Play Heal Belong
Play Heal Belong is a newly established First Nations owned and operated Child and Family Play Therapy space located on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country and services the Bayside, Peninsula and South-Eastern suburbs of Narrm (Melbourne)
We offer a range of evidence-based play-based therapeutic services for children and their families and prioritise Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, their family and kin.
We accept self referrals, referrals by health care providers or out-of-home care providers.
Play Heal Belong aims to be a trauma-informed, strengths-based and culturally safe therapeutic service.
We work holistically with clients to ensure their healing journey is individualised to what works best for them.
About Play Heal Belong
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is evidence-based child-friendly form of therapy/counselling that is appropriate for children from ages 2 and up. Play therapists work out of a ‘playroom’ where children can explore and express their feelings and experiences in a safe space.
All children love to play, so play therapy draws on this to engage children in therapy at their level, in their own way and through something they love to do.
How can play therapy help my child?
Play therapy can assist in strengthening play skills and social and emotional development and can also increase confidence and self- esteem.
Play Therapy involves the caregivers in every step and will also provide caregivers with support and skills to use at home.
What is involved?
Play Therapy sessions run for 45-50 minutes and usually occur weekly at the same day and time and in the same playroom. This creates a routine for children, so they know what to expect each session.
Depending on the child and family’s individual needs, sessions could range from 10-20 sessions or more ongoing sessions long-term.
Play Therapy at Play Heal Belong
At Play Heal Belong we are neuro-affirming and culturally safe in our approach- that means we will work alongside carers/parents and most importantly the child to find out what ways of working will suit the child best and 'meet them where they are', make sure they feel supported and most of all recognise their strengths, skills and experiences.
Every child is individual and may need shorter or a longer amount of time in Play Therapy, however we strongly recommend no less than 10 sessions to ensure the child can build a trusting relationship, become comfortable in the space and ensure that they feel safe to explore anything they need to within the playroom.
Our Fees
NDIS Changes (October 2024) NDIS supports,
Play Heal Belong is committed to supporting NDIS participants. In my therapeutic work with children, I meet Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level 9 in a Mental/Allied Health field and am a recognised allied health professional, registered with PTPA and APPTA.
We offer a range of therapeutic journeys for children and families.
Our current prices are listed below (as of 1st July 2024):
- Parent/Carer INITIAL INTAKE session (phone or in-person)- $185 +GST (one-off session)
- 'Learn to Play' Session - $185 + GST private paying clients / NDIS $193.99 (per 45 minute session + 15 minute for professional notes)
- Humanistic Play Session - $185 +GST private paying clients / NDIS $193.99 (per 50 minute session + 10 minute for professional notes)
- Parent/Carer Meeting or Care Team Meeting attendance - $110+ GST (per hour)
- Third Party Providers (OOHC Providers etc) - $200 + GST per 50 minute session
- Play Assessment (varies- please contact for a quote)
- Report Writing (varies- please contact for a quote)
- Professionals Meeting (varies- please contact for a quote)
- Out of Home Care specialist services (please contact us for more information)
We accept NDIS clients (self and plan managed)
CANCELLATION POLICY:
To ensure all children and families have access to timely appointments, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations. If any occur within a 24 hour period prior to the appointment time a 50% cancellation fee applies
About Rhianna
Hi, I'm Rhianna, I am a Pakana woman and was born and raised on GunaiKurnai Country and have lived on Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country since 2009.
I have worked for 14 years in Early Childhood education and First Nations advocacy, research, health and wellbeing across a number of Early Childhood services and health and education organisations.
In my spare time I love cooking, exploring new hikes, spending time at the beach and with my family including two cats and one blue tongue lizard!
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (University of Tasmania)
Masters of Play Therapy (Deakin University) [Australian Qualification Framework Level 9- ]
First Nations Narrative Therapy (Level 1)
We Al-Li- Recreating the Circle of Wellbeing (30 hour training)
Completing (2024) - Professional Diploma of Therapeutic Life Story Work (Berry Street)
Professional Associations:
Play Therapy Practitioners Association- Registered Play Therapist
Australasian Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA) registered
Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registered
