Queensland Institute of Play Therapy

25/01/2026

Ready to master the fundamentals of working therapeutically with children?

Our comprehensive 4-day Workshop 1: An Introduction to Play Therapy is the essential starting point for your clinical training. Learn what Play Therapy is, why it works, and gain the foundational skills you need to begin integrating this powerful modality into your practice.

We will cover-

💥 Theory & Models: Exploring key Play Therapy theories and models of practice.

💥 Core Concepts: Focusing on the principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy (including Axline's Principles).

💥 Clinical Skills: Developing therapeutic core skills and understanding the Therapeutic Powers of Play.

💥 Practice & Setup: Guidance on the Play Therapy Room Setup and adapting practice for Diversity & Culturally-appropriate care.

Format & Dates: Our workshop utilizes a hybrid approach—you can choose to attend online or in-person!

Secure your spot for an upcoming session Feb 2-5, 2026

Find out more about the curriculum, early bird pricing, and registration: https://qipt.com.au/training/workshop-1

22/01/2026

As we prepare to welcome our 2026 cohort for the ‘Introduction to Play Therapy’ workshop, QIPT’s Sarah Harwood reflects on a feeling every therapist knows well: the pressure to "know it all."

In our latest blog post, Sarah explores why—especially in the beginning—being a "learner" is more powerful than being an "expert." It’s about leaning into curiosity, embracing the unknown, and showing up fully for the child in the room.

Whether you are a new student joining us this year or a seasoned practitioner, this is a beautiful reminder of the heart of play therapy.

📖 Read the full post here: https://qipt.com.au/blog/beginning-play-therapy

21/01/2026

As the new school year approaches, many children may feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about the changes ahead. As health professionals, we play a key role in helping children navigate this transition with confidence and ease.

Here are some tips and strategies to support children and families during this time:

🌟 Establish a Routine: Encourage families to gradually ease children back into a school routine before the first day. A consistent bedtime, wake-up time, and mealtime can help create a sense of stability.
🌟 Open Conversations: Guide parents to have open discussions with their children about their emotions—both the excitement and the anxieties. Help children articulate their concerns and validate their feelings to build trust and emotional safety.
🌟 Play Therapy Techniques: Incorporating play-based activities can be a powerful tool to help children express their feelings and ease anxiety. Puppets, art activities, or role-playing scenarios allow children to explore their thoughts and fears in a non-threatening way, fostering emotional expression and understanding.
🌟 Mindfulness and Breathing: Model simple breathing exercises or mindfulness activities that children can practice when they feel overwhelmed. These help with regulating our little ones nervous system.

At QIPT, we recognise how crucial it is to support children through play therapy and other therapeutic techniques, especially as they face transitions like starting school. With the right support, children can develop resilience, emotional regulation, and a positive outlook for the year ahead.

20/01/2026

Queensland Institute of Play Therapy -

It’s a path shaped by curiosity, self-doubt, courage, deep reflection, and moments of profound connection. Along the way, many of us quietly ask ourselves: Am I doing this right? Am I enough? How do I keep growing without losing myself?

19/01/2026

"Almost all creativity involves purposeful play." — Abraham Maslow

At QIPT, we know that play is much more than just a distraction. It's a purposeful act—the engine of a child's creativity, problem-solving, and emotional growth.

Through play, children don't just express; they create new ways of understanding and mastering their world. That's the therapeutic power we harness every day!

18/01/2026

We are thrilled to share this empowering feedback from Christine Cresswell, who recently completed our Advanced Play Therapy Workshop. Hearing about the profound impact of this training truly inspires us!

Thank you, Christine, for sharing your valuable insights! Developing skills in self-regulation and recognising the somatic experience of emotion is fundamental to effective clinical practice.

Ready to deepen your connection to self and enhance your clinical toolkit?

13/01/2026

We are deeply touched and incredibly proud to share this beautiful feedback from our recent advanced training participant, Davina.

It is our mission to create a space for profound self-discovery and connection, and we are so grateful for Davina's willingness to step into vulnerability.

Thank you, Davina, for sharing your journey of self-compassion and connection with us! It is an honour to witness your growth.

💖 Is it time for your own deep dive? 💖

12/01/2026

At QIPT we LOVE puppets! 👏 These aren't just toys—they're therapeutic allies. Using a puppet allows a child to project feelings, role-play challenges, and practice new skills without direct pressure. They facilitate dialogue, expression, and narrative-building in a fun, safe way.

12/01/2026

🌱 New Year, New Growth 🌱

As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to focus on personal and emotional growth—especially for children. The challenges they face can be overwhelming, but play therapy offers a powerful and supportive space to help them navigate their emotions, build resilience, and discover new strengths.

Through creative expression and therapeutic play, children can:
✨ Work through complex emotions
✨ Develop social and emotional skills
✨ Build self-esteem and confidence
✨ Strengthen their ability to cope with stress and challenges

This year, let’s support children’s journey toward growth and healing with the transformative power of play therapy.

At QIPT, we’re passionate about empowering children to unlock their full potential through the safe, supportive environment that play therapy provides. Here’s to a year of growth, healing, and discovery!

11/01/2026

Queensland Institute of Play Therapy -

Dear QIPT community As we step into 2026, I’ve been spending some time reflecting on intention—on what I want to notice more deeply, hold more gently, and grow more intentionally this year.

06/01/2026

That trust is built on a strong foundation! As a supervisee, Rach benefits from the expertise of Sarah, a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Supervisor.

Sarah brings expertise, warmth, and a relational focus to her supervision sessions, empowering therapists like Rach to navigate the complexities of clinical practice with confidence and care.

Head to our website to learn more.

05/01/2026

"Play is the exultation of the possible." — Martin Buber

This quote resonates with us deeply here at QIPT.

Play is Possibility:

We train therapists and health care professionals to harness this power—to see the unlimited potential for healing and change in every child and family system.

Head to our website to learn more!