BALLARAT BASED PLAY THERAPY
About Attach Therapy
Attach Therapy was established in 2022 by Kelly who is passionate about supporting children with developmentally appropriate therapy to meet their individual needs alongside the unique needs of each parent and family.
Attach Therapy work with children and families with curiosity and courage to build connection, holding kindness as a core value in all we do.
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 by providing 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 to understand 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 supporting and listening to the cultural needs of the child and family.
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. All hold registration with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA).
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.
Enter your details on the contact page to get the play therapy process started.
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 areas of passion are 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 integrity, 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, walking her dogs Winnie and Louis, finishing of another jigsaw puzzle or reading, or enjoying a long lunch.
Maria Hannah
Maria is passionate about supporting children and their families, developing therapeutic relationship skills, connecting with the family and child to support mental health and well-being, providing opportunities to play, and supporting children's emotional well-being and development.
Maria has a Master of Child Play Therapy from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Maria is registered with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA) Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Early Childhood Teacher. Maria has 25 years of experience in early childhood education.
When not at work, Maria loves spending time with her family and her two crazy Labs. She enjoys relaxing with a god movie or book.
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.
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 has recently completed 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.
Tameka works at Attach on a Friday.
Bridget Sarah
Bridget Sarah is a master 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.
Bridget works as a contractor at Attach as required.
Helen Richardson
Helen has a Master of Child Play Therapy and has been involved with helping individuals and families all her working life within roles both in Australia and England, including positions in schools, not for profit agencies and private practice. Helen is an integrative play therapist and is trained and has experience in a variety of play therapy modalities including LEGO® Based Therapy, TraumaPlay® and Learn to Play. Helen is registered with the Play Therapy Practitioners Association.
Helen is passionate about enabling children to reach their full potential and assisting them to develop resilience, self-esteem and a sense of self via the power of play. She is welcoming and calm and provides a safe, secure relationship for this to occur. She understands that each child’s journey is unique and that children are best supported when their parents and carers are included in the therapeutic process.
To relax and unwind in her free time, she loves spending time in nature and enjoys bush walking with her family. She also loves enjoying a cuppa with a friend or whilst losing herself in a good book.
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 plans within the school/kinder setting. At Attach she is often doing a kinder/school visit and clinical observations.
Alice works in the office on Thursdays and Fridays. If not at work, Alice is mostly raising two young children or taking some time out to catch up with friends.
