We don’t just ‘do therapy’
We build relationships.
At Play Plus Therapy, we are an evidence-based practice, applying developmentally and culturally sensitive approaches for best outcomes. We recognise the importance of working with all systems around the child and young person, bringing professional expertise with warmth, connection and creativity.
We believe young people deserve a space where they can truly be themselves, and there they are met with empathy, congruence and an unconditional positive regard.
Child-Centred Play Therapy
Learn To Play Therapy
Family Therapy
Teacher's Optimal Relationshop Approach (TORA)
LEGO®-Based Therapy
Group Therapy
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)
A Non-Directive Therapy
For ages 3 – 14 years
Child-Centred Therapy allows the child to LEAD in the playroom.
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasises the child’s innate ability to heal and grow through play.
Rooted in non-directive therapy, CCPT lets children lead in the playroom, using toys and play as their main way of communicating. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can be challenging for young children, CCPT meets them at their level, allowing natural expression of emotions and experiences.
CCPT believes in children’s innate drive toward self-actualisation. In a supportive space, children process emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. CCPT is an effective therapy for challenges like anxiety, trauma, and behavioural issues. CCPT is especially beneficial for neurodivergent children, supporting self-expression and emotional development.
Learn To Play Therapy
A Directive Therapy
For ages 2 – 12 years
Pretend Play allows a child to engage with imagination
Learn To Play Therapy by Dr. Karen Stagnitti
is an evidence-based approach, proven to be successful in developing social, emotional and behavioural skills in children, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, aged 2 to 12 years. Research has also proven that pretend (or imaginative) play is not a born trait, but a learned skill.
Learn To Play Therapy is suited to children:
- who may find this style of play a challenge.
- who need to develop social skills.
- who are challenged with developing literacy skills.
- who may have missed the opportunity to learn the skill of pretend play.
Head to ‘Learn To Play Therapy’ website for more information .
Learn To Play Therapy utilises standardised assessment to monitor a child’s growth in the play area’s of object substitution, role play, logical sequencing of actions and narrative.
Family Therapy
Filial Therapy by Rise Van Fleet
Rise Van Fleet’s Filial Therapy is a unique approach that combines elements of play therapy and family therapy, empowering parents to become active participants in their child’s healing process.
In this method, parents are trained by a therapist to conduct special play sessions with their child, using child-centered play therapy techniques.
The goal is to strengthen the parent-child relationship, enhance communication,and help children express their emotions in a safe environment.
Filial therapy fosters emotional resilience in children while also providing parents with valuable skills to support their child’s development and well-being.
Teacher’s Optimal Relationship Approach (TORA)
An Evidence-Based Framework supporting Teacher’s using Relational Skills
AN IN SCHOOL DELIVERED APPROACH by Dr. Kate Renshaw
TORA recognises that teachers play an important role in the lives of each student at school.
That is why this early intervention Mental Health and Well Being strategy, that is evidence based and school based, is such an effective framework for teacher’s and student outcomes. In providing play therapy skills to teachers and integrating those therapeutic qualities in their classroom, brings playfulness into their relationships daily and building connection for better student outcomes.
Initially developed for school settings, the TORA provides teachers, educators and other professionals working with children with the opportunity to learn discrete relational skills that promote positive social, emotional and behavioral change and ultimately improve learning environments and overall engagement in education.
The TORA can be used universally – it is applicable for all children in all settings.
The TORA training comprises two distinct parts, all delivered by Registered Child Play Therapists.
This includes:
- Training that includes background about the theoretical underpinnings of the TORA and learning about the distinct skills that make-up the TORA. It also includes the opportunity to put the TORA skills into practice within a safe and supportive environment (practicum).
- Observation and feedback cycles that take place within the classroom or workplace setting on a regular basis (two cycles give teachers the opportunity to be TORA Certified).
The TORA can be delivered flexibly and in accordance with the needs and capacity of the teachers and their school/service. As such, the duration and focus of each part of the TORA training is determined through consultation between the service and Playroom Therapy.
As a TORA Facilitator, Kristen works closely with Nicole of ‘At One Classrooms‘, each committed to delivering TORA workshops in the community.With gratitude, you can find out more about TORA and CORA Workshops here.
LEGO®-Based Therapy
A group modality.
For ages 5 – 17 years
LEGO-Based Therapy is a fun and engaging, evidence-based program, that supports children in learning communication and social development skills in a safe, child-led way space. This program supports children experiencing a range of communication and social developmental challenges.
LEGO-Based Therapy has proven an effective therapy intervention for neurodivergent children, children with a mental health diagnosis, such as anxiety, phobias, adjustment disorders, and depression, or children who may be shy and struggling at building friendships.
A strengths-based program, it teaches children observation and adaptability skills. It provides children with tools to adapt how they communicate and interact with others, in a positive way.
Research shows that participants respond more positively to this approach than to any other traditional form of intervention (Progressive Play, 2024). Participants learn to look to each other for information, support and are able to build relationships in a safe and respectful environment.
Group Play Therapy Sessions
Group Play Therapy provides children with a supportive and nurturing space to explore their emotions, develop social confidence, and learn how to build positive relationships, all through the natural language of play.
These small, carefully facilitated groups bring together children of similar ages and developmental stages. Within the group, children learn from each other as they play, create, problem-solve, and express themselves in ways that feel safe, empowering, and fun.
Group sessions are well-suited for children who may:
Find it hard to make or maintain friendships
Experience big feelings they are still learning to manage
Benefit from guidance in turn-taking, sharing, or flexible thinking
Feel shy, anxious, or overwhelmed in social settings
Would enjoy connecting with peers in a structured and supportive space.
How the Group Works
Groups are small (usually 4–6 children) and run over a series of weekly sessions.
Each session includes:
- A gentle welcome ritual
- Guided or child-led play experiences
- Opportunities for reflection, connection, and skill-building
- A supportive closing routine
No specific diagnosis is required — play therapy groups are inclusive, relationship-focused, and strengths-based.
Group Therapy programs support children to:
- Understand and express their feelings in healthy ways
- Develop empathy and awareness of others
- Improve cooperation, communication, and problem-solving
- Build resilience, patience, and self-regulation
- Experience success and confidence in social interactions
The play environment is carefully designed to encourage creativity, curiosity, and emotional safety.
Why Group Play Therapy Matters
Children learn deeply through relationships and shared play. Group Play Therapy allows children to practise new emotional and social skills in real time — supported by a trained therapist who gently guides, models, and maintains emotional safety.
This approach helps children feel more confident, connected, and understood — both in the therapy room and in their world beyond it.
EARLY Intervention with Play Therapy Supports a child’s GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT