What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

http://www.inspiringplay.com.au/, https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/counselling/inspiring-play-play-therapy-early-inter

Inspiring Play, Mudjimba (2026)

13/02/2026

Is Your Child Struggling With Big Feelings?

Frequent meltdowns
Anxiety or worries
Difficulty at school
Low confidence
Big reactions to small problems

I need you to know that these aren’t signs of a “difficult child.” They’re signs a child needs support.

Play therapy helps children:

✔ Understand and regulate emotions
✔ Build resilience and confidence
✔ Strengthen problem-solving skills
✔ Feel safe, seen and understood
✔ Nurture meaningful relationships

Using child-centred play therapy, emotional coaching, and evidence-based approaches, I work alongside children and parents to create meaningful change, gently and respectfully.

Early support makes a lifelong difference!

📍 Serving families on the Sunshine Coast
📞 Book a free parent consultation today
👉 www.inspiringplay.com.au

05/02/2026

As a play therapist, I’m often asked if I can fix a child’s behaviour or emotions.

But as Violet Oaklander, Ph.D., so wisely says, “I don’t fix kids.”

Children don’t need to be fixed.

They need to be seen, heard, and understood.

My role isn’t to shape them into something different, but to offer a space where they can safely express what’s inside, where all their feelings, even the messy ones, are welcome.

Therapy is not about control or correction; it’s about connection.

When children feel accepted as they are, they begin to discover their own inner resources, their own capacity to heal and grow.

Every child is whole, capable, and doing the best they can in each moment.

My job is to meet them there, with respect, curiosity, and attunement.

03/02/2026

Behaviour is communication and when we begin there, parenting can feel clearer and more connected.

Our 1:1 parent support sessions help families of children with developmental delay make sense of behaviour, strengthen connection, and build confidence in everyday responses. Thoughtful, respectful support without judgement or quick fixes.

Our approach is shaped by therapeutic principles that help children and families grow emotionally and relationally, including:

Reflective Understanding
We explore behaviour as communication, not control, so that your responses match what your child truly needs.

Capacity Building
Strategies focus on increasing your capacity as a parent to support your child’s development, autonomy and emotional wellbeing.

Developmental Alignment
Supports are grounded in how children’s nervous systems, regulation and social-emotional skills develop over time.

Compassionate Presence
This is a space to make sense of what feels hard, feel supported, and gain clarity and hope.

Delivered online, wherever you live in Australia.

NDIS and Privately Funded Clients Accepted.

Email: hello@inspiringplay.com.au to register your interest
or visit: www.inspiringplay.com.au for more info.

03/02/2026

Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.

I support parents of children with developmental delay through gentle, 1:1 parent sessions; a space to slow things down, make sense of behaviour, and feel more confident in how you respond.

This work is grounded in respect, connection and an understanding of child development. There are no quick fixes or rigid rules here. Instead, we focus on what your child may be communicating, and how to support them in ways that feel steady, clear and realistic for your family.

Parents often come feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or worn down by advice that doesn’t fit their child. Together, we build understanding, strengthen connection, and find a grounded way forward.

Sessions are offered online, supporting families across Australia. Sessions are 60 minutes long and may be NDIS accepted.

If this resonates, you’re welcome to explore the link in my bio or reach out when you’re ready. I’m more than happy to help. 🤍

27/01/2026

Holding Space for New Beginnings

Today is a big day in our house. My youngest daughter started high school this morning. Even though she’s capable and excited, there were still those familiar feelings including nerves, worry, a fluttery tummy, lots of what ifs.

As I dropped her off, I found myself thinking about so many of the children and families I work with, little ones starting prep or kindy and those moving schools.

It’s reminded me how big school transitions are, especially for our youngest children starting prep or kindy.
For little ones, starting school holds so much:

- new routines and rules
- new teachers and faces
- new friendships
- new buildings, sounds, shoes and uniforms.

Many children work incredibly hard to hold it together at school. They want to do the right thing. They try their very best all day long. This takes so much energy for their little bodies. And then they come home.

If your child falls apart after school; tears, meltdowns, clinginess, irritability, or shutting down, please know this isn’t bad behaviour or regression. It’s a sign your child feels safe enough with you to finally let go.

A few gentle ways to support your prep or kindy child in these early weeks:

Lower expectations after School
This isn’t the time for errands, questions, or extra demands. Simple and calm helps their nervous system settle.

Connection before conversation
A snack, a cuddle, quiet time, or a few minutes of child-led play can make a big difference.

Name feelings without trying to fix them
- “You worked really hard today.”
- “It makes sense you feel so tired now.”
- “I’m so proud of how hard you tried today.”

Remember behaviour is communication
Big feelings can mean your child is adjusting to change not failing.

Starting prep or kindy isn’t about children being brave all the time.
It’s about having safe, steady and predictable places to land.

And to you, as parents; you don’t need to get this perfect either. Your grounded presence, patience, and connection are already doing important work.

Enjoy this special time, your child will be in high school too before you know it!!

Take care,

Em

26/01/2026

Tomorrow’s a big day. And not just for your child.

The first day of school can stir up excitement, nerves, tears, pride… sometimes all before 9am.�Please know, your child doesn’t need you to make the feelings go away.�They need you to tune in and connect.

Here are a few ways to support your child tomorrow:

💛 Notice the feeling before the behaviour�Clingy, quiet, wiggly, teary, angry? These are often signals, not problems.
Pause and wonder: “What might my child be feeling right now?”

💛 Name it to tame it�Simple, calm language helps nervous systems settle:
“It looks like you’re feeling a bit worried about the new classroom.”�When children feel understood, their feelings soften.

💛 Validate without fixing�You don’t need to rush to reassurance or problem-solve (like most of us parents want to naturally do. Try to fight the urge).�Instead try:
“That makes sense. New things can feel hard.”�Validation helps build emotional safety and resilience.

💛 Hold your confidence for them�Children borrow our groundedness. Even if you feel emotional inside, offering steady belief like,
“I know you can handle this, and I’ll be here after”�gives them a powerful inner message: I can do this.

💛 Reconnect after school�Later, make space for feelings, the big or the small. Connection comes before questions, advice, or lessons.

Tomorrow isn’t about a perfect drop-off.�It’s about connection, emotional safety, and being their safe base as they step into something new.
If you’d like more support in building your child’s emotional skills using evidence-based approaches like Tuning in to Kids® and child-centred play, I’d love to support you.
�Link in bio to learn more or book a session.

You’ve got this. And so do they. I believe in you!

Em x

19/11/2025

Expressions of Interest for 2026

If you’re feeling worried, overwhelmed, or unsure how to support your child right now… you’re not alone.

So many parents quietly wonder,

“Is my child ready for school?”
“Why is this behaviour so hard?”
“Am I doing enough?”

And sometimes, you just want someone to say: I’m here for you. I see you’re doing the best you can. Your child deserves support and you deserve support, too.

At our practice, we help families build children’s emotional intelligence through play, nurturing confidence, connection and wellbeing.” Our Play Therapy, Early Intervention Groups, and Parenting Support programs are designed to meet your child exactly where they are with warmth, understanding and evidence-based care.

What We Offer (Ages 3–8)

Launching Term 1, 2026:
- Social Skills Groups - School Readiness Programs - Resilience + Wellbeing Groups- Early Intervention Support - Play Therapy (limited spots from January)

These programs support children to:
✔ build emotional awareness
✔ develop stronger social and communication skills
✔ grow confidence in who they are
✔ develop emotionally intelligent tools for understanding and managing big feelings.
✔ feel prepared, grounded and ready for school and beyond

And for parents, they offer something just as important:
- practical, real-life strategies to understand and support your child and the confidence to know you can do this.

If you’ve been longing for connection, understanding and support…this is your invitation.

We’d love to walk alongside you and your child.

We help families create stronger relationships, and more emotionally intelligent homes.

📩 Expressions of Interest Now Open

• Groups: now taking EOIs for Term 1, 2026
Individual Play Therapy: limited places from January
Ages 3–8

Express your interest, and we’ll send you everything you need to know.

Reach out today. Let’s connect! 🤍

13/07/2025

✨🩵 What I’ve Learned (and Keep Learning) From Being a Play Therapist 🩵✨

I’ve always believed that children are capable and competent, but being a play therapist has allowed me to see this truth unfold in profound and humbling ways.

Here are some lessons that have landed deeply for me in the playroom:

* Children need time, not just time to speak or play, but time to feel safe. Time to trust. Time to simply be without pressure or expectation. There’s no rushing that.

* Therapy isn’t always easy for a child. Sometimes it brings up big feelings, and that can feel scary. But I’ve also seen how play becomes a bridge, a gentle way for children to face hard things while still holding onto a sense of safety and control.

* A child’s behaviour is always communicating something. Even when it looks messy or confusing, there's a message beneath the surface. The playroom invites us to slow down and truly listen.

* The relationship matters more than any technique. Healing happens in connection, through consistent, warm, attuned presence.

* Play is powerful. It’s not just fun, it’s how children process, explore, express, and rehearse life. What looks like “just play” often holds the most important emotional truths.

* Children don’t need us to fix their feelings. They need us to trust them, to sit with them in the hard parts and reflect their strength back to them.

* What’s challenging for adults (aggression, refusal, silence) is often exactly where the child most needs to be met with calm, acceptance and compassion. That’s where the real work, and healing, begin.

Working as a play therapist has deepened my respect for the rich inner lives of children. It has taught me to slow down, to listen with more than my ears, and to trust the process, and the child, even when things feel unclear.

And above all, I’ve learned this: when we hold space with presence and patience, children will show us the way.

If you’re curious about play therapy or wondering if it might support your child, I’d love to connect. 🩵✨

14/02/2025

🩷 I see you, mama. 🩷

You’re doing your best, but some days just feel really hard. Maybe your little one is struggling with big emotions, meltdowns, or worries that you’re not sure how to help with. I’ve been there too, and I want you to know, you don’t have to do this alone.

At Inspiring Play: Child & Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we use play to help children feel safe, understood, and more in control of their emotions. If you’re wondering whether play therapy could help your little one( or just need a place to start), I’m here to listen.

🩷 Send me a message anytime. 🩷

31/01/2025

Is Child-Centred Play Therapy Evidence-Based?

Short answer? YES, it is!

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is backed by decades of research showing its effectiveness in supporting children's emotional, social, and behavioural development. When children engage in play therapy, they’re not “just playing”, they’re working through big feelings, building coping skills, and strengthening their sense of self.

The Science Behind It
�Studies have shown that CCPT helps children:�✔️ Regulate emotions and reduce anxiety�✔️ Improve self-esteem and confidence�✔️ Strengthen relationships and social skills�✔️ Process trauma and build resilience

Why It Works
�Children communicate through play, it’s their language. In CCPT, the therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental space where children can express themselves freely, process their emotions, and develop problem-solving skills at their own pace. The relationship is the healing factor, fostering trust, empowerment, and emotional growth.

So yes, Child-Centred Play Therapy isn’t just powerful - it’s proven.

04/01/2025

Start the New Year with Support for Your Child and Family!

Is your child struggling with emotions, anxiety, behaviour difficulties or social skills? Play Therapy could be the safe, nurturing space they need to thrive.

At Inspiring Play: Child and Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we empower children to explore their feelings, build resilience, and develop essential skills - all through the power of play.

New Year, New Opportunities! We’re excited to announce additional play therapy spaces are now available. Start 2025 with support tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Book Now to secure your spot and take the first step towards a brighter year for your family.

Visit our website: www.inspiringplay.com.au
�Or call us today to learn more on 07 5241 5991

Let’s make this year one of growth and emotional well-being for your child. Inspiring Play is here to support you and your child. 🩷

Inspiring Play

13/02/2026

05/02/2026

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

27/01/2026

26/01/2026

19/11/2025

13/07/2025

14/02/2025

31/01/2025

04/01/2025

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm