Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how Play Therapy works and how it supports children’s emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach that supports children to express, process, and make sense of their experiences through play. Because play is a child’s natural way of communicating, it allows children to explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. At Head and Heart Child and Family Play Therapy on the Sunshine Coast, sessions are grounded in both research and strong therapeutic relationships, supporting emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and development.

Play Therapy works by creating a safe, consistent space where children can: express emotions through play rather than relying only on words process experiences at their own pace develop new ways of coping and responding build confidence, flexibility, and emotional regulation Over time, these changes in play are reflected in everyday life, including behaviour, relationships, and wellbeing. Explore 'Services' to learn about the different therapeutic approaches used at Head and Heart Play Therapy.

Yes. Play Therapy is supported by decades of research demonstrating positive outcomes for children across emotional, behavioural, and relational areas. It has been shown to support: emotional regulation anxiety and stress social skills and relationships behaviour and coping ...and much more! At Head and Heart, therapy is guided by both research evidence and careful clinical thinking.

While play may look similar on the surface, Play Therapy is guided by a trained therapist with a clear clinical framework. sessions are structured and intentional the therapist observes patterns and themes in play responses are carefully chosen to support development progress is monitored over time It is not simply play, it is a developmentally-appropriate therapeutic process.

Play Therapy is typically most effective for children aged 3 to 12. This is because: younger children communicate primarily through play language skills are still developing play provides a natural way to explore emotions and relationships Sessions are always adapted to your child’s developmental level, regardless of chronological age.

Some children use both talking and play in sessions. However: many children find it easier to express themselves through play play reduces pressure to find the “right words” combining play and language often leads to deeper understanding The therapist follows your child’s lead and works in the way that best supports them.

Play Therapy uses carefully selected materials that support expression and development. These may include: imaginative play figures creative and art materials sensory resources real-life and symbolic play items role-play materials ...and much more Each material is chosen to support different aspects of emotional and developmental expression.

Progress is observed through changes over time, rather than formal testing. This may include: changes in play themes and flexibility improved emotional expression and regulation shifts in behaviour at home or school stronger relationships and confidence Regular parent check-ins and review sessions support this process.

Yes. Play Therapy supports children with neurodevelopmental differences, including ADHD and autism. Support focuses on: understanding your child’s experience building emotional and social capacity supporting regulation and relationships working with strengths Head and Heart works with both self- and plan-managed NDIS participants.

Play Therapy and psychology both support children’s mental health, but they work in different ways. Child psychologists often use more structured or talk-based approaches, which can be helpful for older children who can reflect on their thoughts and feelings. Play Therapy is developmentally based and works through play, allowing children to express and process experiences in a way that matches how they naturally communicate.

Yes. Play Therapy can sit alongside support from a child psychologist or occupational therapist. These approaches often complement each other, with Play Therapy supporting emotional processing and relationships, while psychology or OT may focus on specific skills or strategies.