Our Mission
At Strong Foundations, our mission is to provide children with a safe, supportive space to explore and understand their emotions, develop resilience, and build stronger relationships with those around them. We believe that through play, children can express what words often cannot capture, leading to healing, growth, and a brighter future. Our work is rooted in compassion, expertise, and a commitment to nurturing each child’s unique strengths.
Meet Our Therapist
Natalie is a registered Play Therapist who completed her Masters of Play Therapy at Deakin University and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Counseling at the University of Notre Dame. She is a member of the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association and mainly works with families and children who have neurological disorders such as Autism, development disorders including Developmental Delays or Intellectual Disabilities and those experiencing trauma, anxiety and depression.
Natalie has worked at several non-for-profit organisations providing counselling to individuals, couples, children and families who have experienced domestic and family violence, high conflict separation, mental health challenges and addiction. She has experience in facilitating multiple parenting and children’s groups such as Circle of Security, Tuning into Kids, Keeping Kids in Mind, Emotion Coaching, Wrapped in Angels and Mindfulness program. Natalie is trained in the Gottman Method for couples counselling.
Our Approach
Natalie’s therapeutic approach involves using play as a means of helping individuals, especially children, to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to work through emotional and behavioural difficulties. She may also encourage the child to engage in imaginative play, such as storytelling or role-playing, to help them process their experiences and develop coping skills. This is part of her humanistic-child centred approach to allow the child to express their inner-world.
Why Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed specifically for children, allowing them to express feelings and experiences they may not yet be able to articulate verbally. Through play, children communicate their inner world in a natural, safe way.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Emotional Expression: Play therapy provides a safe space for children to explore and express feelings like sadness, fear, anger, and confusion.
Improved Behaviour: Many children see positive behavioural changes as they learn to manage emotions and cope with challenges.
Resilience and Problem-Solving: Children gain tools for resilience, learning how to face and overcome obstacles.
Stronger Relationships: As children understand themselves better, they also strengthen their connections with family and friends.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Through guided play, children find relief from anxiety and stress, helping them feel more confident and secure in daily life..
