Play Therapy Centre

About Play Therapy Centre

Monique Potgieter is a registered mental health social worker with the Social Work Registration Board (NZ), a member of the Association for Play Therapy (US), and has extensive experience working with children facing emotional and social difficulties. Her professional background includes working with neurodiverse children, as well as those dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, and behavioural issues. She is also ACC registered, ensuring access to therapy for those with trauma-related injuries.

Originally from South Africa, Monique now calls Tauranga home, where she has been supporting local families since 2019. Her deep understanding of child development and trauma-informed care stems from years of experience in both foster care and mental health services, where she addressed mild to severe mental health issues in children.

Services Provided at Play Therapy Centre

Play Therapy for Children 

Play therapy offers a creative outlet for children to express their emotions, providing a safe space to work through issues that traditional talk therapy may not address. Monique’s approach includes:

• A Gestalt Play Therapy Approach, therefore providing support holistically
• Support for anxiety, selective mutism, emotional dysregulation, and anger/aggression
• Helping neurodiverse children (ASD, ADHD) navigate social and emotional skills
• Addressing trauma, grief, and loss
• Techniques such as LEGO therapy and sand tray therapy

How Play Therapy Centre Helps:

• Improve emotional expression and communication skills
• Develop coping strategies for anxiety, anger, and behavioural issues
• Build emotional resilience and self-esteem
• Strengthen family relationships through therapy and education
• Counselling for Adolescents

Monique supports teenagers by offering both in-person and online therapy sessions. Using narrative therapy, she helps teens reframe their personal stories and separate themselves from their challenges. These sessions are ideal for individuals experiencing:

• Anxiety, depression, or stress
• Trauma recovery
• Family conflicts

Family Therapy and Parent Education

Monique understands that a child’s mental health affects the entire family. Her family therapy sessions aim to improve family dynamics and communication, while also offering parent education sessions to help parents understand mental health challenges such as ASD, ADHD, and emotional regulation issues.

• Family therapy to address conflict and emotional strain
• Parent support and education on mental health and neurodiversity
• Guidance on how to support children in therapy

Skills Development

One-on-one support helps neurodiverse children build important skills like communication and emotional regulation. Each session is personalised to suit the child’s needs, ensuring they are not rushed or overwhelmed. The calm setting reduces stress and allows for better focus on their goals, helping them grow and improve over time.

A Safe, Child-Centred Environment

Monique has created a warm, welcoming space at Play Therapy Centre, designed to make children feel comfortable and safe. The therapy room is filled with age-appropriate toys, art supplies, and tools like LEGO and sand tray therapy, allowing children to engage with therapy in a way that feels natural to them. This playful environment encourages children to express their feelings, learn problem-solving skills, and build emotional resilience without feeling overwhelmed.

For adolescents, Monique provides a nurturing and supportive space, whether in person or online, offering a calming environment to explore personal challenges and work toward healing.

Why Choose Play Therapy Centre?

Play Therapy Centre understands how much you care about your child’s well-being. Monique tailors therapy to fit each child’s individual needs, helping them develop social and emotional skills. With her experience and caring approach, you can feel confident that your child is in good hands, building the confidence and resilience needed to thrive.

Interested in learning more or booking a session for your child or family?
Contact Monique Potgieter at Play Therapy Centre to start your journey toward emotional well-being and growth today.