Our Charity
Play Therapy Foundation is a registered charity with the ACNC founded in South Australia. We have DGR status which means all donations are tax deductible.
Our goal is to ensure every Australian child can heal and thrive through the therapeutic powers of play therapy, regardless of their circumstances. We fund Evidence based Play Therapy services for children and their families who have experienced trauma or other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Before Play Therapy Foundation came along, many children and families were falling through the gaps, missing out on the developmentally appropriate support they needed to heal and thrive after trauma. Too many times, when a child was struggling, the cost of play therapy was the one prohibitive factor in getting help and as a result the child in need would go without, continuing to struggle at home, at school and with friends.
That is why we have introduced our Future Fund program to bridge the gap for children who don’t have access to play therapy via NDIS or other government funding.
This program includes one block of Play Therapy with a Registered Play Therapist. Every Future Fund begins with a parent/carer intake and follows the child through 20 play therapy sessions and 3 parent/carer support sessions. This is often all that a child needs to meet their goals, and allow them to move on while focusing on just being a kid.
Therefore, Play Therapy Foundation can make an enormous difference in the lives of children and their families. With the right tools and resources, children can overcome challenges and work towards a brighter future.
We’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of as many children and families as possible. Every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive, and we’re proud to offer our support to those who need it most.
Other programs we will be looking at including in the future are: group therapeutic parenting programs such as Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), Theraplay sessions, Intensive Play Therapy (specifically in rural and remote areas) and Group Play Therapy.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our Future Fund program, please get in touch.
Our Mission
Our Vision
To provide accessible and effective play therapy services for children who have experienced trauma and support for their families, caregivers, and communities. We want to reduce the long-term impact of trauma on children's mental health and wellbeing.
Our vision is to create a society where every child has access to play therapy services and can receive the support they need to heal and thrive. By promoting the mental health and wellbeing of children, we can create a place where everyone can reach their full potential.
About Play Therapy
ABOUT US
As parents and carers, witnessing your child struggle with emotional and trauma-related issues can be heart-wrenching. Traditional talk therapy, often effective for adults, may not always resonate with children. This is where Play Therapy, a specialised therapeutic approach, comes into play. Play Therapists believe in the transformative power of play to help children heal, grow, and thrive.
What is Play Therapy?
When we refer to 'Play Therapy' we are specifically talking about the modality called 'Child-Centered Play Therapy' or CCPT. There are many different play therapy approaches, with only a few (including CCPT) being evidence based, that means that the intervention has been rigorously researched, peer reviewed and proven effective for use with children.
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach designed specifically for children, it is completely child-led and honors the child's experience as . Recognising that children express themselves best through play, this therapy uses the power of play to help children communicate their thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. It's a safe, secure, and understanding environment where children can play out their feelings and problems, just as adults might 'talk out' their issues.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
In Play Therapy, we provide children with a playroom – a safe and nurturing space equipped with a variety of toys and creative materials. The playroom is more than just a room; it's a sanctuary where children can freely express themselves through play. Trained therapists observe and sometimes participate in the child's play, using specific play therapy techniques to understand the child's world.
The beauty of Play Therapy lies in its subtlety. Children often don't even realise they are in therapy. Instead, they see a place where they can be themselves without judgment, which allows them to explore, express, and process their emotions naturally.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play Therapy is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma, face emotional challenges, or struggle with behavioral issues. Some of the key benefits include:
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Enhanced Emotional Expression: Children learn to express and understand their feelings more effectively.
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Improved Behaviour: Play Therapy helps address behavioral issues by uncovering underlying emotional or psychological causes.
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Trauma Healing: It provides a safe space for children to work through traumatic experiences.
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Development of Coping Skills: Children learn new ways of thinking and coping with different situations.
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Increased Self-Esteem: Through play, children gain a greater sense of self and confidence.
