Play Potential
Occupational Therapy
Play Therapy
About Play Therapy
Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapy for children and adolescents that takes a systemic approach to promote psychological, social and emotional health and wellbeing.
The field of Play Therapy has a history of more than 60 years of continuous research.
Children learn to understand the world and their place in it through play. It’s where they’re free to act out their inner feelings and deepest emotions.
Toys can act as symbols and take on greater meaning — if you know what to look for.
Sometimes the child can’t adequately express themselves in the adult world, so in Play Therapy the therapist joins the child in their world, on their level.
A trained Play Therapist can gain insights into a child's problems and help the child explore these emotions and learn new coping mechanisms.
Benefits of Play Therapy
- Taking responsibility for certain behaviours
- Developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills
- Self-respect
- Empathy and respect for others
- Alleviation of anxiety
- Learning to fully experience and express feelings
- Stronger social skills
- Stronger family relationships
How Play Therapy Works
Play therapy can be directive or nondirective.
In the directive approach, the therapist will take the lead by specifying the toys or games that’ll be used in the session. The therapist will guide the play with a specific goal in mind.
The nondirective approach is less structured. The child is able to choose toys and games as they see fit. They’re free to play in their own way with few instructions or interruptions. The therapist will observe closely and participate as appropriate.
Sessions must take place in an environment where the child feels safe and where there are few limitations.
The therapist may use techniques that involve:
- creative visualization
- storytelling
- role-playing
- puppets, stuffed animals, and masks
- dolls, action figures
- arts and crafts
- water and sand play
- blocks and construction toys
- dance and creative movement
- music instrument playing and singing
About Occupational Therapy
Doing Skills
- Self care skills - brushing teeth, having a shower, getting dressed, making a snack
- School tasks - handwriting, construction play, thinking and problem solving tasks
- Motor coordination and fine motor tasks
- Play Skills, sequencing and story
Being Skills
- Coping with emotions and learning how to have a calm body
- Learning how to be with peers and make and maintain friendships
- Building self esteem & understanding self
Belonging Skills
- Building strong attachments with caregivers
- Fitting in with peers and developing friendships
- Engaging in local activities for leisure, sports, fun and connection with others
Becoming Skills
Within each of these groups, countless skills are necessary to ensure successful participation. Here are just a few:
- Understanding information from world
- Following instructions
- Organising ourselves, remaining regulated and focused
- Holding tools and materials
- Carrying out motor tasks
- Feeling successful, having enough confidence to participate
Occupational Therapists will help build on these skills to facilitate the child’s ability to participate. Where appropriate, OTs will work with other therapists to address the child’s needs. OTs will also look at changes to the child’s environment that can be made to facilitate participation.
Fee Schedule
Occupational Therapy Assessment
Occupational Therapy Assessment
Occupational Therapy Assessment
1 hour assessment appointment
Summary report and recommendations
NDIS Functional
ADOS 2 Assessments
Sensory Assessments
Therapy Sessions
Occupational Therapy Assessment
Occupational Therapy Assessment
60 minutes $200.00
30 minutes $100
NDIS Hourly Rate $193.99
Clinic Visits or Home and School Visits
Travel costs apply
Rebates
Occupational Therapy Assessment
Rebates
Medicare Better Access (Mental Health Care Plan)
$82.30 - Medicare rebate per session
Chronic Disease Management Plan
$58.30 - Medicare rebate per session
NDIS Registered Provider
Medicare Provider
Better Start Provider
HCWA Provider