Play Potential · Occupational Therapy · Stafford, QLD | EarlyBloom
Verified 97d ago
Play Potential
At Play Potential it is our mission to provide a play based approach to therapy so your child can reach their full potential while having fun!
Stafford QLD 40533 services
In-person AHPRA verified
What families say
★ 0.0
Summarised from Google reviews.
About Play Potential
At Play Potential it is our mission to provide a play based approach to therapy so your child can reach their full potential while having fun! Deanna Wainwright is a registered Occupational Therapist and Play Therapist with over 20 years of paediatric experience, using a strengths based approach to address physical, cognitive, sensory and mental health challenges.
What Play helps with
Play Therapy
A therapeutic approach where children express and process emotions, experiences and difficulties through play — their natural language. A play therapist creates a safe space where the child leads and works through challenges at their own pace.
A therapy that helps children and adults develop the everyday skills needed for daily life — from dressing, writing and play to sensory processing and school participation. Occupational therapists assess what is getting in the way and design practical strategies to build independence and confidence.
OT & NDIS Functional Assessment
Comprehensive assessment of occupational therapy and functional needs for NDIS planning.
Play and Social Skills Assessment
Assessment of play abilities and social skills development.
Therapy targeting fine motor skill development and handwriting.
Anxiety & Regulation Support
Intervention for anxiety management and emotional regulation.
Parent Coaching
Guidance and skill-building for parents and carers to better understand their child's development, manage challenging behaviours and build a warm, secure relationship. Programs may be one-on-one or delivered in groups and draw on evidence-based frameworks tailored to the family's needs.
Get to know Play
Our approach
Play Potential uses a play-based approach to therapy, grounded in over 60 years of play therapy research. Sessions are tailored to each child's developmental stage and can be either directive (therapist-led with specific goals) or nondirective (child-led with freedom to choose activities). The therapist creates a safe environment where children are free to express themselves and solve their own problems, using toys, creative play, storytelling, role-play, arts and crafts, music, and movement. Occupational therapy sessions focus on building the skills children need for daily life, school participation, emotional regulation, and social connection, with the therapist adapting tasks and the environment to support learning. Parent coaching is also available to extend support beyond therapy sessions.
Working with families
Parents and carers are involved in therapy through parent coaching sessions, which help extend learning and strategies into the home and everyday life. The occupational therapy approach includes problem-solving collaboratively with parents and children to address challenges in daily tasks and routines. Play therapy can strengthen family relationships as part of its therapeutic benefits. The therapist works with parents to understand the child's needs and goals, and provides recommendations and resources to support the child's development across all the environments where they spend time.
Meet the team
Deanna Wainwright is the therapist at Play Potential, a paediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She holds a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Queensland (2001), a Bachelor in Music Therapy from the University of Queensland (1999), and a Masters in Child Play Therapy from Deakin University (2016). She is registered with AHPRA as an Occupational Therapist, registered with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association as a Registered Play Therapist, and is a member of OT Australia. Her background includes work at Queensland Children's Hospital in rehabilitation, child and youth mental health services, and experience supporting children with physical disabilities and diverse developmental needs.
Your first visit
Your child's first appointment will be an assessment lasting one hour, during which the therapist gathers information to understand your child's needs and strengths. A summary report with recommendations is provided following the assessment. The specific type of assessment can include occupational therapy assessment, ADOS 2 assessment for autism evaluation, and/or sensory assessment depending on your child's presentation and your questions. Sessions can take place at the clinic, your home, or your child's school. This initial visit helps establish goals and guide the direction of therapy moving forward.
Play Potential is not currently listed as a registered NDIS provider on the NDIS Commission register. They may still support plan-managed or self-managed NDIS participants — contact them to confirm.
What services does Play Potential provide?
Play Potential provides Occupational Therapy, Autism Assessment and ADHD Assessment.
Which areas does Play Potential cover?
Play Potential is based in Stafford, QLD.
How do I connect with Play Potential?
You can call +61 421 104 064 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.
What ages does Play Potential work with?
Play Potential works with children and adolescents.Based on Play Potential's website
What does a paediatric OT actually help with?
Common areas include handwriting and fine-motor skills, sensory sensitivities, daily routines (dressing, eating, sleep), coordination, and self-regulation.
Do we need a referral?
Not to see an OT privately. A GP referral and care plan are required only to access Medicare rebates or certain funded pathways.
Can OT be funded by the NDIS?
Yes, typically under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living when it aligns with your child's plan goals.
How is OT different from physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on gross-motor movement and physical function; OT focuses on participation in everyday tasks, including fine-motor, sensory, and self-care skills.
