Great Southern OccuPlay

Get to know Great Southern OccuPlay

From Great Southern OccuPlay's website.

• Our approach

  Play therapy uses toys and play as the language through which children express what troubles them, especially when they don't have the words to express their thoughts and feelings. Sessions are person-directed and age-appropriate, focused entirely on each child's individual experience. The therapist facilitates therapeutic play without directly teaching play skills, allowing children to feel free to express themselves. Over time, regular participation helps children develop social skills, self-confidence, independence and a stronger sense of self, leading to better engagement with peers and in school settings. The approach helps children learn to experience emotions, develop empathy, become more responsible for their actions, and discover creative solutions to challenges.

• Working with families

  The therapist discusses the stages of the play therapy process with you as they relate to your child and talks with you about themes emerging in sessions. You will be given guidance on ways you can assist your child, linked with the play therapy approach. Progress reports can be provided on goals identified and recommendations for further support, and progress will be visible as your child's social skills, self-confidence, independence and engagement improve. Regular communication keeps you informed of your child's development throughout therapy.

• Meet the team

  The practice is locally owned and operated by Alice Schinzig, a Registered Occupational Therapist with a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) degree from Curtin University (2006) and post-graduate training in Child Centred Play Therapy (2021). Alice holds AHPRA registration, is a registered member of the Play Therapy Practitioners Association, and holds a current Working with Children Card. She has extensive experience working across community health, disability and aged care in the Great Southern region since her graduation.

• Your first visit

  An initial consultation is arranged to discuss your family's needs and goals. The therapist uses standardised assessments, face-to-face observation, qualitative observational assessment, and interviews to understand how your child is managing day-to-day and what will help them achieve their goals. A therapy plan is then developed, and fees are determined in accordance with NDIS guidelines or other funding arrangements based on a written agreement. A 7-day invoice will be provided for each session, and payment methods will be discussed before the first appointment begins.