Building Strong Foundations for Resilient Families and Thriving Children

At Strong Foundations, we provide play therapy, family therapy, and parenting support to help children and families navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive together.

Our Mission

At Strong Foundations, our mission is to deliver comprehensive Child Therapy Services that create a safe, nurturing environment for children to explore and understand their emotions. Through our specialised Play Therapy and Therapeutic Services for Children, we foster resilience, strengthen family bonds, and provide Emotional Support for Kids. We believe that, through play, children can express what words cannot, leading to profound healing and personal growth. Our commitment to Family Therapy and Developmental Support is rooted in compassion, expertise, and a focus on each child’s unique strengths, helping to build a solid foundation for their future. 

“Play allows children to communicate beyond words, using a natural language where they feel safe to explore emotions and experiences.”
— Garry Landreth

  • Our goal at Strong Foundations is to be a reliable resource for Support for Families in Need in the Sydney area, making therapeutic services accessible and meaningful for each family’s journey toward growth and healing. 

  • Our approach to Therapy for Children is child-centered, using Play Therapy as a tool for children to express and process their feelings in a safe and natural way. Natalie encourages children to engage in creative activities, like storytelling and role-playing, to explore their emotions and develop resilience. This Support for Parents and children in need forms the foundation of our humanistic, child-centered approach, allowing each child the freedom to express their inner world while receiving Developmental Support and Emotional Support for Kids. 

  • Play Therapy is a proven therapeutic method uniquely suited for young children, allowing them to communicate their experiences and feelings without words. Through play, children convey their thoughts and emotions, helping them build a stronger emotional foundation and develop coping skills in a secure, supportive setting. 

    • Emotional Expression: Play Therapy provides a comforting environment for children to explore emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, and confusion. 

    • Improved Behaviour: Many children experience positive behavioural shifts as they gain tools to manage emotions and face challenges. 

    • Resilience and Problem-Solving: Children build resilience and learn to navigate obstacles, strengthening their emotional health. 

    • Stronger Relationships: As children gain self-understanding, they are better equipped to form healthy connections with family and friends. 

    • Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Guided play sessions provide relief from stress and anxiety, supporting Mental Health for Children and enhancing their self-confidence. 

Meet the Therapist

Natalie Maiolo is a skilled and dedicated Play Therapist registered with both the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPT) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). With a Master of Play Therapy from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Counselling from the University of Notre Dame, she brings substantial experience to her practice. As an approved NDIS provider, Natalie is committed to delivering accessible and effective Therapeutic Services for Children and Counselling for Families in Sydney. 

Specialising in Therapy for Children with neurological and developmental disorders—such as Autism, Developmental Delays, and Intellectual Disabilities—as well as those dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression, Natalie’s approach is characterised by empathy and expertise. Her extensive background includes providing Emotional Support for Kids and Family Support Services across non-profit organisations, where she has supported children, families, and couples facing complex challenges such as domestic violence, high-conflict separation, mental health issues, and addiction. 

Natalie is also experienced in facilitating impactful programs for parents and children, such as Circle of Security, Tuning into Kids, and Emotion Coaching. Her training in the Gottman Method for couples counselling enhances her ability to provide holistic Support for Families in Need, helping them build healthier relationships. Natalie's passion for Therapy for Young Children and her belief in the transformative power of play inspire her dedication to each child’s journey toward healing and growth.