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.

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Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children build the practical skills they need to participate fully in everyday life — from getting dressed and managing mealtimes, to handwriting, play, and navigating the classroom. Our occupational therapists look beneath the surface of a challenge to understand what's driving it, whether that's sensory processing, motor planning, coordination, or self-regulation, and build a plan around the individual child rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Formal assessment is central to this service, including Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) that evaluate a child's abilities across daily living, mobility, and self-care tasks. These assessments provide clear, evidence-based documentation of a child's support needs, often used to inform NDIS planning and funding decisions.

Sessions are playful and child-led, drawing on movement, sensory play, fine and gross motor activities, and everyday tasks to build skills in a way that feels natural and engaging rather than clinical. Depending on each child's goals, OT support might focus on improving handwriting and pencil grip, building independence with dressing and self-care, developing coordination and body awareness, or supporting sensory regulation so a child can stay calm, focused, and engaged.

Where helpful, OT is integrated with a child's wider care team at Bloom, so progress in one area reinforces progress elsewhere. OT is available to both NDIS-funded participants and private clients, with a complimentary discovery call offered to help identify the right starting point for your child.

Useful Info

Location & Service Areas

Sessions are held at our Play Studio in Essendon, providing a dedicated space for therapeutic play.

However, we understand that attending the Studio may not always be convenient, so we offer outreach services to homes and schools as well. With my background as a teacher and school counsellor, We are well-equipped to work in both school and early childhood settings.

We can travel up to 60 minutes from our office, with the possibility of extending to further locations upon request. Please contact us for more information.

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.

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.

Dietetics & Feeding Therapy

Supporting children who find food and mealtimes challenging to build confidence, capability, and calm at the family table.

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