Petal Play Therapy

11/02/2026

09/02/2026

So excited to share that Ash Goes to Play Therapy by Natalie McKenzie will be available to borrow for all families starting their play therapy journey with me in 2026! 📖💭

This book is a wonderful resource for families starting play therapy, as it gently prepares children for their first session in the playroom 🌷🧸

03/02/2026

So… what is Play Therapy?

Simply put, it’s a child-centred way for kids to express thoughts and feelings through play when words are hard to find. With the support of a trained therapist, play becomes a safe way to work through worries, big emotions, trauma, or changes at home or school.

The benefits can include building emotional regulation, confidence, communication skills and stronger relationships — and helping children feel understood in their own way, at their own pace.

While Nhulundu Health Service does not currently offer Play Therapy, we recognise the value it can bring for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and acknowledge the support Petal Play Therapy and Yaleela Torrens Social Worker Pty Ltd provides to our Community.

In Gladstone and surrounding districts, families can self-refer directly through their local play therapist or access services via the NDIS.

Not sure where to find your local play therapist? Get in touch today, we can point you in the right direction by calling 4979 0992.

Because every child deserves support that meets them where they are. 🧡

02/02/2026

IT’S PLAY THERAPY WEEK 🧁🎀🌟

Play Therapy Week is a special time to celebrate the incredible work that children, parents, and therapists do together in the journey of healing and growth.

Here in Gladstone, we’re so fortunate to have a wonderful community of play therapists supporting children and families all across the region.

A huge thank you to all play therapy supervisors, trainers, clinicians and families, whose trust, dedication and collaboration make this work possible 🥹🤍

30/01/2026

With the first week of school done and dusted, I thought I’d share some extra resources to support little people through any worries that popped up this week ✏️👩🏼‍🏫💭

New routines, teachers, and expectations can bring extra worry in the first few weeks of term. Our goal isn’t to erase these feelings, but to help our children recognise them and feel safe as they work through them.

28/01/2026

This corner 📖🥹

My play therapy kids have been obsessed with my new crash mat (provided by one of the lovely families I support)! Not only is the crash mat a tool for them to safely crash into and jump on, but also makes an appearance in all of their imaginative play 💭

25/01/2026

With the big return to school happening on Tuesday, I thought I would share a few gentle ways to support children as they transition back into the school routine ✏️🌸

For many kids, uncertainty can feel unsettling, and behaviour is often a sign that their nervous system is feeling overloaded. Predictability, connection, and preparation go along way in helping children feel safer, more regulated, and ready to learn!

24/01/2026

If you’re in need of support for your child in 2026, I currently have a short waitlist for regular play therapy appointments 🧸☁️

I’ve been lucky to have been able to welcome a few new families into the playroom this month, and I can’t wait to share play therapy with more of the Gladstone region this year!

www.petalplaytherapy.com.au/waitlist

14/01/2026

Books are a powerful way to communicate important messages and help children feel confident, understood, and informed at their own pace 📝🧸

Here are a few recommendations from my playroom bookshelf:
♡ First Day by Andrew Daddo & Jonathan Bentley
♡ You Are Enough by Jess Sanders
♡ My Body, My Brain by Nicki Esler Gill & Inge Daniels
♡ Boss Of Your Own Body by Byll & Beth Stephen
♡ Hairy Maclary and Friends - How Do I Feel? by Lynley Dodd

31/12/2025

Feedback like this > 🥹🫶🏼

Seeking support for children can feel overwhelming and uncertain at first. When working with families, my priority is always to provide a safe, supportive space where children feel comfortable and secure, and parents feel understood and supported.

To learn more about play therapy visit www.petalplaytherapy.com.au🌷

22/12/2025

As 2025 comes to an end, I wanted to take some time to thank everyone who has supported my business over the last few months!

Whether it be by attending play therapy appointments with your child, sharing my services with family and friends in need of extra support, or helping with branding and business, I’m beyond grateful for all of the support 🫶🏼

I can’t wait to see what the new year brings 🥹🌸
- G

18/12/2025

This Christmas, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to donate over 500 toys and activities to Nhulundu Health Service’s annual Christmas hampers, reaching First Nations’ children and families across the Gladstone region 🎄

Toys are at the heart of joy, connection, and healing, and I’m deeply grateful to have been able to share the gift of play with my local community.

A heartfelt thank you to the team at Nhulundu for distributing these hampers wide and far in time for Christmas 🎅🏿👣