Our Services
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Child‑Centred Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate, theory-driven approach that meets children in their natural mode of communication - play. When children don’t yet have the words to describe their feelings and experiences, the therapist uses play to help them express what’s going on inside. In this context, toys become the child’s words, and their play becomes the language through which they share and process their inner world.
Join our waitlist here.
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Sandtray Therapy is a creative, expressive and therapeutic approach that allows individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a way that goes beyond words. Using a tray of sand and a collection of miniature figures and objects, individuals create scenes and worlds that reflect their inner experiences. Through this process, the sandtray becomes a safe space for expression, exploration and emotional processing, allowing individuals to make sense of their experiences, discover new perspectives and communicate what may be difficult to put into words.
While Sandtray Therapy is suitable for people of all ages, at Petal Play Therapy, we offer this approach specifically for tweens and teens, providing a developmentally appropriate space to explore their inner world without the pressure of having to find the right words.
Please note: Sandtray Therapy will be available at Petal Play Therapy from 2027. If you're interested in this service, we warmly invite you to join our waitlist here to be contacted when appointments become available.
About Play-Based Therapies
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Play based therapies are suitable for people of all ages, with diverse experiences.
Our approaches can be a wonderful support for children and teens who have/are experiencing:
Behavioural concerns (Meltdowns, defiance, withdrawal etc.)
Bullying and harassment
Difficulty expressing verbally
Domestic and family violence
Emotional and mental health concerns
Exposure to traumatic events
Grief and loss
Physical, emotional and verbal abuse
Sexual abuse and sexualised behaviours
Significant life changes (Parent separation, relocation, new sibling, new school etc.)
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Emotional Skills
Emotional awareness and understanding
Recognising, identifying and expressing feelings
Emotional regulation and self-soothing
Navigating frustration, disappointment, anxiety and overwhelm
Developing resilience and emotional flexibility
Social Skills
Building and maintaining positive relationships
Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Communication and self-expression
Conflict resolution and interpersonal problem-solving
Navigating friendships and peer relationships
Cooperation, compromise and respecting others
Behavioural Skills
Impulse control and self-regulation
Managing emotional and behavioural responses
Flexibility and adaptability
Understanding and respecting boundaries and limits
Developing independence and personal responsibility
Cognitive Skills
Problem-solving and decision-making
Exploring choices and possible outcomes
Creative thinking and imagination
Flexible thinking and adapting to challenges
Developing confidence in overcoming difficulties
Reflective thinking and self-awareness
Self-Concept and Confidence
Developing self-esteem and self-worth
Building confidence in personal abilities
Developing a sense of competence and mastery
Strengthening independence and autonomy
Exploring identity, individuality and personal values
Developing self-acceptance and a positive sense of self
Building confidence in expressing personal needs and preferences
Attachment and Relationship Skills
Building trust and emotional connection
Seeking and accepting support from trusted others
Exploring personal boundaries and relationships
Developing a sense of safety and security in relationships
Strengthening connection, belonging and relational confidence
Recognising and communicating personal needs
Navigating separation, change and transitions within relationships
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Child-Centred Play Therapy is generally suited to children aged 2–12 years, using toys and imaginative play as their natural language of communication and expression.
Sandtray Therapy is offered to tweens and teens at Petal Play Therapy, providing a creative and symbolic way to explore their inner world. This approach can be particularly helpful for young people who may find traditional talking therapies uncomfortable, overwhelming or difficult.
While chronological age can help guide which approach may be most suitable, we also consider your child’s developmental age, individual needs, abilities and preferred ways of communicating and expressing themselves in consultation.
Your Therapist
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Giaan is the founder of Petal Play Therapy and a Child-Centred Play Therapist based in Gladstone, Queensland.
With a background in psychological science and over 700 hours of clinical play therapy experience, Giaan is passionate about supporting children and families within her local community.
Her therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, connection and a deep belief in every child's natural capacity for growth and healing. Through child-centred, non-directive play, Giaan provides a safe, nurturing and accepting environment where children can explore their experiences, express their emotions and develop a stronger sense of self at their own pace.
Giaan is committed to ongoing professional development, clinical supervision and providing compassionate, child-focused therapeutic support to children and their families.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Bachelor of Psychological Science (CQUniversity)
Certificate in Play Therapy Studies - Advanced (Kylie Ellison Training & Therapy)
Associate Member of the Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
Fortnightly clinical supervision with a PTPA-recognised Play Therapy Supervisor
Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Service Fees
Explore our therapeutic services, appointment options and associated fees
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Parent Consultation - $100
Teen Consultation (Self-referral) - $100
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Child-Centred Play Therapy (45-minute session) - $193.99
Sandtray Therapy (45-minute session) - $193.99
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Parent Therapeutic Review Meeting - $100
Parent Catch-Up - $50
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Classroom and School Observations - $193.99 (plus travel fee of $1/km to and from Petal Play Therapy)
Play Therapy for Schools and Kindergartens (Contracted) - $193.99/session (plus travel fee of $1/km to and from Petal Play Therapy)
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Privately paying and self-managed NDIS participants are required to make payment at the time of your appointment using card.
For information on NDIS invoicing for plan-managed NDIS participants, please see National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) below.
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Play and Sandtray Therapy is funded under Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living - Other Professional.
After payment, Self-Managed Participants will be provided with a receipt to claim the cost of the appointment. For Plan-Managed Participants, an invoice will be forwarded to your registered plan-manager.
Please Note: Petal Play Therapy is not currently an NDIS provider and therefore cannot support NDIA-Managed clients.
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Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment to ensure your child receives the full benefit of their session.
If you arrive late, the session will still conclude at the scheduled time to avoid disruption to other clients. The session fee will remain the same, regardless of the time attended.
If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible.
Please view our full list of policies here.
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A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to cancel an appointment without penalty. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled start time will incur a 100% session fee.
Rescheduling requests will be accommodated where possible, depending on availability.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please inform us as soon as possible.
Please view our full list of policies here.
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At Petal Play Therapy, the privacy and confidentiality of your child and family are treated with the utmost respect and care.
All information shared during sessions, whether verbal, written, or observed, is kept strictly confidential and stored securely in accordance with Australian privacy laws. This includes all records relating to your child’s therapy.
There are, however, a few legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. Information may be shared without consent if:
There is a risk of harm to your child or others
There is suspected abuse or neglect
Disclosure is otherwise required by law
To support your child effectively, I may discuss aspects of their presentation or progress in professional supervision, which is a confidential and ethical part of best practice for all registered play therapists.
If collaboration with other professionals (such as teachers, doctors, or allied health providers) is requested or recommended, this will only occur with your informed written consent.
For further information about Privacy & Confidentiality, please feel free to get in touch via email.
Payments & Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
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Petal Play Therapy is not currently a registered NDIS provider, which means we are unable to support participants whose plans are managed by the NDIA.
However, we are able to support participants who are self-managed or plan-managed.
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At this stage, Petal Play Therapy is not accessible by wheelchair or pram. While this is something we are working towards, we do have a few steps leading up to our premisis.
If you require assistance navigating stairs, please feel free to get in contact before your appointment.
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Great question! Families who live remotely or outside of the Gladstone region and are unable to attend appointments in person are welcome to engage in Teleplay Therapy appointments.
This option can be selected under ‘Mode’ when requesting an appointment or joining the waitlist.
Please note: Tele appointments are not available for Sandtray Therapy at this stage.
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Absolutely! Petal Play Therapy can be contracted by schools and kindergartens to support multiple students during the school day.
To enquire, please email hello@petalplaytherapy.com.au
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Most definitely! Therapy isn’t just for children who are in crisis or navigating significant experiences. All children benefit from having a developmentally appropriate space to express themselves and develop new skills.
By appointment only, please contact us to book an appointment or enquire.
Petal Play Therapy
82 Off Lane, South Gladstone
Queensland 4680
Location
