Play & Art Therapy
Free service providing play and art therapy to children who live in the Penrith and Blue Mountains LGAs.
Support for children through expressive therapies
Play Therapy
Through play, children are encouraged to create a world they can master, addressing a range of issues.
Art Therapy
Art therapy provides a safe and supportive space for children to express their feelings through creativity.
Theraplay
Theraplay is a dyadic therapy that strengthens the bond between children and their parents/caregivers.
Free therapeutic support for children
Gateway’s expressive therapies program is a free service providing play and art therapy to children who live in the Penrith and Blue Mountains LGAs.
Our therapists work with children on a weekly basis over two school terms, and sessions are held at our Penrith and Katoomba locations.
Professional referrals are not required - parents & carers can self-refer if they have concerns.
Expressive therapies support children who may be experiencing
- Grief and bereavement
- Changes in family circumstance
- Trauma or post-traumatic stress
- Excessive anger, fear, sadness, worry and/or shyness
- Depression and anxiety
We've put together a fact sheet with some frequently asked questions about art and play therapy.
Play therapy
Play therapy helps children work through their emotional and behavioural needs, addressing their issues in a sensitive and age-appropriate way. Through play, children are encouraged to create a world they can master, practicing skills, overcoming scary feelings and addressing upsets and traumas.
Play Therapy at Gateway Family Services is a free service for families and children. The Play Therapist will generally work with the child/family on a weekly basis for approximately two school terms.
In the safe caring environment of the “Special Playroom” the child is trusted to choose how and what they need to explore in order to gain a sense of control over their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. They become more comfortable and confident in themselves and better able to cope with their circumstances.
Art therapy
Art therapy encourages children to explore a variety of creative mediums, allowing them freedom of expression in a safe and supportive space. Our specially designed art therapy rooms contain a range of art materials designed to accommodate the individual child’s needs for creativity and safety.
Art Therapy at Gateway Family Services is a free service for families and children. The Art Therapist will generally work with the child/family on a weekly basis for approximately two school terms.
Our Art Therapists work from specially designed art therapy rooms with a range of creative arts materials designed to accommodate the individual child’s needs for creativity and safety.
Theraplay
Theraplay® is a special type of play therapy for children aged 3-13 years and families. It works on enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. This can then improve behaviour in many ways.
Using the therapeutic benefits of joyful play and sensitive caregiving, Theraplay focuses on strengthening your relationship with your child, enhancing your sense of connection and mutual understanding so that your child no longer needs to resort to problem behaviours.
As the most important person in a child’s life, the caregiver is actively involved in sessions. With the help of the therapist, the caregiver and child will experience delight and enjoyment in each other, and over time learn to be more responsive to each other.
Complete our online referral to access support
If expressive therapies sounds right for your family, please complete our online referral form. Sometimes our service is at capacity, and we are unable to accept new referrals. Please check the service status on the referral page before completing the form.
Get in touch with the Gateway Family Services team
Reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Send us a message
We'll get back to you as soon as we can.
