Sunshine Coast Play Therapist

Sunshine Coast Child Counsellor provides Child Play Therapy to Sunshine Coast Children. She offers paediatric allied health services to children for emotional and social support.

Emma’s Story

Play Therapist & Early Childhood Professional

During my time as an Early Childhood Teacher, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of children with diverse needs, such as autism (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), PDA, anxiety, and trauma.

This experience sparked my interest in understanding the neurobiology behind children's behaviour. I was eager to explore new methods to foster and guide children's development while promoting their well-being in a manner that is age-appropriate, neuro-affirming and grounded in play.

Being both an early years teacher and a mother, I recognised the significance of play as a primary mode of supporting children’s development and well-being. I was dedicated to finding ways to support my own children and the children in my care that respected their natural way of learning and connecting with the world. This led me to discover Play Therapy, which instantly captivated me. I was determined to offer this essential service to families on the Sunshine Coast.

Subsequently, I pursued post-graduate studies in Child-Centred Play Therapy, thoroughly enjoying every aspect of the program. This path enabled me to support children in a manner that honoured and respected their primary language of play.

Play Therapy perfectly aligns with my core values and beliefs regarding children and childhood. It fosters a safe setting and nurturing relationships to aid children in their emotional, social, and behavioural growth. Emphasizing child-centred and child-directed principles, Play Therapy allows the child to take the lead in the play, with me following their cues.

Establishing Inspiring Play was driven by my vision to assist children and families on the Sunshine Coast. I am deeply passionate about early childhood development and derive immense joy from supporting the well-being of young children and their families. Witnessing their progress and healing brings me great fulfilment.

"Thank you for being such a beautiful, calm and inspiring influence on Mr 4 this year. I will be forever grateful for the time you spent with Mr 4 and your commitment and dedication to helping every little person be the best version of themselves possible.

Your ability to meet a child exactly where they are, and your ability to embrace them for who they are is awe-inspiring. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking my baby under your wing.

You have made a HUGE imprint on Mr 4’s journey and you will always be remembered.”

- Mr 4’s parents

Sunshine Coast Child Counsellor and Paediatric Allied Health Therapist provides child play therapy to support children's emotional wellbeing, anxiety and autism.

“Emma, you have the most amazing respect and interactions for children I have ever seen! You are just beautiful and it is evident in how the children respond to you and seek you out, just how much you engage and build their trust in you.” - Colleague

My Training, Qualifications and Experience

I’m a registered Early Childhood Professional and Post-Graduate Qualified Play Therapist working with children and families on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked in the Early Childhood Sector as a Teacher, Early Intervention Facilitator, Play Therapist and Lead eKindy Teacher for rural and remote kindy programs. 

I am passionate about the role of play in fostering a healthy childhood, my work with children has provided me with a rich and varied range of experiences.  My practice draws upon play-based, holistic and evidence-based methods of therapeutic support.  I enjoy bringing creativity, joy and fun to my early intervention sessions.

I am particularly interested in the areas of neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety and children’s well-being.    Furthermore, I am committed to empowering parents to cultivate deeper parent-child connections and family relationships.

I hold a Blue Card, Yellow Card, Public Liability & Indemnity Insurance, First Aid Qualifications and attend regular Clinical Supervision. 

Queensland Play Therapist is a proud member of the Play Therapy Practitioners Association a peak Play Therapy Body in Australia proudly supporting children in the paediatric allied health therapy area of counselling and emotional wellbeing and suppor

Qualifications and Training

Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood / Bachelor of Arts - Visual Arts

Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Child-Centred Play Therapy

Tuning Into Kids® Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Program Facilitator - TIK®

Queensland College of Teachers - Early Childhood Teacher - Full Registration - QCT

Play Therapy Practitioners Association - Associate Member - PTPA
Australian Counselling Association - Student Member - ACA

To access Inspiring Play’s Psychology Today profile click here.

  • Child engages in therapy dressed as a pirate armed with sword and gun wearing a patch. Play Therapy Sunshine Coast Queensland Play Therapist supports child with ADHD, autism and emotional wellbeing using counselling techniques and evidence based

    Passion for Working with Young Children

    Emma is a dedicated professional who has a deep passion for working with young children. She believes in creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. Emma's enthusiasm for early childhood development shines through in all aspects of her work.

  • Sunshine Coast Play Therapist supports child's emotional wellbeing, resilience and confidence after attending Play Therapy Sunshine Coast Play Therapist

    Collaborative Approach to Partnerships

    Emma understands the importance of collaboration and partnerships in delivering high-quality early intervention support. She actively seeks and nurtures relationships with parents, families, colleagues, and community members to create a holistic support network for children. Emma recognizes that collaboration is the key to successful outcomes for children and works diligently to cultivate strong partnerships.

  • Paediatric Allied Health Play Therapist helped with anxiety and autism developing emotional and social wellbeing via child counselling and Play Therapy Sunshine Coast Play Therapist Queensland

    Expertise in Neurodiversity and Play-Based Learning

    With a strong background in play-based learning and an interest in neurodiversity, Emma is well-equipped to cater to the unique needs of all children. Emma's expertise in neurodiversity allows her to create inclusive supports that embrace and celebrate the diverse abilities of children. She believes that play is a powerful tool for learning and uses innovative play-based strategies to engage children and foster their holistic development.

connect. play. thrive.

connect. play. thrive.