Services | Evelise Child Play Therapy

Learn to Play Therapy

Learn to Play is a structured, directive approach that supports children in developing the foundational skills for pretend play, while also promoting language, social interaction, emotional understanding, and self-confidence.

Developed by Australian play therapist Dr. Karen Stagnitti, this model focuses on teaching children how to initiate, develop, and extend spontaneous pretend play — which is essential for cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Pretend play (also known as imaginative or make-believe play) involves using imagination to create roles, stories, and symbolic use of objects. Through pretend play, children learn how to explore emotions, understand social situations, solve problems, and express themselves more effectively.

Children who struggle with pretend play often find it difficult to engage with peers, communicate their ideas, or make sense of emotional experiences. Learn to Play helps build these skills in a step-by-step way, with the therapist guiding the child through play sequences while gently expanding their play abilities.

CCPT Therapy

Child-Centered Play Therapy is a gentle, non-directive approach based on the belief that every child has the inner ability to heal, grow, and make sense of their world — when given the right environment.

In CCPT, the therapist doesn’t lead or instruct the child. Instead, they follow the child’s lead, creating a space where the child feels completely accepted, understood, and safe. Through play — their natural language — children are free to explore emotions, process difficult experiences, and express themselves in ways that words often can’t capture.

The healing comes not from fixing or teaching, but from the child being truly seen and accepted just as they are. Over time, this process helps children build self-confidence, emotional awareness, and the ability to manage challenges more effectively.

At the heart of this approach is a strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and the child — one built on empathy, respect, and unconditional positive regard.

Filial Therapy

Filial Therapy is a special kind of family-based play therapy where parents are the agents of change. Instead of the therapist doing all the work, parents are gently taught how to use therapeutic play techniques to support their child’s emotional and behavioural development.

With the guidance of a trained play therapist, parents learn how to create a special kind of playtime at home — one that builds connection, trust, and understanding. These sessions aren’t about correcting behaviour, but about strengthening the relationship and helping children feel truly seen and heard.

Filial Therapy has been shown to reduce emotional and behavioural challenges in children while also helping parents feel more confident, calm, and attuned in their parenting.

Over time, the skills parents learn during these play sessions naturally become part of everyday life — improving communication, deepening emotional bonds, and creating a more connected family environment.

Social Group Therapy

Our Social Group Therapy is designed to support children aged 3 to 12 in developing essential social and emotional skills in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Children are carefully matched in groups of up to four based on age and the specific social skills they are working on, ensuring activities are engaging and appropriately challenging for each child.

Each session runs for 1.5 hours and includes a mix of interactive games, role-play, cooperative activities, and guided discussions. Through these activities, children learn to recognise and express emotions, communicate effectively, take turns, cooperate with others, and solve social problems. The small group setting allows for individualised attention while encouraging peer interaction and social learning.

Groups typically run for 8–12 weeks, with the duration tailored to each child’s progress. By the end of the program, children gain increased confidence, improved social skills, and strategies they can use in everyday interactions at home, school, and in the community.

Next Group starts on Term 4!