Child-centred play therapy · Wainuiomata
A calm, child-led space where tamariki can express what words cannot, make sense of difficult experiences, and grow in confidence.
toys become words
play becomes language
Child-centred play therapy gives children a developmentally natural way to communicate. The toys in the room become their words, and play becomes their language.
Karen offers a warm, caring relationship with safe boundaries. She observes, reflects and joins the play when invited, allowing the child to work at their own pace.
warmth · trust · safe boundaries
Meet your play therapist
I’m honoured to support children and their families through Child-Centred Play Therapy.
I have been practising as a Child-Centred Play Therapist for the past three years, working in both schools and my private practice in Wainuiomata. Alongside my private practice, I am also a registered Social Worker with Barnardos, where I work as a Community Social Worker.
My passion is helping children heal from trauma and emotional challenges so they can thrive and reach their full potential. This passion led me to undertake specialist training in Child-Centred Play Therapy through Child Play Works, a nationally recognised provider of play therapy training.
I look forward to meeting you and working alongside your family to support your child on their journey towards healing, growth, and wellbeing.
Karen ElliottRegistered Social Worker · Child-centred play therapist
A space for the big stuff
The playroom is uniform and consistent, with toys selected for therapeutic use. Karen follows the child’s lead and allows the process to unfold at the child’s own pace.
The child and therapist build a trusting relationship, establish safety, and the child explores the playroom and its boundaries.
The child expresses control, power and sometimes deep-seated aggression through play.
The child explores attachment, nurturance and vulnerability, often playing in ways younger than their chronological age.
The child demonstrates competence and self-mastery, and integrates gains from the earlier stages.
You do not need to have everything worked out before getting in touch. Send a brief note and Karen can arrange a time to talk through your questions.
Referrers can request Karen’s separate referral form after making initial contact. Please keep this first message brief and do not include sensitive child or health information.