Frequently Asked Questions About Play Therapy Benefits with Skye 

If your child is experiencing ongoing anxiety, emotional outbursts, withdrawal, sleep difficulties or changes in behaviour, it may be a sign they are feeling overwhelmed. Play therapy provides a safe, developmentally appropriate way for children to express and process what they may not yet have words for.

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What does play therapy actually look like for a child?

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Play therapy uses toys, creative expression and relational connection to help children explore their feelings in a way that feels natural and safe. Rather than relying on talking alone, children communicate through play while being gently supported to build emotional regulation and resilience.

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Can my child access therapy through Medicare?

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Children may be able to access therapy through a Mental Health Care Plan provided by a GP. As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I can offer Medicare rebates, depending on your referral pathway.

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Do I need a referral for child therapy?

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A referral is not required to begin therapy. However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates, a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP is needed.

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How many sessions will my child need?

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This varies depending on your child’s needs. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others require longer-term therapeutic work, particularly when there has been trauma or ongoing stress.

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What age is play therapy suitable for?

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Play therapy is typically most effective for children aged 3 to 12, though adaptations can be made for older children and early adolescents.

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Does play therapy help with trauma or domestic violence?

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Play therapy is widely used to support children who have experienced trauma, including exposure to domestic and family violence. It allows children to safely process experiences at their own pace within a supportive therapeutic relationship.

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How is play therapy different from seeing a psychologist?

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Many families begin by looking for a child psychologist. Play therapy offers a developmentally appropriate alternative for younger children, using play rather than conversation as the primary way of communicating and healing.

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What's the difference between playing in play therapy and playing at home?

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Play therapy is not the same as playing in any other context in your child’s life. Play therapy provides a supportive space to help children integrate and express challenging feelings and experiences. Through the interaction with the play therapist, the child learns how to face life’s challenges and discover safe, healthy ways to express, regulate and relate. Play therapy is a non-pathologising psychotherapy for children.

If you would like to learn more about what play therapy is, please follow the link:

https://youtu.be/l-Jqj3WrrRU​​​

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If your question isn't answered here, feel free to get in touch.

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