Play Therapy & Animal-Assisted Play Therapy

child with painted hands

Helping Children Feel Safe, Seen, and Understood

Children don’t always have the words to explain how they feel—but they do know how to express themselves through play.
Play Therapy provides a safe and supportive space where children can explore emotions, process experiences, and build confidence in a way that feels natural to them.

At Ballarat Equine Assisted Therapies, we also offer Animal-Assisted Play Therapy, gently integrating animals into sessions to support connection, regulation, and emotional safety.

Referral Form

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach that allows children to express thoughts and feelings through play rather than conversation.

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Through carefully guided activities, children can:

  • Process difficult experiences
  • Express emotions safely
  • Build confidence and self-esteem
  • Develop emotional regulation skills
  • Improve social skills and communication

Sessions are tailored to each child’s age, needs, and personality, creating a space where they feel safe, supported, and understood.

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Kids engage in creative crafts outdoors during a fun and educational summer camp.
Kids enjoying creative drawing with colorful chalk outdoors on a playground.
Three children of diverse backgrounds playing with colorful balls indoors, enjoying fun and creativity.

What is Animal-Assisted Play Therapy?

Animal-Assisted Play Therapy combines the benefits of play with the calming, regulating presence of animals.

Working alongside horses and other animals can help children:

  • Feel more relaxed and open
  • Build trust and connection
  • Develop confidence and boundaries
  • Regulate their emotions more easily

For many children, animals provide a sense of comfort and safety that helps them engage more fully in the therapeutic process.

Girl rabbit
Rabbit

How We Work

Our approach is gentle, trauma-informed, and child-led.
We follow your child’s pace, focusing on building safety and trust before anything else.

Sessions may include:

  • Creative play and storytelling
  • Sensory and regulation-based activities
  • Animal interaction (where appropriate)
  • Emotional skill-building in a natural, engaging way

We also work closely with parents and caregivers to support your child’s progress outside of sessions.

Referral Form

What Can This Support?

Play Therapy and Animal-Assisted Play Therapy can support children experiencing:

  • Anxiety and worry
  • Emotional overwhelm or meltdowns
  • Trauma or difficult life experiences
  • Low confidence or self-esteem
  • Social challenges
  • Behavioural concerns
  • Difficulty expressing emotions
A child warmly hugs a plush bunny, capturing a moment of comfort and affection.

Parent Support

We understand that when a child is struggling, it can feel overwhelming for parents too.

We offer guidance and support to help you:

  • Better understand your child’s emotional needs
  • Learn simple strategies to support them at home
  • Feel more confident in responding to big emotions

Getting Started

If you’re unsure whether this approach is right for your child, we’re here to help.

You’re welcome to reach out for a chat to discuss your child’s needs and explore the best way to support them.

Referral Form

“When your child is struggling, it can be hard to know how to help. Play therapy meets them where they are—without pressure, without expectation, and always at their pace.”

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