Play and Grow

We are happy to introduce you to ‘Play and Grow’—our whole-child, play-based therapy program for children under 12. This gentle, neurodiversity-informed program provides families with access to therapeutic support when their children experience challenges with emotional expression, social interaction, and self-regulation.

 

This gentle, neurodiversity-informed program was developed by child and developmental psychologist, Ms Aiping Ong. Ms Ong has more than 20 years of experience working with children, providing therapy for children under 12 and administering educational and other assessments.

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Why Choose Our Program?

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• Does your child struggle with expressing their experiences in words?

• Does your child get into repeated relationship issues?

• Do they find it hard to name their feelings?

• Are they unable to accept another's point of view (empathy)?

• Do they have difficulty organising their language to describe their own experiences?

• Do they experience strong negative feelings and struggle to regulate them?

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These challenges may indicate a need for emotional literacy, impulse control, social skills, conflict management, and the ability to organise experiences into words.

 

Program Foundations

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• Non-directive/Directive Play and Art Therapy: Supports academic, emotional, and social competence by engaging both intellect and emotion.

• Methods: Sand tray therapy, art and play therapy, CBT, visual strategies, and social skills training

 

Our Rationale

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Cognitive and emotional/behavioural skills are interrelated. Daniel Goleman, known for his work on emotional intelligence (EQ), identified key attributes of EQ:
 

• Awareness of feelings

• Ability to control impulses

• Adaptability to circumstances

• Conflict management

• Sensitivity to others' emotions and appropriate reactions
   

Social and emotional intelligence lead to academic success (Eisenberg 2006, Guerra and Bradshaw 2008). Academic competence in language also fosters social and emotional intelligence. Our program focuses on helping children translate their inner emotional experiences into organised language.

 

Our Delightful and Engaging Sessions

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• It is aimed at children aged 4-12 who experience the challenges mentioned above.

• Sessions include a combination of one-on-one child therapy and parent feedback and assessment.

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Contact us

 

Please email reception@dolphintribe.com.au to get your child enrolled in the programme. Alternatively, request an appointment.