PLAY is our brain's favourite
way of Learning
The Therapeutic Power of Play starts with Connection
Connection is a powerful key to a child’s development. To foster this growth, we must first meet children where they are emotionally and build a strong relational foundation. As Dr. Daniel Siegel wisely states, “We must connect before we correct.”".
We engage the child's main attachment figure at all levels during our therapy delivery and encourage caregivers to join in on our sessions and participate in regular parent only reviews. It is our core belief (and research will back us) that parents in the therapy room result in better outcomes for both child and caregiver .
Hello,
My name is Kristy!
I am a Therapeutic Social Worker who is passionate about the power of play and the essential role it has in a child's development, self identity, relationships and overall wellbeing.
Based in Townsville, Queensland, I have dedicated my career to support children with additional needs (and their families), benefit from attachment-based play therapy, with a particular focus on early intervention (ages 0-9 years). I have completed additional studies in a range of play therapy approaches including Theraplay, AutPlay, Marte Meo, Interplay and Lego Based Therapy. Although the approaches differ they share a similar foundation- the importance of connection in relationships. According to a Harvard study on child development, "young children experience their world as an environment of relationships, and these relationships affect virtually all aspects of their development".
Therefore at Connected Kiddos our approach is underpinned by the power of connection, fostering neurological safety and attuned relationships between child and their caregiver.
Research is clear - children with delays and disabilities need more support to develop social and emotional skills than typically developing children and their families need more tools in their toolbox to support their children’s success. So regardless of the play therapy approach we land on, parents and caregivers are encouraged to be active participants in the process, learning new ways of relating and responding to their child's needs.
My skillset also considers the impact early trauma experiences have on child development and attachment, particularly how it impacts a child’s sense of self as well as their world view.
Trauma comes in many forms, including medical trauma, hospitalisations, diagnosis, neglect, exposure to domestic violence, grief, loss, and out of home care experiences. Thankfully, neuroplasticity has proven that trauma wounds can be repaired, and playing in connection with an attuned adult is one of the best ways to promote healing.
As we work together I'll remind you that I am not the expert in your child's life, you are. Together we will navigate the tricky spaces and strive towards healing, repair and a more harmonious family life while simultaneously supporting your child to reach their social and emotional goals. The best part? We will do it through play!
Nothing is stronger than the Parent: Child Connection
Research has shown that strong attachment between a child and their primary caregiver is the basis of lifelong good mental health as well as the way a child comes to understand, trust and thrive in their world. That is why all of our approaches Connected Kiddos involve the child's parent or primary caregiver as we believe they are central to a child's development!
We also firmly believe that play is not a luxury but rather a crucial dynamic of healthy physical, intellectual and social-emotional development, essential for all children and of all abilities.
Interplay
Interplay is a research informed, attachment-based play therapy model for children and their primary caregiver. Children are given the freedom to express themselves, using toys as their words and play as their language.
Interplay therapists are trained to (through play) meet a child's underlying needs of safety snd security while also supporting caregiver and child to reshape their connection and attunement for lifelong healing.
Marte Meo
Latin for "on ones own strength", Marte Meo focuses on the importance of connection and communication to enhance a child's social, emotional and language development.
Marte Meo's central goal is to assist caregivers to identify, activate and develop skills that advance your child's development.
We do this by using real life video examples of everyday interaction moments, whereby we can slow down the moment and share 'ah-ha' moments, revealing what is already working and what is needed to support your child's next stage of development.
Theraplay®
Theraplay® is an evidence based child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement.
Depending on a child's needs, Theraplay sessions involve the practitioner guiding the parent and child through activities that are focused on four essential qualities; structure, engagement, nurture and challenge.
When families engage in this way it helps build attunement and understanding of one another, and supports a child to develop positive self-esteem and sense of safety.
