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“Toys are children’s words
and play is their language”
Garry Landreth
ABOUT
RENEE
Renee is an experienced Special Education Teacher of 20 years, and Associate Play Therapist with PTPA, Affiliate Play Therapist with APTA having completed a Certificate in Child Centred Play Therapy. Renee is working towards client hours in play therapy and also studying a Masters in Counselling. She is also a respite foster carer, providing time out for foster carers.
Renee has worked with children with special needs for 25+ years in a range of settings, including mainstream and special schools in Queensland and the Northern Territory. She draws on a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to work therapeutically as a play therapist. coordinating workshops and small group activities with your child and family, building a relationship to help your child heal, grow and learn new skills. Renee also provides individualised support, education and empowerment to advocate for your child in working with key stakeholders such as families, teachers, school administration and therapists.
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Do I need a Doctor's ReferralNo. A GP, support coordinator, local area coordinator, plan manager or even friends and family may recommend play therapy, however you will not need an official referral. All enquiries are welcome.
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What is the difference between play-based therapy and play therapy?Play based therapies use toys and play as part of their therapies that they implement e.g. occupational therapists, speech or physiotherapists will use toys and play within their therapies to increase engagement. Play therapists use play as the therapeutic tool to help clients resolve psychological difficulties and promote emotional wellbeing. Play is used as a model for clients without the pressure of using words that is generally the focus for most talk therapies. Play is the language and toys are the words (Gary Landreth, 2012).
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Is play therapy an evidence based therapy?Child-Centered Play Therapy is an evidence-based complete therapeutic system that increases a child’s functional capacity by providing therapeutic support for social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. For evidence regarding the efficacy of Child-Centered Play Therapy, please see Outcome Research - Evidence Based Child Therapy (https://evidencebasedchildtherapy.com/outcome-research/), and Research Resources - Association for Play Therapy (https://www.a4pt.org/page/PublicResearchResource). Child-Centered Play Therapy provides an effective intervention to meet an individual’s NDIS goals, and will assist the development of, or to increase, a participant’s skills and their capacity for independence and community participation.
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I don’t see any progress happening or I feel like my child is going backwards?The play therapy process is a slow process. It is not a quick fix. It is a child led model that allows the child to express their needs, feelings and thoughts in their own time in a confidential and safe environment. Healing difficulties related to disability, trauma, domestic violence, changes in the family, illness or a wide range of areas take time. It is a collaborative effort between child and the family unit to support their wellbeing. It is easier said than done, however trust the process!
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My child does not speak, or has difficulty communicating, can they do play therapy?Absolutely! Renee is an experienced special education teacher of 20 years and has a strong interest in working with children with communication difficulties. She has experience with collaborating with therapists and implementing strategies in the classroom and in home support using AAC devices for children with a range of communication abilities. Play therapy is a process focused on using play as the therapeutic model for expression. Words are not essential. Children will have the opportunity to explore toys, materials, sand, water, art activities in a child led process for them to express their needs, feelings and thoughts.
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Can I make a payment through NDIS?There have been some changes recently in the NDIS with the availability of creative and expressive therapies and limiting access for participants. Talk with your support coordinator or plan manager and see if play therapy aligns with your child’s plan. If you would like play therapy as part of your child's plan and it is not specified, you can make arrangements and advocate that this will be of benefit to your child. If you would like further information to support this evidence based process, contact Renee. Please advocate for play therapy as well as other creative and expressive therapies such as art and music therapy. It has a wide range of benefits for children of all developmental levels.
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I’m not using NDIS, can I still access play therapy or Lego based therapy?If you are not part of the NDIS scheme, bookings are also available for private therapy. Contact Renee to make an appointment for an intake or click on a link for the bookings page.
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Can I claim on Medicare?Medicare claims are not available at this time. NDIS options are still available. Private bookings are also available via the link to the booking page.
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Learning to play Vs play therapy?Many make the assumption that play therapy is about learning to play in a specific way or developing skills in how to play. Some of our children play in different ways and are at varied developmental levels. Play therapy is the therapeutic process supporting their wellbeing which in turn can support development in areas such as social skills, emotional regulation, communication skills, speech, self advocacy and self awareness. Play therapy meets the child at their developmental and emotional level as well as their interests. Any way they play is welcome! Play does not need to look a certain way.
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What is LEGO Based Therapy?LEGO Based Therapy is an evidence based, child led, structured program. It was initially developed for improving social competence in children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (LeGoff et al, 2004). It is an interest based process using a child's curiosity and motivation to influence behavioural change. It is also beneficial to children with a range of other social communication difficulties or simply have an interest in LEGO based activities.
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How do I make a booking for a Workshop?Bookings can be made for workshops via the website booking links, Try Booking or via this link. Navigate to the Group Sessions tab and select the location of the name of the workshop. https://educate-and-play-with-renee.splose.com/booking
CONTACT RENEE
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Please note: Availability can vary
Face to Face or Online consultations available
Mobile Option available
Servicing suburbs within the Moreton Bay Region, Queensland