{"id":104,"date":"2025-05-25T23:28:54","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T23:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/?page_id=104"},"modified":"2026-03-15T01:19:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T01:19:40","slug":"play-therapy-for-children-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/play-therapy-for-children-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-x-large-font-size\">Counselling for Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"528\" height=\"166\" src=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-197\" style=\"width:598px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Picture1.jpg 528w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Picture1-300x94.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 528px) 100vw, 528px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Play is a child&#8217;s language and toys are their words. Play is the child&#8217;s symbolic language of self-expression and can reveal (a) what the child has experienced; (b) reactions to what was experienced; (c) feelings about what was experienced; (d) what the child wishes, wants, or needs; (e) the child&#8217;s perception of self.&#8221; <br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kids have challenges too<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are a caregiver seeking help for your child, I understand. Parenting can feel like navigating uncharted waters. I\u2019ll be your trusted partner, offering regular check-ins to discuss your child\u2019s general progress and provide practical strategies you can use at home. Through Play Therapy, your child will overcome their challenges, renew their confidence and heal. Together, we\u2019ll strengthen your family bonds and help your child thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When big feelings take over<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your child is overwhelmed and can\u2019t find the words:<\/strong> their behaviour is telling you something. Through play-based support, I help children work through tough emotions safely. You\u2019ll stay in the loop with regular updates and tools to support them at home. Together, we\u2019ll help your child feel like themselves again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When behaviour feels out of control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tantrums, shutdowns, defiance:<\/strong> you\u2019re worried, and nothing\u2019s working. I offer a calm, supportive space where your child can express what lies beneath the behaviour. With regular check-ins, we\u2019ll help you feel confident and connected again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When family life feels frazzled<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Everything feels like a battle:<\/strong> bedtime, mornings, getting out the door. In therapy, your child finds a safe space to express themselves through play. You get support too, with simple ideas to bring more calmness and connection into daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When you\u2019re just not sure what\u2019s going on<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Something feels off:<\/strong> maybe it\u2019s a phase, maybe it\u2019s more. You just want to understand. Let\u2019s talk. I offer a non-judgmental space to explore your concerns and gently support your child\u2019s healing and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">How It Works<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of asking your child to explain what&#8217;s wrong, we start with what comes naturally to them &#8211; play.  Through carefully chosen materials and gentle guidance, your child can express tricky emotions, process experiences, and try out new ways of coping.  I create a space where your child feels seen, accepted, and in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We focus on building trust and helping your child feel safe being themselves, even when they&#8217;re struggling. Over time, this helps reduce anxiety, build emotional awareness, and improve confidence and connection at home and school. For more details, see <a href=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/ifs-brainspotting-somatic-sandtray-play\/#healing-through-play\">Healing Through Play<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"772\" src=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"776\" src=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/playroom-3-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/playroom-3-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/playroom-3-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/playroom-3-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/playroom-3-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/playroom-3-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/playroom-3-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"774\" src=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/play-room-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2c90304e wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#045cb547\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Session Length and Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">45 minutes, $130.00 (plus GST) at North Shore rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Areas of expertise: emotional outbursts, self-esteem, anger, aggression, fear and anxiety, worry, sadness, low mood, and capability building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wondering if I might be the right person to walk alongside you or your child on this journey? Let\u2019s start with a free, relaxed 15-minute conversation to explore how we might work together for your child. You can reach me by phone or text at 022 038 9083 or fill out the form below to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sally Wyatt<\/em><br>The Change Navigator<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"85\" src=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/banner-full-CN-full-002.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/banner-full-CN-full-002.png 499w, https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/banner-full-CN-full-002-300x51.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style id=\"wpforms-css-vars-64-block-aa1d32ba-6f50-428d-8e21-ecf7bd02eda2\">\n\t\t\t\t#wpforms-64.wpforms-block-aa1d32ba-6f50-428d-8e21-ecf7bd02eda2 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Play is the child&#8217;s symbolic language of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"disabled","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-104","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":778,"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104\/revisions\/778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechangenavigator.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}