GET TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT
Play & Art Therapy
Get to know more about
Play and Art Therapy for Children & Trauma in Orange NSW
Children often communicate their inner world through play and creative expression rather than words. Play and art therapy provide safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate ways for children to explore emotions, process trauma, and build emotional resilience.
​
At our Orange NSW practice, play and art therapy are used to support children and teens who have experienced trauma, anxiety, emotional distress, or significant life changes. These evidence-based approaches allow children to express thoughts and feelings through toys, stories, drawing, painting, and creative activities — at their own pace and in ways that feel safe.
Benefits of Play and Art Therapy
Emotional Release
Play and art therapy give children safe ways to express fear, anger, sadness, or confusion. Creative expression helps reduce emotional build-up and supports emotional regulation.
Social Skills
Play therapy helps children practise communication, cooperation, and emotional understanding, improving relationships with peers, siblings, and caregivers.
Cognitive Benefits
Through play and creative activities, children develop problem-solving skills, emotional awareness, and the ability to make sense of experiences impacted by trauma.
Mastery and Control
Children lead their play and creative choices, helping rebuild confidence, autonomy, and a sense of safety after trauma.
What Is Play and Art Therapy?
Play therapy uses toys, games, role-play, storytelling, and imagination to help children express experiences and emotions they may not yet have the language for.
​
Art therapy uses creative processes such as drawing, painting, crafting, and visual expression to support emotional exploration and regulation. Art therapy allows children to externalise difficult feelings, reduce emotional intensity, and gain insight into their experiences without needing to talk directly about them.
​
Together, play and art therapy create a powerful, trauma-informed approach that supports emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and healthy development.
WHEN PLAY AND ART THERAPY MAY BE HELPFUL
Trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Anxiety or emotional dysregulation
Domestic or family violence
Behavioural changes at home or school
Grief and loss
Medical trauma or hospitalisation
Victims Services
Play and Art Therapy in Orange NSW
We are an approved Victims Services counselling provider in Orange NSW, offering trauma-informed play and art therapy for eligible children and families.
​
Victims Services funding may cover counselling sessions for children impacted by violence or traumatic events. We can support families with eligibility questions, referrals, and the booking process.
Meet Kellie
Kellie is a highly qualified and compassionate counsellor with extensive experience supporting children and families.
​
She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and a Master of Counselling, Certificate III and IV in Children's Services and has completed specialised training in play therapy and art therapy.
​
Before becoming a counsellor, Kellie ran a family day care and worked in childcare, giving her strong practical experience in child development and emotional wellbeing.
​
Kellie’s approach is warm, child-centred, and trauma-informed, creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can heal through play and creativity.