Kids Play Therapy

Get to know Kids Play Therapy

From Kids Play Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  Kids Play Therapy uses a family-centred, evidence-based approach that puts play at the heart of therapy. Sessions focus on building everyday skills through engaging, play-based activities delivered in home, community, and online settings. The team works collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary professionals, valuing family insights and involving them in goal-setting to ensure interventions align with each family's values and the child's unique needs. Therapy is tailored to each child's strengths and developmental areas, combining practical cognitive and behavioural strategies with creative exploration. The environment is designed to feel safe, engaging, and meaningful, helping children express themselves and develop confidence across emotional, social, and functional domains.

• Working with families

  Families are integral to the therapeutic process and are actively involved throughout. The team works collaboratively with parents and caregivers, prioritising close communication to understand each family's unique needs, values, circumstances, and everyday routines. Parents and caregivers participate in goal-setting, which is often aligned with NDIS plans, and the team helps embed practical strategies into daily life. The Key Worker serves as a central point of contact and support, coordinating therapy across disciplines and advocating for families to help them understand available supports and navigate their child's developmental journey with confidence. Regular communication, collaboration with educators and other professionals in the child's life, and family-centred decision-making ensure consistent, cohesive support.

• Meet the team

  The team includes qualified professionals from diverse allied health backgrounds. May Horan is the Director and Early Childhood Support Practitioner/Key Worker, holding a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, with experience in specialist school settings and behavioural therapy. Nikki Masabala is a PACFA-registered Creative Arts Counsellor with a Bachelor of Arts Therapy and background in child development, specialising in supporting children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental differences. Andre Blanco is an Occupational Therapist who is CBT/REBT certified and provides play-based, child-centred therapy with expertise in functional assessments. Emma Rus is the Practice Administrator and Team Coordinator, bringing over 25 years of experience in healthcare and education administration. The team also works with a lead speech pathologist to deliver speech and language support.

• Your first visit

  At the first appointment, the team conducts a thorough initial assessment to understand your child's needs, strengths, and everyday routines. This involves discussion with parents and caregivers to explore your child's developmental history and your family's goals. Following assessment and collaboration with your support team, a personalised individual therapy plan is developed that addresses specific areas of concern and supports your child's holistic development. The team discusses how our approach aligns with your values and circumstances, and explains what therapy sessions will look like going forward. You can book a free introductory call to discuss your child's needs and explore whether our services are the right fit.