Our Story
Play Therapy Tauranga provides specialised therapy/counselling to children aged 3-12, through the use of play.
As adults we often talk through our problems. Play Therapy recognises that play is children’s natural mode of communication.The child and therapist work together in a room with toys.
“Toys are like the child’s words and play is the language “
Dr Garry Landreth
Play Therapy creates a space in which children have the freedom to express themselves within safe boundaries.Children can play through situations and explore their thoughts which may be causing them to feel sad, anxious, angry or afraid.
Children can gain a better understanding of their experiences, emotions and behaviors and find their own inner resources for optimal healing, growth and development.
Parents/caregivers are a crucial part of the child's therapy and regular review meetings are held to work in partnership.
OUR MISSION:
To provide children with a safe and evidenced based therapeutic model that enables them to express and explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors though play; their natural mode of communication.Play therapy facilitates their optimal healing, growth and development.
MELANIE GILBERT-DE RIOS - Child Play Therapist
Bsc(Hons), Dip SW, CPW PG Child Centred Play Therapy, Reg.SW, MANZASW,Member of Association for Play Therapy.
Melanie is passionate about supporting children and their families.She specialises in using Child Centred Play Therapy.Melanie has over 20 years experience of working with children and families using a family therapy systems approach in the social services and health sector. Alongside her private practice Melanie is a child and family therapist in the health sector.
Melanie is from the UK ,and has enjoyed living in the bay of plenty for the past 16 years with her husband,2 teenage daughters and their dog Daisy.
FEES
The standard fee is of $120.00 per session .Some clients may be eligible for sessions to be partially funded by WINZ or from other sources, depending on family circumstances.Fees are discussed and agreed prior to the first session.Fees are due within two working days ,and sessions not attended without 24 hours notice may be charged 50% of the session fee.
WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM PLAY THERAPY?
In the process of growing up, most children experience difficulties coping at some time. Play therapy can offer children a safe ,non-intrusive method to assist with making sense and recovery from common distressing events as well as major trauma’s.
Play therapy can help children with:
- Parental separation/Divorce
- Bereavement,illness or injury
- Additions to their family (siblings, re-marriage,blended families)
- Family conflict and violence
- Separation and school anxiety
- Behavioral or social difficulties
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- Catastrophic events or Natural disasters
Play therapy sessions are 45 mins long and research shows that 15-16 sessions provide the best outcomes .Depending on child’s circumstances short term therapy can also be provided in 10 sessions.