The Therapy Place

Get to know The Therapy Place

From The Therapy Place's website.

• Our approach

  The Therapy Place takes a holistic and kind approach, aiming to support both children and their families with specialised, evidence-based interventions delivered by highly skilled therapists working collaboratively. Paediatric therapists apply their specialised knowledge to help children develop independence in all their activities, including school, play, leisure and self-care skills such as dressing and feeding. Sessions are interactive and functional, tailored to each child's individual goals and circumstances while meeting each family's needs. The team recognises the challenges of parenting a child with special needs and supports families to implement strategies in the home environment. Therapy is designed to be engaging and fun, with the aim of seeing each child grow in confidence, skills and happiness.

• Working with families

  The Therapy Place firmly believes that the best way to help your child is to teach you to implement the strategies used in sessions at home, which is why a parent or guardian is required to remain on site during therapy sessions for legal purposes. The team takes a family-centred approach, with therapists valuing strong relationships with families and recognising that collaborative teamwork is essential for achieving the best outcomes for children. Detailed notes and descriptions are provided following each session, and the team is available to attend school and NDIS meetings to support and advocate for your child. The philosophy emphasises supporting parents to be the best they can be while their child grows in confidence, skills and happiness, and therapists will adapt their approach if a child responds better without the parent present.

• Meet the team

  The team comprises qualified occupational therapists, speech therapists and accredited practising dietitians with extensive paediatric experience. Occupational therapists include directors Stephanie Hodge and Fiona Berry, clinical team leader Lauren Smith, and therapists Bettina Jain, Jacqui Smith, Rebecca de Boer, Tania Williams, Chi Zhing Tang and Matthew Orr, each bringing specialised training in areas such as autism, sensory processing, aquatic therapy, handwriting and social skills. Speech therapists include Samantha Berg, Amy Somerwil, Lily Storey, Bethany Lee, Keshia Kim and Julia Pantaleon, with expertise in early intervention, alternative and augmentative communication, dyspraxia and language learning. Dietitians Elisa Wust and Emma Ghaly are accredited practitioners with extensive paediatric nutrition skills and specialist credentials in eating disorders, bringing experience from major children's hospitals and community health services.