22/08/2025
This week’s featured business is Thrive Play Therapy in Carrum, a small, heart-led business that supports children with additional needs, including developmental delays, ADHD, autism and those who’ve experienced trauma.
Thrive Play Therapy was founded by Anil Poudel, a qualified social worker with over 10 years of experience working with children and families across child protection, family services and the NDIS world. His passion for helping kids feel safe, seen and heard led him to specialise in play therapy — and he hasn’t looked back. 🌟
For the past three years, Anil’s been practising as a play therapist, using play as a powerful tool to help children explore their emotions, build resilience and develop social and emotional skills in a way that feels natural and safe for them. Thrive Play Therapy was born from his desire to create something truly tailored for neurodivergent and vulnerable kids — especially those who might find it hard to open up through traditional talk therapy.
Thrive Play Therapy meets children where they feel most comfortable — whether that’s at home, in school, early learning centres, or out in the community. It’s all about creating connection and making support accessible. 💛
Thrive Play Therapy is especially helpful for children working through things like:
• Anxiety or depression
• Grief or trauma
• Big life changes or transitions
At the heart of Thrive Play Therapy is a simple belief that every child deserves to feel understood, supported and empowered — and that sometimes, the best way to do that is through play. ⚽
Anil also knows that therapy can be hard to access — so Thrive Play Therapy offers reduced rates for families doing it tough or without NDIS funding, helping to make early intervention available to more families.
One unique aspect of Thrive Play Therapy work is its partnership with a local parent-led non-profit organisation, offering inclusive, sensory-friendly group play sessions each week. Co-designed with parents, these sessions help kids connect, regulate emotions, and express themselves creatively — all in a safe, welcoming environment. It’s a space where kids can just be, and where families feel truly supported on the journey.
🌐 Want to find out more or see if Thrive Play Therapy could be the right fit for your child - reach out to Anil, he’d love to connect.
thriveplaytherapy.com.au
facebook.com/ThrivePlayTherapy
