Dandelion Play Therapy

Get to know Dandelion Play Therapy

From Dandelion Play Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of counselling where children express their inner thoughts, feelings and emotions through play, which helps them heal and grow. Different modalities are used to suit each child's needs—child-centred play therapy works one-on-one to allow children to lead their own healing, while directive play therapy builds specific play, language and cognitive skills, and filial play therapy works with families to strengthen attachment and relationships. The approach is particularly helpful for children who have experienced trauma, grief, social-emotional challenges, language delays, or have a diagnosed disability like autism or ADHD. Sessions allow children to work through their concerns naturally and safely, at their own pace, in a space designed for their minds, hearts and souls to meet.

• Working with families

  Parents and caregivers are central to the support process. For consult-based services, parents complete intake forms and participate in sessions (via email or phone/video) to learn about their child's needs and receive a detailed, tailored play plan with practical strategies to implement at home. Group play workshops for ages 0-4 are specifically designed for parents, caregivers and children together to build relationships and connections through attachment-based play experiences in a safe, inclusive environment. Communication happens through email, and the service emphasises evidence-based ideas that families can take away and use in their own daily routines.

• Meet the team

  The service is led by Emma Jones, an experienced early childhood teacher and play therapist who holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies from ECU and completed a Graduate Diploma in Child Therapeutic Play from Deakin University in 2021. Emma is working towards a Masters in Child Play Therapy, with her clinical placement to be completed in 2024. She has a passion for supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential. The business was jointly created with Emma's mother, Julie Faulkner, an experienced early childhood teacher of 40 years who is passionate about play in the early years.

• Your first visit

  The first step typically involves completing a comprehensive parent intake and interview form via email, where you'll share information about your child's current issues and concerns. This is followed by a summary email to check and clarify the concerns identified. For those choosing the online consult option, you'll have a 45-minute session with the play therapist via phone or Zoom to gain a deeper understanding of your child's needs. From this information, a detailed play plan tailored to your child is created, with practical, evidence-based ideas and strategies you can implement in your daily routine at home.