My Services
Play Therapy for children in Sydney
Brave Hearts - Brave Minds™ Therapy provides play therapy for children aged 5+ and their families. Sessions support emotional wellbeing, behaviour challenges, and chronic pain patterns while helping children feel safe, understood, and more confident in themselves.
Sessions are available in Sydney from my clinic in Petersham, with phone consultations available for parent guidance.
I support children who are experiencing:
- Anxiety or emotional overwhelm
- Behavioural or school difficulties
- Emotional outbursts or withdrawal
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Difficulty expressing feelings
- Life changes such as separation, loss, or trauma
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Chronic or "unexplained" pain
Understanding Chronic Pain
Sometimes a child’s nervous system becomes overly sensitive, continuing to send pain signals even when the body is safe.
My play therapy sessions may help to:
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Reduce stress held in the body
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Process underlying emotional experiences
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Rebuild a sense of safety and control
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Support a return to everyday activities
Sessions with Me
What happens in a therapy session
Sessions are tailored to your child’s comfort and needs.
A typical session may include:
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A gentle check-in or grounding activity
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Play or creative exploration (drawing, sandtray, puppets)
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Optional reflection or conversation
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A calming closing activity
Children are never pressured to talk - expression happens naturally through play.
The Process
1st Session
Typically includes you and your child together. This helps us get to know one another and understand your child in the context of your family.
Sessions 2 - 6
Usually individual sessions with your child to build the therapeutic relationship and explore their experiences at their pace.
Session 7
You (the parent/caregiver) will be invited to return for a check-in, often with your child present, to reconnect and integrate some of the work that’s been done.
How are parents involved?
While therapy is focused on your child’s inner world, your role is essential. I may:
- Meet with you periodically to share observations and reflections
- Help explore family, school, or community dynamics affecting your child
- Offer support and insight into your child’s development and behavior
Confidentiality is respected so that your child feels safe. If safety concerns arise, you will of course be included in appropriate ways.
Ages Supported
Children from 5 years and older
Session Fee
$150 for a 60-minute session
Referral
No referral required
Cancellation Policy
24 hours notice required or the full fee applies
Booking
Use the Book Now link to schedule your first appointment.
You may also book a free 15-minute consultation if you would like to connect first.
My Approach
My work is grounded in the Oaklander Model of play therapy, a gentle relational approach that supports emotional awareness, creativity, and self-expression.
This approach works well for many children, including neurodivergent children such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences, because therapy adapts to each child’s unique way of experiencing the world.
Questions
About Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a gentle, evidence-informed approach that helps children express thoughts and feelings through play rather than words. Using art, storytelling, movement, and imagination, children can safely explore their inner world.
Why is play used instead of talking?
Children don’t always have the words to explain complex emotions. Play is their natural way of communicating and processing experiences.
How does Play Therapy help my child?
Play therapy supports children to:
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Feel calmer and more regulated
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Express emotions more clearly
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Build confidence and self-esteem
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Improve behaviour and relationships
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Develop healthy coping skills
What is the Oaklander Model?
The Oaklander Model is a relational, child-centred approach that focuses on building safety, self-awareness, and emotional connection. It supports the whole child - emotions, body, creativity, and relationships.
How is this different from school counselling?
Play therapy offers a deeper, ongoing therapeutic relationship focused on emotional growth and self-awareness. It allows children to explore feelings through creative expression, not just talk-based problem solving.
Is play therapy suitable for neurodivergent children?
Yes. This approach is flexible and can support children with autism, ADHD, or sensory differences by meeting them at their individual pace and needs.
About your Child
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
If your child is experiencing anxiety, behavioural changes, emotional overwhelm, school difficulties, or ongoing physical symptoms that are impacting daily life, therapy can help.
What kind of challenges do you support?
Support is available for:
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Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
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Behavioural or school difficulties
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Emotional outbursts or withdrawal
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Low confidence or self-esteem
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Life changes (separation, loss, trauma)
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Difficulty expressing feelings
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Chronic or “unexplained” pain
How does play therapy help with chronic pain?
Chronic pain can be linked to a sensitive nervous system. Therapy helps children process stress and emotions, feel safer in their body, and gradually reduce pain responses.
What age children do you work with?
Children from 5 years and older.
What if my child doesn’t want to come or doesn’t engage?
This is very common. The first focus is building trust and safety. Children are never pressured — engagement grows naturally over time.
About Sessions
What happens in a typical session?
Sessions are gentle and child-led, and may include:
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A check-in or grounding activity
-
Play-based exploration (art, sand tray, storytelling, puppets)
-
Optional reflection or conversation
-
A calm closing activity
How long does therapy take?
Every child is different. Some may benefit from short-term support, while others may engage in longer-term therapy. Progress happens gradually.
How will I know if therapy is helping?
You may notice:
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Increased confidence
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Better emotional regulation
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Improved communication
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More positive behaviour at home or school
How are parents involved?
Parents are supported through:
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Check-ins and feedback
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Guidance for home support
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Insight into behaviour and emotional development
Will I be in the room with my child?
The first session is usually together. After that, children typically attend sessions independently, with parent check-ins included throughout the process.
Is what my child says confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality helps children feel safe. If there are safety concerns, parents will always be appropriately informed.
Practical Information
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are held in Sydney at my Petersham clinic, with phone consultations available for parent support.
What are your fees?
Sessions are $150 for 60 minutes.
Do you offer Medicare rebates?
Medicare rebates are not currently available. Fees are kept comparable to rebate providers to support accessibility for families.
What is your cancellation policy?
24 hours notice is required or the full session fee will be charged.
How do I book the first session?
You can book directly using the Book Now link.
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation to connect first.
Any questions that haven't been answered? Please don't hesitate to reach out for a chat.
Begin your child's support journey
If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviourally, or physically, gentle support is available. Play therapy can help children feel safer, more confident, and better able to navigate their world.