BALLARAT BASED PLAY THERAPY
About Attach Therapy
Attach Therapy was established in 2022 by Kelly who is passionate about supporting children with therapy that meets their individual needs alongside the unique needs of each parent and family.
Attach Therapy aim to work with children and families with curiosity and courage to build connection and hold kindness as a core belief when working with children and families.
Attach Therapy aim to work with children and families with curiosity and courage to build connection and hold kindness as a core belief when working with children and families.
At Attach Therapy, we understand the difficulties many parents and carers experience in supporting their children. We believe that given a safe and nurturing environment, all children, parents, and families can overcome adversities to thrive.
Through integrative play therapy interventions and modalities, our highly qualified staff enter a child’s world and meet their current needs rather than expecting a child to enter our world to meet our expectations. We aim to provide services that integrate our understanding of child development, attachment theory, neuropsychological science, trauma-informed practice, neurodiversity, and neurodivergence, and importantly, play, to achieve the best possible outcomes for children.
We understand trauma, attachment, and neurodivergence and the impact these can have on the developing child. We listen to the needs of parents and carers and support them with evidence-based practice in their caring role.
At Attach Therapy, we understand that inclusivity is not only a place but also an internal feeling and thought, including people, place, and self. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and supporting all cultural needs of the children, parents, and families we work with.
Our values
Curiosity
Kindness
Courage
Connection
MEET THE TEAM
Our Therapists
At Attach Therapy, all play therapists have an undergraduate degree in a mental health or allied health discipline and are master qualified in play therapy.
Play therapists can see children experiencing a variety of difficulties, including trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, school difficulties or refusal, children in separation or divorce, low self-esteem, children adjusting to a new out-of-home-care placement, neurodivergence, loss or bereavement, chronic illness or disability, and social approach and functioning difficulties.
Kelly Pickford RPT™
Kelly is a master qualified play therapist registered with the Australasia and Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA), is a Charter Individual Member of the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations (IC-PTA), a casual sessional teacher at Deakin University and holds a general board position on the Deakin Child Play Therapy Advisory Board.
Kelly’s main area of passion is trauma, especially working with children with difficult and complex histories, neurodivergence, and importantly supporting parents and families through targeted and meaningful coaching. With over 30 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings she prides herself on tailoring support to meet your unique needs and believes every child, parent and family is precious. Working as registered play therapist Kelly aligns her practice and strives to uphold honesty, compassion, cultural sensitivity, respect, and ethical practice.
Kelly is one of a handful of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) practitioners in Australia and holds accreditation in the Attachment Style Interview (ASI) and Parenting Role Interview (PRI). She is a facilitator of a variety of evidence-based parenting programs and continues to grow her knowledge through evidence-based professional development, conferences, and trainings.
If not working, Kelly can be found spending time with her grandchildren, her two dogs Winnie and Louis, finishing of another jigsaw puzzle, or having a long lunch with her partner and family.
Tameka Willis
Tameka is a bright, compassionate, and playful individual with a deep passion for supporting children navigate their emotional challenges through the power of play. With extensive experience in supporting children, carers, and families, Tameka prides herself on creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can freely express themselves, explore their feelings and thoughts, and work through their emotions.
She has a strong background in supporting children who have experienced trauma and adversity and has worked extensively with foster carers and parents, recognising the importance of supporting caregivers and working systemically to ensure the best possible outcomes for children.
When not working or studying, you might find Tameka exercising, spending time with friends and family, or playing with her cheeky golden retriever.
Tameka is finalising her Master of Child Play Therapy at Deakin University. She completed a Bachelor in Community and Human Services (Rural Social Welfare) in 2016 and has since undertaken various further studies, including Richard Rose’s Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW), a Certificate in Developmental Psychiatry (DPC), Certificate IV in Alcohol and Drugs, and a Diploma in Business and Leadership.
Bridget Sarah
Bridget Sarah is a masters qualified Registered Play Therapist and paediatric Occupational Therapist. She has over 10 years experience working therapeutically with children and families in a range of school, home, clinic and community settings. Bridget is an integrative Play Therapist, trained and experienced in the delivery of multiple play therapy models and approaches.
She works from a Humanistic stance and has a warm, gentle and playful nature with children. In addition to her work with children and families, Bridget is a lecturer, researcher and author in play therapy at Deakin University where she provides education and clinical supervision to students.
Alice Pickford
Alice supports all our play therapists administratively and provides that initial welcome to Attach through the intake process and assessments. Alice is currently completing her Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in Psychology after completing undergraduate studies in psychology, and postgraduate studies in education (teaching) and is on track to undertake the Master of Psychology (Clinical).
Alice is passionate about neurodivergence and working with children and families. She is Learn to Play trained and enjoys the challenge of keeping our calendars on track, having a knack for making things work.
Alice has worked with children and families in various roles in community service organisations and educational facilities including support work for children with a NDIS plan within the school/kinder setting. At Attach she is often doing a kinder/school visit and clinical observations.
Alice works in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays and at home on Fridays. If not at work, Alice is mostly raising two young children or taking some time out to catch up with friends.
