Play Therapy Bella Vista | Child Therapists Ages 3-12

Why Play Therapy?

Young children often lack the verbal skills to talk about their feelings the way adults do in traditional therapy. Play therapy uses toys, art, sand, and creative activities as the medium for communication. Through play, children can safely express and work through experiences that may be too difficult to put into words.

To understand more before booking play therapy in Bella Vista, you can read about what synergetic play therapy involves, how play can support children's friendships and social skills, and the broader benefits of play therapy for emotional wellbeing.

Play therapy is evidence-based and effective for:

Anxiety and worry (including school refusal)

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences

Grief and loss (bereavement, family separation)

Behavioural challenges and emotional outbursts

Adjustment to family change (divorce, relocation, new sibling)

Low self-esteem and social difficulties

Autism Spectrum Disorder and neurodevelopmental differences

How Sessions Work

A typical play therapy session is 50 minutes. For children aged 3–8, parents typically attend part of each session for consultation. For older children, sessions are usually individual with periodic parent meetings.

The play therapy space is equipped with a range of therapeutic materials. Your child's psychologist follows their lead, creating a non-directive, accepting environment where children feel safe to express whatever is present for them.

Parent Involvement

Parents are essential partners in the play therapy process. Your psychologist will:

Provide regular updates on themes emerging in sessions

Guide you in responding therapeutically at home

Teach you skills from Filial Therapy to extend therapeutic play at home

Involve you in goal-setting and review throughout treatment

Why Families Choose Potentialz Unlimited

25+ Years Clinical Experience

Dr. Gurprit Ganda brings over 25 years of clinical psychology expertise — one of the most experienced practitioners in the Hills District.

Multilingual Care

Services available in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Marathi, Tamil, and Kannada — culturally sensitive care for diverse families.

Medicare Rebates Available

Sessions are eligible for Medicare rebates with a GP Mental Health Care Plan (up to 10 sessions per calendar year).

Same-Week Appointments

Typically available same week. Telehealth sessions offered across NSW.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child needs play therapy?

Signs that a child may benefit from play therapy include: significant changes in behaviour, sleep difficulties, withdrawal, school avoidance, excessive worry, aggression, regression to earlier behaviours, or following a distressing event such as trauma or family change.

How long does play therapy take?

Most children show progress within 8–20 sessions. Children with more complex presentations or trauma histories may benefit from longer treatment. Your child's psychologist will provide an estimated duration at the initial parent consultation.

Is play therapy covered by Medicare?

Yes. Play therapy delivered by a registered or clinical psychologist is covered by Medicare with a GP Mental Health Care Plan. The referring GP can include your child's mental health concern on the plan.

What age is play therapy suitable for?

We provide play therapy for children from age 3 through to 12. Adolescents (13+) typically benefit more from talking-based therapies such as CBT or ACT, though expressive arts approaches may also be incorporated.

What happens in the initial session?

The first session is usually a parent consultation (without the child) lasting 50–90 minutes. This allows the psychologist to gather developmental history, understand the family context, and plan an individualised approach for your child.

Where is your play therapy in Bella Vista located, and when are you open?

We offer play therapy in Bella Vista, NSW, supporting families across the Hills District. Our rooms are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm. For younger children, in-person sessions are usually most beneficial; where appropriate, some parent consultations can be held via telehealth. Call 0410 261 838 to arrange a time.

Is play therapy available through NDIS?

For self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, play therapy may be funded where therapeutic play aligns with a child's plan goals, such as emotional regulation or social participation, with sessions invoiced at NDIS rates. Play therapy may also be accessed privately or, when delivered by a registered psychologist, with Medicare rebates under a GP Mental Health Care Plan.

Do you provide telehealth for children?

In-person play therapy is generally recommended for young children, as the play space and materials are central to the approach. Telehealth can still be useful for parent consultations and guidance between sessions. We can talk through what is likely to suit your child when you call 0410 261 838 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm).

Meet Your Play Therapy Practitioner

Bhavini Ambaram

Practitioner in Therapeutic Play

Bhavini brings over six years of experience supporting children aged 3–12 through therapeutic play. Accredited through Play Therapy International (PTUK/PTSA), she draws on Synergetic Play Therapy, LEGO® Based Therapy, and Parent–Child Attachment Play to help children process trauma, build emotional regulation skills, and regain confidence.

She specialises in children who have experienced trauma (domestic violence, developmental trauma, medical trauma, parental separation), neurodivergent children, and children with anxiety, school avoidance, and social difficulties. Bhavini holds a current Working with Children Check and has experience with NDIS-funded clients.

Full profile on Our Team page →

Play Therapy for Children in Bella Vista