What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of child counselling, a developmentally sensitive and evidence based mental health intervention supported by decades of research that shows positive outcomes for children's emotional, behavioural, and social needs. It is delivered by qualified therapists who specialise in play as their primary therapeutic language.

Within the therapeutic relationship, the child feels supported and free to safely explore their feelings, practise and master new skills, build resilience, strengthen their inner resources and develop a growing sense of self-acceptance. 

Benefits of Play Therapy:

Play Therapy is generally suitable for children aged between 3-12 years. 

It can be beneficial for children experiencing:

- Anxiety

- Emotional regulation difficulties

- Life transitions like parental separation 

- Bullying or difficulties with friendships

- Grief and loss

- Behavioural challenges

- Chronic illness

- Trauma or stressful experiences

Alicia is a registered play therapist with over 15 years of experience working with children and families. She began her career as a Primary School teacher before moving into specialist education roles -  including supporting children in Out of Home Care, consulting with schools on meeting the needs of neurodivergent students and those with a history of trauma, and serving as Campus Principal at a Community School for young people who had disengaged from mainstream education. 

It was through this work that Alicia witnessed firsthand the transformative and therapeutic power of play as a tool for connection and healing. This passion inspired her to pursue and complete her Master of Play Therapy.

Alicia spent four years working in Paediatric Oncology at the Royal Children's Hospital, supporting children and families through cancer treatment, before moving into private play therapy practice. 

Alicia tailors her approach to each child, drawing on training across multiple modalities to work flexibly and responsively. She partners closely with parents, caregivers and schools to build a strong network of support around the child, offering a warm, safe space that is inclusive, neuro-affirming and trauma-informed.

Services offered:

Learn to Play’ Therapy: For children to learn play skills. 

Filial Play Therapy: To strengthen parent-child relationships and help parents better understand and respond to their child’s needs.

Humanistic Play Therapy:  Individual Play therapy sessions that support children to process feelings and experiences in their own way and at their own pace.

Referrals and enquiries

Referrals are welcome from GPs, paediatricians, allied health professionals and families directly. Please get in touch if you have questions or would like to book a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your child’s needs.

Email: hello@tapestryplaytherapy.com.au

Click here to visit Tapestry Play Therapy website