PLAY is our brain's favourite
way of Learning
The Therapeutic Power of Play starts with Connection
Connection is a powerful catalyst for a child’s growth and development. To foster this, we must first meet children where they are emotionally and build a strong relational foundation. Research has shown that a strong attachment between a child and their primary caregiver is the foundation of lifelong mental health, trust, and the ability to thrive in the world. That’s why every approach at Connected Kiddos involves the child’s parent or primary caregiver. We believe they are central to the child’s development, and together, we create the best path forward for lasting, positive change.
At Connected Kiddos, we engage the child’s primary attachment figure at all levels of therapy. We encourage caregivers to join in on sessions and participate in regular parent-only reviews. Our core belief—and one supported by research—is that involving parents in the therapy process leads to better outcomes for both child and caregiver.
​
Hello,
My name is Kristy!
I’m a Therapeutic Social Worker based in Townsville, Queensland, deeply passionate about the transformative power of play in a child's development.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to supporting children with additional needs, along with their families, through attachment-based play therapy. My primary focus is on early intervention (ages 0-9), where I work with children to nurture their emotional and social development, helping them build strong connections with their caregivers.
In addition to my Masters of Social Work, I’ve spent years advancing my training in various play based approaches, including Theraplay, AutPlay, Marte Meo, Interplay, and Lego-Based Therapy. While each approach offers unique methods, they all share one essential principle: the power of connection in relationships. A Harvard study on child development recently said, "young children experience their world as an environment of relationships, and these relationships affect virtually all aspects of their development."
At Connected Kiddos, our approach is based in the power of connection, fostering neurological safety, and cultivating attuned relationships between children and their caregivers. Research confirms that children with delays or disabilities often require more support in developing social and emotional skills than typically developing children, and their families need additional tools to help guide their success. Regardless of the specific therapy approach we use, parents and caregivers are always encouraged to actively participate in the therapeutic process, learning new ways of relating to and responding to their child’s unique needs.
My work also takes into account the impact of early trauma on child development and attachment. Early trauma, whether from medical experiences, grief, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence, can have a significant effect on a child's sense of self and their view of the world. The good news is that neuroplasticity has shown that these trauma-induced wounds can be healed. Play, when done in connection with an attuned adult, is one of the best ways to promote healing.
While I bring my experience and expertise to the table, I always remind families that YOU are the expert in your child’s life. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges, work toward healing, and create a more harmonious family dynamic, all while supporting your child in reaching their emotional and social goals. And the best part? We’ll do it through play!
​
Therapeutic Play for Children with Additional Needs
We also firmly believe that play is not a luxury but rather a crucial dynamic of healthy physical, intellectual and social-emotional development, essential for all children and of all abilities.
For children with disabilities, play provides an engaging way to develop social skills, improve motor abilities, and strengthen cognitive skills. It can be tailored to meet each child's unique needs, ensuring they have opportunities to practice essential life skills such as problem-solving, turn-taking, and self-regulation. Play also offers a space for children to express themselves and build confidence in their abilities, helping to foster a sense of competence and emotional wellbeing.
Through play, children with disabilities can build stronger connections with their caregivers, peers, and the world around them. It enhances their ability to communicate, bond, and interact with others, which is critical for both social and emotional development. For children with additional needs, play is not just a fun activity—it's a vital pathway to growth, healing, and connection.
​
Interplay
Interplay is a research informed, attachment-based play therapy model for children and their primary caregiver. Children are given the freedom to express themselves, using toys as their words and play as their language.
Interplay therapists are trained to (through play) meet a child's underlying needs of safety snd security while also supporting caregiver and child to reshape their connection and attunement for lifelong healing.
Marte Meo
Latin for "on ones own strength", Marte Meo focuses on the importance of connection and communication to enhance a child's social, emotional and language development.
Marte Meo's central goal is to assist caregivers to identify, activate and develop skills that advance your child's development.
We do this by using real life video examples of everyday interaction moments, whereby we can slow down the moment and share 'ah-ha' moments, revealing what is already working and what is needed to support your child's next stage of development.
Theraplay®
Theraplay® is an evidence based child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement.
Depending on a child's needs, Theraplay sessions involve the practitioner guiding the parent and child through activities that are focused on four essential qualities; structure, engagement, nurture and challenge.
When families engage in this way it helps build attunement and understanding of one another, and supports a child to develop positive self-esteem and sense of safety.
