a Medicare rebate or private health insurance rebate.

  • Innate Play Therapy can work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. As we are not an NDIS-registered provider, we are unable to provide services to participants with NDIA-managed funding.

    Please check with your plan manager or NDIS contact that Play Therapy is an appropriate and fundable use of your child's plan before commencing.

  • Innate Play Therapy is co-located with Word by Mouth Speech Pathology at:

    589 Whitehorse Road (Service Road), Mitcham VIC 3132

Qualifications
& Professional Practice

  • I (Honnie) am a Master's-qualified Play Therapist. I have completed a Master of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University.

    I am also a qualified and VIT-registered teacher, with a Bachelor of Education from RMIT University. I have close to nine years' experience as a primary school teacher.

  • I am a Provisionally Registered Play Therapist with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA).