Play Therapy Geelong: When Your Child Is Struggling to Express Their Feelings

As parents, we know when something isn't quite right.

Maybe your child seems more anxious than usual. Perhaps they're having frequent meltdowns, becoming withdrawn, struggling with friendships or finding it difficult to cope with changes at home or school.

You may have tried asking what is wrong, only to hear "I don't know" or receive no answer at all.

For many children, it's not that they don't want to tell us what's going on. They simply don't have the words to explain complicated emotions, worries or experiences. Children communicate differently to adults. While adults often talk through their problems, children communicate through play.

This is where Play Therapy can help.

At Calm Minds Clinic, our Play Therapist, Kim Logan, supports children using evidence-informed Play Therapy in a welcoming, child-focused environment. Sessions can also incorporate our dedicated in-clinic sensory centre, providing children with opportunities for movement, sensory exploration, regulation and play in a space designed just for them.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a specialised therapeutic approach designed to help children express themselves, understand their emotions and work through challenges in a way that feels natural and comfortable.

Play is often described as a child's language. Through toys, creative activities, storytelling, role play and imaginative play, children can communicate thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express with words.

While all play is valuable, Play Therapy is much more than simply playing with toys. It is a structured, evidence-informed therapy delivered by a trained Play Therapist who uses specialised skills to understand and respond to what a child is communicating through their play.

Research has shown that Play Therapy can help children experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural, social and developmental challenges. It provides a safe relationship and environment where children can explore their experiences, build resilience and develop healthy coping skills.

Why Do Children Need Play Therapy?

Imagine being asked to explain your biggest worries, fears, frustrations or confusing emotions when you don't yet have the vocabulary to fully understand them yourself.

This is often the reality for children.

Many children experience emotions that feel overwhelming. They may not know why they feel angry, anxious, sad, frustrated or scared. As a result, those feelings can sometimes show up as behaviours that parents find difficult to understand.

Children may become:

• Easily upset or emotional

• Angry or aggressive

• Anxious or fearful

• Withdrawn or quiet

• Resistant to school

• Clingy or unsettled

• Struggling with friendships

• Less confident than usual

Often, behaviour is communication. What we see on the surface is not always the whole story.

Play Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where children can explore these experiences, build emotional understanding and develop healthier ways of coping.

What Is the Difference Between Play and Play Therapy?

Many people recognise that play is important for healthy child development.

Play helps children learn, explore, create, solve problems and develop social skills. It is an essential part of childhood.

Some professionals may also use play-based activities as part of their work with children. However, Play Therapy is a distinct therapeutic profession requiring specialised training, supervision and clinical skills.

A qualified Play Therapist does much more than engage a child in play. They create a therapeutic environment where children can safely express emotions, process experiences and work towards meaningful emotional and developmental goals. This distinction is important because children experiencing significant emotional, behavioural, developmental or trauma-related challenges deserve support from professionals with the appropriate training and expertise.

As awareness of Play Therapy continues to grow across Australia, there is increasing recognition that Play Therapy is not simply play-based activities. It is a specialised form of support delivered by professionals who have undertaken advanced training in child development, therapeutic play and clinical practice.

How Can Play Therapy Help?

Play Therapy can support children experiencing a wide range of challenges, including:

• Anxiety and excessive worries

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Anger and frustration

• School refusal or school-related stress

• Low self-esteem

• Friendship and social difficulties

• Grief and loss

• Family separation or major life changes

• Trauma and adverse childhood experiences

• Autism and neurodivergent support needs

• ADHD-related challenges

• Medical procedures or health-related stress

Every child is different, which is why Play Therapy is tailored to the unique needs, strengths and goals of each child and family.

A Therapy Space Designed for Children

At Calm Minds Clinic, we understand that children often feel more comfortable when they can move, explore and engage with their environment.

That's why we offer access to our dedicated in-clinic sensory centre, providing children with opportunities for movement, sensory exploration, regulation and play in a safe and welcoming space.

Many children find it easier to connect and engage in therapy when their sensory needs are supported. Our sensory centre can help children who seek movement, enjoy hands-on activities, benefit from sensory input or simply need a space where they can feel comfortable being themselves.

Combined with Play Therapy, our sensory environment allows children to express themselves naturally while building emotional regulation, confidence and self-awareness.

For many families, having access to both a qualified Play Therapist and a purpose-built sensory space provides a unique and engaging therapeutic experience that supports the whole child.

Meet Kim Logan - Play Therapist in Geelong

At Calm Minds Clinic, Play Therapist Kim Logan provides compassionate, child-centred support for children and families across Geelong and surrounding areas.

Kim brings more than 25 years of experience working with children and families, including a background in nursing and midwifery. She has worked within Special Care Nurseries, the Royal Children's Hospital and paediatric surgical settings, giving her a deep understanding of children's developmental and emotional needs.

Kim holds a Master's Degree in Child Play Therapy and has undertaken additional training in Humanistic Play Therapy, Learn to Play and Filial Therapy.

Her approach is warm, neurodiversity-affirming and focused on helping children feel safe, understood and accepted.

Parents Are an Important Part of the Journey

Play Therapy is not about 'fixing' a child.

Children thrive when the important adults in their lives understand their needs and feel equipped to support them.

At Calm Minds Clinic, we value working alongside parents and caregivers. By strengthening understanding, connection and communication, we can help create positive changes both inside and outside the therapy room.

Many parents report that one of the most valuable parts of Play Therapy is gaining a better understanding of what their child may be experiencing beneath the surface.

Looking for Play Therapy in Geelong?

If your child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioural challenges, friendship difficulties, trauma, grief, school-related stress or simply seems different from their usual self, Play Therapy may be able to help.

At Calm Minds Clinic, we understand that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns and help you decide whether Play Therapy is the right fit for your child.

Sometimes children cannot find the words to tell us what they are feeling.

Through play, they can show us.

To learn more about Play Therapy in Geelong or to book an appointment with Kim Logan, contact Calm Minds Clinic today.

Call: 03 4233 6470

Email: hello@CalmMindsClinic.com.au