"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."
— Carl Rogers
A safe space for your child to
play, heal, and grow.
Child-Centred Play Therapy in Pakenham for children aged 3–10.
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."
— Carl Rogers
Child-Centred Play Therapy in Pakenham for children aged 3–10.
At Sunny Nook, I believe that play is a child's natural language and toys are their words. It's not just a nice idea, it's the foundation of everything we do here.
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is a specialised, evidence-based therapeutic intervention for children aged 3 to 10 (and beyond if developmentally appropriate). Unlike traditional approaches which may ask children to articulate complex emotions they may not yet have the vocabulary for, CCPT meets them where they are.
In the playroom, your child leads the way. I follow their cues, trust their process, and rely on their innate "growth force", their natural drive to heal and self-actualise. By playing out their experiences, children process their world, develop problem-solving skills, and gain a sense of mastery over their lives.
View Evidence-Based Research →"The child is the one who knows what is bothering him, and it is the child who must discover the way to handle his problems."
— Virginia AxlineHelping children find words (and play) for the "big worries" that feel too large to carry.
Learning to identify, express, and manage big feelings like anger, sadness, or overwhelm.
Building self-control, reducing impulsivity, and finding better ways to connect with others.
A safe space to process big changes, divorce, grief, moving schools, or adjusting to a new country.
Growing a genuine sense of "I can" by letting children lead their own journey.
I believe every child has the ability to heal and thrive. They just need the right space to do it.
I came to play therapy through two paths: as a primary school teacher who spent years watching children struggle to put words to what they felt, and as a mum to a child with severe anxiety. Both changed how I see kids and what they need.
Going back to study psychology later in life wasn't a detour, it was exactly where I was always headed. CCPT found me at the right moment, and I haven't looked back. I'm particularly drawn to its respect for children as the experts on their own inner worlds. My job is simply to create the conditions for them to show me.
"Healing happens when a child feels safe enough to be exactly who they are."
Please get in touch to discuss fee options, as these depend on your circumstances. We currently accept self-managed NDIS funded clients and private paying clients.
Sessions are $160/session inclusive of 40 minutes therapy and 20 minutes clinical notes.
To assist families navigating current economic pressures, a limited number of reduced-fee places are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact me directly to discuss eligibility and availability.
CCPT is most effective for children aged 3 to 8, though it can be adapted for older children where developmentally appropriate. Not sure if your child fits? Just reach out and we'll figure it out together.
Sessions are typically 30–45 minutes in the playroom. Parents and I will catch up for a progress update every four to six weeks.
Every child is different. Research suggests 15–25 consistent weekly sessions for meaningful change. We'll review progress together as we go, and I'll always be honest with you about how things are tracking.
Children attend the playroom on their own. This gives them the freedom to lead and express themselves without an audience. Parents are welcome to wait in our waiting room, where there's a range of books to peruse.
I'd love to hear from you. Fill in the form below and I'll be in touch soon.
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