About Play Therapy
Why Play Therapy?
If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour or that they are not reaching their full potential, Play Therapy is recommended.
What is Play Therapy?
In Play Therapy, children are provided with a ‘Tool-Kit’ – specially chosen toys and creative arts media – to enable them to communicate what they have difficulty expressing through language. Children are given the opportunity to develop ways
of dealing with challenging situations and emotions within a supportive, safe and caring environment. Toys are their words. Play is their language. Emotional wellbeing is the aim.
How long will the sessions last?
Weekly sessions each lasting 45 minutes for approximately 8 to 12 weeks or longer may be recommended, following a professional assessment.
Who would benefit?
Children who have social difficulties (e.g. difficulty making friends).
Children who are shy or withdrawn.
Children who display behaviours that are challenging.
Children who are dealing with loss.
Children whose parents are divorcing or separated.
Children in out of home care.
Children who have experienced trauma.
What are the benefits of Play Therapy?
Parents and teachers report many positive changes in children’s behaviour and mood once the children have resolved feelings such as fear, anxiety, grief, anger or jealousy. Play Therapy leads to better outcomes for the child when it is provided alongside family support.
About Elly
Play Therapist
I am a Registered and Accredited Play Therapist.
I have worked as an Early Childhood professional for over 30 years, in the capacity of both teacher and drama specialist.
I work with children aged 3 to 12 years.
I am committed to supporting children with their emotional concerns; to assist them in finding a sense of inner security and an awareness of self.
In the Therapeutic Play Space, an environment is created where children feel safe, secure, respected and accepted.
Theoretical Influences:
Virginia Axline and Carl Rogers’ client-centered approach.
Bruce Perry and Allan Shore’s work on the enduring impact of early trauma on brain development.
Bessel van der Kolk, whose work integrates mind, brain, body and social connections to understand and treat trauma.
Howard Gardner – Multiple Intelligences & pedagogy from Reggio Emilia.
Erik Erikson – stages of psychosocial development model.
John Bowlby – Attachment theory.
Violet Oaklander – the ‘Tool Kit’ approach and Gestalt directive.
Carl Jung’s work with the unconscious.
Qualifications:
MA in Practice-Based Play Therapy.
Post Graduate Diploma in Play Therapy.
Bachelor of Education, Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Diploma of Applied Social Science.
Animal Assisted Play Therapy (Level 1).
Play Therapy Clinical Supervision Training.
Professional Associations:
Member Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA).
Member of Play Therapy International & Play Therapy Australasia (PTI & PTAU).
Member Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Victorian Institute of Teaching Membership (VIT).
Play Therapy with Elly Levis
Elly is on leave until 2025
