Welcome, I’m Sarah! I’m the person in your corner, the heart behind Flourish Within.
When you enter my doors, you are not alone.
I’m a deeply passionate play therapist who helps children and families to thrive through play! I’m an animal lover, paddleboarder, frangipani and ocean lover, collector of random feathers and have a love for 80’s and 90’s music! I’m also a mum of 3 who understands the challenges of being a parent. Today it feels harder than ever but with me by your side, the days will become lighter and parenting will become easier as we navigate challenges together. We’ll explore your child’s behaviours and needs in a non-judgemental, supportive space.
When we first meet, you will experience first hand, the dedication, insight, care and support that is offered at Flourish Within – something I am truly proud of. With an open curiosity, we will engage in your parenting journey as a carer. As a child once yourself, we know the relief, the joy and process of play and how it transforms our growth.
Play doesn’t need words, its natural form of communication helps us to engage our children and teens. It helps support them in recognising and maintaining their social, emotional, physical and mental health. Today’s research shows that play intervention positively impacts children and their family providing a foundation for development, improved outcomes and a true sense of self.
I wholeheartedly understand that parenting is sometimes hard, is sometimes troubling and behaviour can feel out of control - maybe you’re just unsure of what to do next………I get it. I’m the person you’ve been looking for.
I am here to support you with next steps - a thriving child and teen, a family who grows together, witnessing yourselves flourishing together ❤️
So click the button, we’ll take the next steps together. You are supported in this space right now. I’m here to help.
Experience & Background
Bringing 25 years experience to children, teens, kindergartens, primary and high schools!
Registered Play Therapist and registered Early Childhood and Primary School Teacher
Bachelor of Education
Post graduate Certification in Child-Centered Play Therapy
Post Graduate Certification in Education, Professional and Person-Centered Neurodivergent Therapies
Why I Moved into Play Therapy
Over time, I recognised that many children needed support beyond what could be provided within the classroom alone.
I wanted to better understand what children were experiencing beneath the surface, not just how they learn, but how they feel, form relationships and make sense of the world around them.
Play therapy allows me to support children in a way that meets them where they are, giving them the space to express themselves, process experiences and feel truly understood.
My Approach
At Flourish Within, therapy is child-led and centred around each child’s individual needs.
Children are met exactly where they are - emotionally, developmentally, and within their own unique way of experiencing the world.
Rather than focusing on changing behaviour, the focus is on gently understanding what a child’s emotions and responses are communicating.
Children do not need to change who they are to be supported.
Play therapy can support children through a range of experiences, including:
Grief and loss
Separation and divorce
Experiences of family violence
Learning and school challenges
Confidence and self awareness
It can also support children who have a diagnosis, or where there may be emerging concerns, including:
ADHD
Autism
Global Developmental Delay
Intellectual Disability
Tics
Anxiety and Depression
Play is a natural and powerful way for children to communicate.
It allows them to access therapeutic support without relying on words, meeting them at their level of development.
Through play, children can express, process and heal in ways that talk based approaches alone may not reach.
Play Therapy Process
Initial Consultation
We begin with a meeting between therapist and parent or carer, without your child present - to gather a deeper understanding of the challenges that you and your child are experiencing.
This includes gathering a detailed history about your child and an explanation of how the play therapy process can assist.
We can also chat about any questions or concerns you may have.
Child-Led Sessions
Sessions last for 45 minutes and are on the same day at the same time. Your child will be met with you in the waiting room and will then move to the therapy room with their therapist.
The process includes parent updates. These are opportunities to discuss changes and to continue to develop and explore therapeutic guides to support you both. These are usually held in person without your child being present.
The number of play therapy sessions varies and usually requires an average of 20-30 sessions.
Closure & Ongoing Support
We always finish with 1-2 sessions to say goodbye.
It is an opportunity to finish our relationship in a way that is like saying, ‘see you later’ rather than an abrupt finish.
Children are always welcome to come back for support when new challenges come along.