Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
At COPE Centre, we apply a psychoanalytical, insight-oriented approach to Play Therapy and use non-directive techniques to encourage free play and the child’s self-expression. The therapeutic process is individualised and person-centred. That means it’s adjusted to the developmental stage of the child to foster self-growth.
Play Therapy provides the child with a safe space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings and life experiences. It combines the creative, non-verbal and innate aspects of play in children. Our goal is to help children not only overcome any internal conflicts they come in with but to help them develop resilience and adaptability. We further support them in mastering their developmental milestones and reducing their vulnerability to psychological stress. Play Therapy allows the child to gain insight into how they truly feel, think or act. This helps them gain self-acceptance and the ability to move forward in their lives.
Children will use different materials and media to foster creativity and play and improve fine and gross motor skills and verbal articulation.
Our Approach
At COPE Centre, we use a psychoanalytical, insight-oriented approach to play therapy. Our goal is to help children not only overcome any internal conflicts they come in with but to help them develop resilience and adaptability. We further support them in mastering their developmental milestones and reducing their vulnerability to psychological stress.
Play therapy allows the child to gain insight into how they truly feel, think or act. This helps them gain self-acceptance and the ability to move forward in their lives. The therapist works multimodal and non-directive and adjusts play therapy concepts for individual clients to foster the child’s self-growth. Observations and assessments made by the therapist determine the therapy process.
A safe place for your child to heal
Play Therapy Quick Info
Play therapy is for children aged 3 to 12
Children will use different materials and media to foster creativity and play and improve fine and gross motor skills and verbal articulation.
The therapist engages with the child through playful ways and observes the behaviour and action/reaction of the child in various situations that evolve through play.
Health Issues Treated by Play Therapy
- Play therapy may be helpful in circumstances such as, but not limited to:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Developmental delay or learning disabilities
- Problem behaviours in school
- Aggressive or angry behaviour
- Family issues, like divorce, separation, or death of a close family member
- Natural disasters or traumatic events
- Domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
- Anxiety, depression, grief
- Eating and toileting disorders
- Facing medical procedures, chronic illness, or palliative care
Play Techniques Include:
- Storytelling (using creative visualisation, dance and creative movement, musical play)
- Role-playing (using puppets and masks)
- Toys (including dolls, action figures, construction blocks and Lego, natural materials)
- Arts and Crafts (using drawing, painting and playdough)
- Sand play
Some Benefits of Play Therapy
- Provides a safe environment for the child
- Self-respect, empathy and respect for others.
- Taking responsibility for behaviours.
- Develop coping strategies/creative problem-solving skills.
- Express and experience feelings.
- Learn social skills.
- Strengthen family relationships.
- Lessen anxiety
- Multicultural, and multilingual values.
Our Therapist
Appointments
Elisabeth Eitelberger & Gemma Parker are available for individual play therapy sessions for children between the ages of 3 to 12.
COPE Centre is located on Hay St, West Perth.
Contact US
Telephone: (08) 6556 6460
Email: admin@copecentre.org
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