Why Waves?
Waves is here to journey with you through life's tough stuff. Whether you're a child, parent, carer, or professional, Waves is here to help you find the support and guidance you need. When looking for a name I needed something that represented the Awabakal land on which I live, work, learn and play as well as acknowledge the journey that we go on together, as we move through the four stages of Child Centred Play Therapy together.
Each wave in child-centred play therapy represents a stage in a child’s emotional journey. Just like riding four different waves, the child gains more confidence, understanding, and healing with each one.
Photo Credit: Matthew Dodd www.doddlifephotography.com.au
Wave 1: The First Rise – Exploratory Stage
This wave is small and gentle. The child is getting used to the therapist and the playroom. They might be quiet or cautious, just dipping their toes in. This wave is about building safety and trust—testing the waters and learning it is okay to be themselves.
Wave 2: The Big Splash – Expressive & Aggressive Stage
This wave gets a little wild. The child might push limits, show strong emotions, or act out. They’re riding a more powerful wave now—trying to see if the therapist will stay steady even when things get tough. It is how they learn that all their feelings are welcome.
Wave 3: The Flow – Regressive & Working Stage
This wave is smoother and deeper. Now the child is more in tune with their feelings. Through play, they work through worries, past experiences, or inner struggles. They are riding this wave with more balance, beginning to feel understood and in control.
Wave 4: The Glide to Shore – Mastery Stage
This wave carries them gently in. The child is ready to end therapy. They have gained confidence and emotional strength. This final wave is calm and satisfying, bringing a sense of closure as they return to shore—changed, empowered, and ready for what is next.
Each wave is a step toward healing. The ups and downs are part of the journey. By the end of your journey your child has learned to trust, feel, and grow.
Founder
After many years of teaching, ten of those parenting my own young children at the same time, I kept seeing the same issues arise again and again. Life is so busy! We are dealing with more than we have ever needed to before, especially our young kids. But how can we help our little ones to deal with these big emotions when we as parents are trying our best to keep our heads above water.
After so long working with young children in group settings I was longing to find another way to support children to develop respect and acceptance of self and others, learn to experience and express emotions and learn new social skills and relational skills with family. This is when I decided to retrain as a Child Centred Play Therapist.
Children are not developmentally ready to verbally communicate their thoughts and feelings, particularly in relation to difficult situations. My vision for Waves is to support children and families to find a mutual way of communicating and understanding their emotions as they navigate the waves of life.
My Story
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education (Macquarie University)
Certificate in Play Therapy Studies (Play Therapy Training Australia)
Certifications:
Associate Play Therapist - Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
Proficient Teacher - NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
First Aid, Asthma, Anaphylaxis
Experience:
I have spent over 20 years teaching young children from a variety of back grounds, from the affluent harbour side suburbs of Sydney, to the remote townships of southwestern NSW. I have worked as a Teacher, Educational Leader, Director and Early Intervention Specialist in preschools across NSW. Additionally supporting rural and remote educators as a remote Early Childhood Teacher.
