Sacred House Play Therapy

Get to know Sacred House Play Therapy

From Sacred House Play Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  Play therapy at Sacred House uses a humanistic, child-led approach where children choose what and how they play during sessions, allowing them to work through challenges in a way that feels natural and safe. The therapist creates a warm, nurturing environment and uses empathic listening to reflect back the child's feelings, thoughts and needs expressed through play, helping them feel seen and heard. Sessions are carefully designed with access to thoughtfully selected toys, arts, crafts and materials that support emotional expression and exploration. This developmental approach meets the child where they are and gives insight into their inner world, helping them develop emotional regulation, confidence and resilience. Through play as the therapy, children gradually express emotions, work through difficulties and develop the skills needed to cope with life's challenges.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are central to the therapeutic process and receive regular communication about their child's progress. Progress and support sessions are offered where therapists discuss how the child is progressing in therapy and at home, and offer recommendations and strategies for parents to use. For families choosing Filial Therapy, parents learn therapeutic skills to conduct their own play sessions with their child, positioning them as 'co-therapist' in supporting their child's healing. The provider emphasises working alongside families as a team to achieve positive outcomes, recognising that a child's relationships and environment are key factors in their journey to healing. This collaborative approach ensures parents feel informed, supported and equipped with tools to support their child's emotional wellbeing beyond the therapy room.

• Meet the team

  The practice is founded and led by Megan Towell, a Master-qualified Child Play Therapist who holds a Master of Child Play Therapy from Deakin University and a double degree bachelor of Human Services and Criminology. She brings 8 years of dedicated experience working alongside families facing profound adversities and has a background in child protection and non-government organisations. All therapists at Sacred House are registered with the Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA) and undertake ongoing peer and clinical supervision. The team uses a humanistic and relational approach grounded in evidence-based interventions, with therapists trained in specialist skills including empathic listening, emotional attunement and trauma-informed practice.

• Your first visit

  The initial parent or carer intake is approximately 60 minutes to 1.5 hours and can occur in person, via phone or online. This meeting involves only the parents or guardians and is an opportunity to get to know each other, discuss your family history and understand the therapy process. Before committing to ongoing therapy, the provider also offers a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your family's needs and determine whether Sacred House Play Therapy is the right fit for your child. After intake, children typically begin play therapy sessions that are 45 minutes long, held weekly or fortnightly, where they have a safe space to explore and express themselves through play.