Assessments

In-depth assessments that help families understand how their child thinks, learns, feels and manages everyday life, and what support will help most.

Enquire Now

Sometimes the best way to support a child is to understand them a little better. Our assessments look closely at how a child thinks, learns, pays attention, remembers, feels and manages everyday life, giving families a clear, evidence-based picture of their child's strengths and the areas where they may need extra support.

Depending on the questions you have about your child, an assessment may look at one or more of these areas:

Cognitive and learning — thinking, reasoning and problem-solving, plus skills like reading, writing and maths
Attention and ADHD — attention, concentration, activity levels, impulsivity and other behaviours that may be associated with ADHD
Memory — how a child learns, stores and recalls information
Personality — for adolescents, patterns in thoughts, feelings, personality and behaviour
Behavioural and emotional — emotional wellbeing, mood, worries and behaviour across different settings
Everyday living and adaptive functioning — communication, social skills, independence and daily living tasks

An assessment usually combines standardised activities completed with your child, questionnaires for parents, carers and sometimes teachers, and conversations about your child's history and day-to-day life. Sessions are paced to suit each child, with breaks and a warm, child-friendly approach so they can show what they're capable of.

Findings are brought together in a written report with practical recommendations for home, school and therapy. Reports can also support school conversations, NDIS planning, or referrals to other specialists, and where relevant they guide the support your child receives from their wider care team at Bloom.

Assessments are available to private clients. If your child has an NDIS plan, we can talk through whether any part of an assessment may be funded. A complimentary discovery call is offered to all new families to help identify which assessment is the right starting point.

Useful Info

Location & Service Areas

We support children and families across Melbourne, with sessions available in studio, in early learning centres, at school and at home.

Our team includes registered teachers and allied health clinicians experienced in early childhood and school settings, so we work comfortably alongside educators, carers and families wherever support is needed.

We'll help you find the setting that works best for your child. Please contact us to talk through your options.

Fees & NDIS funding

A complimentary discovery call is offered to all new clients. Contact us now.

All pricing is in accordance with NDIS price limits and guidelines.

Whether you are accessing therapy through the NDIS or privately, we are here to support your unique needs. Our goal is to provide high-quality, personalised care, ensuring all clients receive the attention and support they deserve.

Our other services

Play Therapy

Designed for each individual child's unique needs, these sessions utilise a variety of play techniques, such as role-playing, storytelling, art, and sand tray therapy, to provide a safe and expressive environment.

Occupational Therapy

Practical, sensory-informed assessment and therapy that helps children build the fine motor, gross motor, self-regulation, and daily living skills they need to participate confidently at home, at school, and in play.

Speech Pathology

Speech and language support that helps children build the communication, social, and feeding skills they need to connect, be understood, and thrive at home, at school, and in play.

Counselling

A supportive, confidential space where children, adolescents, and parents can talk through their worries, develop coping strategies, and build the emotional skills that support lasting wellbeing.

Psychology

Assessment and intervention, helping children and young people understand and manage anxiety, low mood, trauma, and behavioural challenges through formal assessments and individualised, evidence-based care.

School Readiness

Playful, group & individualised support that builds the confidence, independence, and social and emotional skills children need to feel settled and capable as they step into kinder, prep, and the early years of school.

Family Therapy

Designed to include all family members, these sessions aim to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create a more supportive and cohesive home environment.

School & Care Team Collaboration

Care-team collaboration involves working closely with teachers, educational staff, and other members of a child’s care team to ensure a cohesive and aligned approach to the child’s development and support.

Benefits of Play Therapy

Social Difficulties

Many children struggle with social interactions due to shyness, anxiety, or developmental delays. Play therapy provides an ideal setting for enhancing social skills and building peer relationships. In both individual and group sessions, children engage in activities that promote cooperation, sharing, and effective communication. Group play therapy, in particular, offers opportunities for children to interact with peers in a structured and supportive environment.

These interactions help children develop essential social skills, such as taking turns, resolving conflicts, and building friendships. Play therapy fosters a sense of belonging and confidence in social settings, which can significantly improve a child’s ability to navigate social challenges.

Behavioural Issues

Play therapy is an effective intervention for addressing various behavioural issues in children. By observing children’s play, therapists can identify underlying causes of problematic behaviours and work with the child to develop healthier ways of expression. Structured play activities, such as role-playing and games, encourage children to practice positive behaviours and develop self-control. Through play, children learn to understand the consequences of their actions and develop empathy towards others.

This therapeutic process helps children replace negative behaviours with positive ones, leading to improved relationships and a more harmonious home environment. Consistent play therapy sessions can result in significant behavioural improvements over time.

Trauma and Loss

Children who have experienced trauma or loss often find it challenging to verbalise their feelings. Play therapy offers a safe and supportive space for these children to process difficult experiences. By using symbolic play, such as sand tray therapy or drawing, children can express their emotions and work through their trauma at their own pace.

This therapeutic approach helps children make sense of their experiences, facilitating healing and recovery. Play therapy also provides a secure environment where children feel understood and validated, which is essential for their emotional healing. The therapeutic relationship formed with the therapist can offer additional emotional support and stability during this difficult time.

Anxiety and Depression

Our play therapy services are highly effective in addressing anxiety and depression in children. Through play, children are provided with a non-threatening environment where they can express their fears and worries. Play therapy helps children develop coping mechanisms and resilience by engaging them in activities that foster emotional regulation and problem-solving skills. Techniques such as role-playing and storytelling allow children to explore their emotions and learn strategies to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms.

The therapeutic process helps children build self-confidence and a sense of control over their emotions, which are crucial for overcoming anxiety and depression. Regular sessions can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall emotional well-being.

Meet Steph, our lead Play Therapist & founder of Bloom

I am Steph, a dedicated educator and play therapist with over a decade of experience in helping children overcome emotional and behavioural challenges. My journey into the world of education and play therapy began with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

More About Steph