"Toys are children's words and Play is their language"
- Gary Landreth
About True North Play Therapy
Our Mission
Meet your Therapist
Our Approach
Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and playful therapeutic space where children can express themselves, build emotional resilience, and heal through the natural language of play. Our heart is that, through play, children are able to find their "True North".
Our Approach
Meet your Therapist
Our Approach
Our approach is grounded in Child-Centred Play Therapy, honouring play as a child’s natural language for expression and healing. We provide a safe, accepting, and consistent therapeutic environment where children are trusted to lead their process and grow at their own pace.
Meet your Therapist
Meet your Therapist
Meet your Therapist
Summer is a Registered Play Therapist and the founder of this practice, specialising in Child-Centred Play Therapy. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where children feel understood and empowered to express themselves through play.
Who We Support
At True North, we can support children or young people with:
- Managing big emotions - such as worries, anger or sadness
- Mental health issues – anxiety, depression or other difficulties
- Significant life events – such as divorce/separation, grief & loss, school transitions
- Relationship issues – family and/or peer relationships; bullying
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Preparation and support for medical treatment and procedures, including individualised procedural plans
- Understanding and managing chronic and acute illnesses and the stress associated with this
- Processing and healing from trauma or traumatic events
- Daily challenges that impact wellbeing
Our Services
Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)
In CCPT, play is led by the child, with the therapist following their direction. This model is grounded in the understanding that children and young people possess an inherent capacity for growth and change when the right therapeutic conditions are in place. A range of toys, sensory resources, and creative materials are intentionally chosen to allow children to express themselves in ways that align with their developmental stage. The therapist uses specialised therapeutic skills to foster a sense of safety, acceptance, and understanding. The relationship between the child and therapist is central to the therapeutic process and underpins meaningful change.
"Learn to Play"
'Learn to Play 'Therapy, developed by Karen Stagnitti (2012), is a structured, directive play therapy approach in which the therapist actively supports and guides the child’s play at an appropriate developmental level. This model recognises that some children need additional assistance to build play skills, particularly those with learning or cognitive differences or experiences of trauma. Through Learn to Play Therapy, children are helped to strengthen their pretend play abilities. Enhancing pretend play skills contributes to emotional, social, and cognitive growth, while also increasing the child’s engagement and enjoyment in play.
Filial Therapy
Facilitated play sessions involving both the child and their parent can help build and strengthen the parent–child relationship, supporting both the prevention and reduction of family relational difficulties. Filial Play Therapy focuses on equipping parents with the skills needed to engage therapeutically with their child, including play structuring, empathic listening, imaginative play, and effective limit setting. This intervention is flexible and can be adapted to suit the unique needs of each family, with sessions delivered over a twelve-week period through a blend of face-to-face and virtual formats. Families are supported to progress at a pace that feels right for them, with practical guidance, feedback, and skill-building tailored to their circumstances.
Child Life Therapy
Child Life Therapy utilises evidence-informed practices to help minimise the stress and anxiety children may experience in healthcare settings, with a strong focus on supporting developmental, social, and emotional wellbeing. Child Life Therapists are trained healthcare professionals with specialist expertise in child development. Their work is guided by a trauma-informed framework, ensuring that children and families are supported in a safe, responsive, and compassionate manner throughout healthcare experiences.
FAQ's for Parents and Carers
How do I know if Play Therapy is suitable for my child?
We offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and assess suitability of service. Contact info@truenorthplaytherapy.com.au to book a time.
How are the sessions scheduled?
An initial meeting is arranged with the parent(s) or carer(s) to gather information about the child and understand the presenting concerns. This appointment is held without the child present and may take place either in person or via telehealth. For children engaging in Play Therapy, an initial course of 10–12 weekly sessions is recommended. This timeframe supports the development of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and provides space for children to explore and process strong emotions. A review meeting with the parent(s) or carer(s) is scheduled during this treatment period to reflect on goals, discuss progress, and plan next steps. Some children may benefit from a longer course of therapy, particularly when working through complex experiences or trauma; this will be considered and discussed during review sessions. Therapy focused on preparing children for medical procedures will be planned on an individual basis.
Do parents attend sessions?
Parents and carers play a vital role in the Play Therapy journey and are involved through intake and review appointments. The child’s individual sessions are treated as a confidential therapeutic space, therefore it's 1:1. During these sessions, parents are welcome to remain in the waiting area or close by. The therapist will collaborate with families to help each child feel safe and settled in the playroom, which may include parent involvement during the initial sessions if needed. Parents and carers are also welcome to request additional appointments at any stage to discuss their child’s progress.
Do I need a Referral?
You do not need a referral from a GP or Allied Health Practitioner; however, they are more than welcome to refer you to True North Play Therapy. You can refer your own child by contacting us directly.
Contact Us
True North Play Therapy
301 Brunker Road, Adamstown New South Wales, 2289, Australia
T: 0421 749 020
E: info@truenorthplaytherapy.com.au