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 whilst working alongside the unique needs of their parents and carers.
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 the impact trauma, attachment, and neurodivergence may have on the developing child and listen to the needs of parents and carers to 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 all needs of the child and family.
Our values
Curiosity
Kindness
Courage
Connection
MEET THE TEAM
Attach Staff
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 and we will be in contact with a referral form to get things stated.
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) 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 appropriate evidence-based parenting approaches. 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, reading, or enjoying a long lunch.
Alice Pickford
Alice provides admin for Attach support the play therapist and families on logistical matters. She may provide the initial warm welcome to Attach via your intake session. Alice is a provisional psychologist currently completing her Master of Psychology. She also holds post-graduate studies in teaching and can attend schools and kinders to support children.
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 can be reached at admin@attachtherapy.com.au
If not at work, Alice is busy with two young children, studying or catching up with friends.
