New Bundaberg business to help children grow in many ways

The program helps children in play therapy to cope with and work through difficult feelings, memories and experiences

Bundaberg local Jasmine Williams has applied her experience in early childhood education and clinical training in play therapy to create new business Connections Play Therapy and Consultancy.

With two decades of experience in the early childhood sector, a Bundy local is launching her own business which specialises in play therapy for children to help them to heal, express, explore and flourish.

Jasmine Williams has applied her experience in early childhood education and clinical training in play therapy to create new business Connections Play Therapy and Consultancy.

Passionate about developing therapy programs to meet specific needs and achieve the best healing and development outcomes for children aged two to 12, the new business owner plans to launch by the end of the month.

“I have been in the early childhood industry for over 20 years and have a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education so I will be able to use my skills for my new business and offer a professional service to clients.

“Children use play as a natural form of communication in everyday life and play is important for children’s overall development.

“However Connections Play Therapy Bundaberg is a different experience than everyday play for the child as the specialised skills of the clinically trained play therapist enables the child to enter into a trusting therapeutic relationship.”

Focusing on children that may have additional needs in behaviour, personality and social adjustment, Ms Williams said play therapy is a very effective intervention for these requirements.

Play therapy is designed to assist children who are showing signs of anxiety, depression, attachment, grief, loss, aggressive and oppositional behaviours or issues with sleeping, eating, socialisation, school, self-esteem and identity.

The program also assists children who live with ADD, ADHD, autism or may be experiencing delays in speech and development.

“(It) helps children develop confidence and positive self-esteem, find healthier ways of communicating and can promote resilience and coping in ways that are appropriate to their age and developmental stage,” Ms Williams said.

“The child in play therapy is helped to cope with and work through difficult feelings, memories and experiences … he or she develops ways of dealing with them more effectively within the playroom and generally transfers these newly developed skills to his or her everyday life.”

Children who have been exposed to domestic violence, trauma parent separation and divorce, adoption, fostering and out-of-home situations or chronic illness and hospitalisation will also benefit.

“Play therapy builds on the child’s inner resources and strengths which are supported by the trusting therapeutic relationship to bring about developmental growth and healing in the child,” Ms Williams said.

“(It) enables the child to enter into a trusting therapeutic relationship, express, explore and make sense of their difficult and sometimes painful life experiences in a safe, supportive environment.”

While Ms Williams will also be offering consultancy programs for early childhood educators, teachers and workers.

These consultancy sessions will cover topics including project management, behaviour guidance, cultural competence, different types of play-based learning and team building among others.

Ms Williams said her long-term goal for the business is to expand further as she continues to offer a range of early childhood services to the Bundaberg community.

Professional development packages are available and can be designed to suit specific needs and requirements of individual teams and services.

For more information and pricing click here.