Mindful Growing and Play Therapy Otago

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Signs of Emotional Distress

Note: During Covid-19 I am offering reduced fee 30 minute consultations to help you if you've had a reduction in income due to the crisis. 

Pay what you can: Maximum fee: $70  Minimum fee: $35
Contact me now to make an appointment.
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When a child can't talk it out, they will act it out.

"Play is a child's language, and toys are their words" Garry Landreth

If you recognise your child in any of these descriptions, both you and your child may benefit from extra support.
Please call on 0277882315 or


Make an Enquiry
Early childhood is full of stressful events for children that we as adults can take in our stride. These could be birth or feeding difficulties, changing school or home, bereavement or loss of a friend or pet, medical interventions, birth of a sibling. They may have worries or feelings that they are unable to express. Instead they can appear sad, angry, fearful, withdrawn, disruptive, rebellious, inattentive or unable to cope.
You can ask yourself these questions; Is my child looking for reassurance, compassion, an apology or hug? Do they need a kind face and open arms more than anything else? When they are facing a big emotional disturbance, you may notice the following:

  • anxious, edgy, nervous, agitated
  • aggressive, verbally or physically
  • nightmares or night terrors
  • problems with friendships or siblings, seems aloof or argues
  • becomes very dependent, clings to parent, fears separation
  • easily startled by noises
  • gets angry quickly
  • won't sleep in their own bed
  • reverts to younger-age behaviours eg. bed-wetting, thumb-sucking
  • difficulty with school work or concentrating
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