14 July 2025: 🧙‍♀️ EMAIL GREMLINS AT WORK! It seems our email system has gone on a little unplanned adventure — possibly through a mysterious portal or DNS wormhole. 🌀 If you’ve sent us a message and haven’t heard back, it’s not you — it’s the gremlins. We're working on luring them back into their cage and restoring normal email magic. We expect it to only be for 24-48 hours. In the meantime, please reach out via text to 0488 432 165 and we will be right back to you.
The Counselling Space logo The Counselling Space logo

 

 

Learn to Play

 


 

EVIDENCE BASED
ACCREDITED
FUN!!!

Play isn't easy!

We think of Play as something that comes easily to children.

But children develop play skills in different ways, and sometimes they need help.

If your child is between 18 months and 10 years and:

  • seems unsure how to start a play scene 
  • has emotional difficulties in play
  • is anxious in social situations
  • wants to play with others but struggles
  • has delayed language skills
  • or destroys the play scenes of peers

the Learn to Play program can help.

child dressed as superhero for learn to play

The Benefits of Learn to Play

 Pretend Play (Imaginative Play) is how children learn about the world.  Learn to Play uses pretend play to build a range of skills for your child. 

Feelings

Identify them in the body

Build emotion language

Express emotions

Manage big feelings

Understanding

Problem solving

Extended attention

Logical sequencing

Navigate the world 

Social

Turn taking

Playing with others

Playing alone

How to do friendships

How to care for self

Language

Story telling

Linking words

Build vocabulary

Use body language

Develop narrative

Stating needs

 

Note: if your child plays happily but differently from their peers, talk with us about whether our Learn to Play or ND (NeuroDivergent) Centred Play Therapy options would be more helpful.  

 

"Our son used to stay apart from the other children and it broke my heart seeing him so alone, just watching them.

Now he joins in, laughs and has fun.  His confidence has improved and he doesn't have so many meltdowns.  His kinder teacher has really noticed the difference. 

He is still his own quirky self, but happier and less anxious."

 

 

-Jen
Mum to 4 year old*

  * Confidentiality is super important at The Counselling Space, so no names are shared 

 

What's involved with Learn to Play?

Meet with Angie

It's important we have a good understanding of your child: their background, what they like to do, what they don't like, the kind of person they are, and what you might be worried about.

It's also important to know about you and your family, so we can work alongside you, your values and your parenting style.

This background session with Angie is just for you as the parent/s or carers (your child does not attend). It also gives you the chance to ask whatever questions you need to be sure this is the right program for your child.

Play Assessment

Angie meets with your child for an assessment of their current play skills.

Angie uses a researched and evidence based play assessment process to determine your child's developmental play skill levels compared to their chronological (actual) age.   This helps us develop a plan for your child tailored just for their learning needs.  Angie will make the results of the assessment available to you as well as your child's GP and kinder/school if you wish. 

(The assessment is play-based, casual and friendly, and most children really enjoy it.)

Play Sessions

Angie will meet weekly or fortnightly with your child for individual Learn to Play sessions.  Each session is developed to build specific play skills for your child. 

Angie provides feedback to you during the course of the program, and finds out from you how your child is progressing at home and at kinder/school. 

Generally between 8 - 12 sessions are needed (more may be suggested if your child is neurodivergent - eg is autistic or is an ADHD'er*, though our ND Centred Play Therapy may be more appropriate).

* At The Counselling Space we use identify first language, as preferred by most in the neurodivergent communities.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do I refer my child to

Learn to Play?

Please feel welcome to contact Angie directly to discuss whether your child would benefit from the Learn to Play program (or other accredited play therapy approaches).

ndis registered provider
NDIS Plan
If your child has an NDIS Plan talk with Angie or your Coordinator of Supports about whether the Learn to Play program fits with the goals in the NDIS Plan. The Counselling Space is a Registered NDIS Provider, and is happy to develop a Service Agreement for you.
medicare logo
GP (Doctor) Referral
Angie is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, which means you can claim a rebate for some of the cost if your child's GP (doctor) refers them under a Mental Health Care Plan. (Please note we are unable to offer bulk billing, and parent sessions may not be covered.)
Local Agency Support (4)
Your Case Manager
If you have a Case Manager with a local agency (such as Dpt of Communities and Justice, or one of the Family Support agencies) talk with them about whether they will assist your child to access Learn to Play. With your consent, we can talk with them.
private referral logo
Private Sessions
Your child can attend Learn to Play as a private client, with no referral required. If you have top extras private health insurance with BUPA, Teachers Health, UniHealth, or Nurses and Midwives Health, you may be able to claim some of the cost.

To find out more about the

Learn to Play

program, or to register your child for the next available appointment, please call us on 0488 432 165 

DOWNLOAD Learn to Play Pamphlet for Parents and Carers

DOWNLOAD Learn to Play Flyer for GPS, Early Childhood Educators, NDIS Plan Managers and other professionals


child dressed as superhero for learn to play
The Counselling Space

“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play”

Psychologist

The Counselling Space

“Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning”

Naturalist and Poet