Play Therapy Groups for Children, Teens and Families in Brisbane
Connection, Confidence and Growth Through Play
At Curious Box Play Therapy, we believe children grow best through safe relationships, meaningful connection, and play. Our therapeutic groups for children, teens, and parents are designed to support emotional development, strengthen relationships, and build practical life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Guided by experienced therapists and grounded in child-centred, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice, our groups provide opportunities for children and families to explore emotions, practise communication, build confidence, and develop emotional regulation skills. Through play-based experiences and shared learning, participants are supported to grow stronger connections with themselves and with others.
Our play therapy groups in Brisbane support children, teens, and families to develop confidence, emotional regulation, social skills, and stronger relationships. Each group is intentionally small and facilitated by qualified therapists who provide guidance, support, and practical strategies that can be applied at home, school, and in everyday life.
Curious Box groups may focus on a variety of areas including social skills, emotional regulation, school readiness, confidence building, peer connection, and strengthening parent–child relationships. Groups are open to both NDIS participants and privately funded families.
Group Format
Our Curious Box therapeutic groups are intentionally small to create a safe and supportive environment where children and families feel comfortable exploring, connecting, and learning together.
What to expect:
- Small group sizes to ensure each participant receives individual support and attention
- Play-based and experiential activities that support emotional regulation, communication, and social development
- Therapist-guided sessions grounded in child-centred play therapy and trauma-informed practice
- Opportunities for peer connection and shared learning
- Parent or caregiver involvement in some programs, supporting families to learn practical strategies they can continue using at home
- Resources and take-home information to support ongoing growth between sessions
Who Our Groups Support
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Developing emotional regulation skills and managing big feelings
- Strengthening parent–child connection
- Improving communication and social skills
- Navigating friendship challenges or social anxiety
- Preparing for school transitions or new environments
- Developing a stronger sense of belonging and connection
Our groups are welcoming of children with a wide range of needs and experiences, including those who are neurodivergent, sensitive, anxious, or navigating complex life circumstances.
Explore Our Groups
Explore our upcoming groups and register your interest.
Each program is designed to provide children and families with opportunities to connect, grow, and build skills in a supportive community environment.
CHILD GROUP
Curious Builders – LEGO® Therapy Group
Join Our LEGO® Therapy Group – Places Are Limited!
Program Summary
| Duration | 10-week program (New programs start at the beginning of each school term. Mid-term enrolments accepted if space allows). |
|---|---|
| Day | Will be offered Wednesdays
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| Session Length | 75-minute sessions, once per week |
| Group Size | Maximum of 5 children per group |
| Age Groups |
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| Facilitator | Dawn Bondarenko |
What Is LEGO® Therapy?
LEGO® Therapy is a structured, evidence-informed group therapy model that uses collaborative LEGO® play to help children develop social communication skills in a safe, supportive, and highly engaging way.
Unlike free play, the LEGO® building process is systematic and predictable—providing a calming and regulating experience for many children. As they work together to build models in small groups, children naturally learn:
- Turn-taking and cooperation
- Communication and listening
- Emotional expression and regulation
- Problem-solving and flexibility
- Leadership and following directions
Benefits of LEGO® Therapy
- Reduces problem behaviours
- Promotes social communication and interaction
- Builds and maintains friendships
- Increases confidence and emotional wellbeing
- Improves family relationships and teamwork
- Enhances memory and language concepts
- Develops fine motor and critical thinking skills
- Increases social competence and sense of belonging
Who Can Join?
This group is designed for children who experience challenges such as:
- Autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions
- Anxiety or phobias
- ADHD
- Depression or adjustment disorders
- Social isolation or difficulty making friends
Children do not need a formal diagnosis to participate.
Group Structure & Roles
Children rotate through collaborative roles to complete LEGO® building tasks:
Engineer
Gives verbal instructions
Builder
Follows the instructions to build
Supplier
Finds and provides the necessary bricks
This structure builds communication, cooperation, and social thinking in a natural, supported way.
Why Curious Box?
At Curious Box Play Therapy, we provide child-centred, neurodiversity-affirming therapy in a warm, supportive environment. Our facilitators are trained in LEGO®-Based Therapy and experienced in supporting children with diverse needs and experiences. We’re passionate about helping children build not just LEGO® creations—but emotional strength, social confidence, and meaningful relationships.
Meet Dawn – LEGO® Club Facilitator
Dawn brings curiosity, creativity, and a love of play to the Curious Builders LEGO Club. With a background in psychology, child development, and counselling, she has spent many years supporting children in early learning and primary school settings. Dawn is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and is passionate about helping children build confidence, connection, and problem-solving skills through collaborative, play-based experiences.
Register your interest now
Places are limited, and groups fill quickly.
Register your interest by click the sign up button bellow.
CHILD GROUP
The Courage Crew
This is a 6-week therapeutic play-based group designed to support boys in building emotional regulation, confidence, and positive peer connections.
| Date | Thursdays, 30 April – 4 June (6 weeks) |
|---|---|
| Session Time | 9:00 am – 10:00 am |
| Facilitator | Mercia Armstrong (MSW, Bachelor of Education – Primary & Early Childhood) |
| Location | Curious Box Play Therapy – Springwood, Brisbane |
Benefits of The Courage Crew Therapy
This group may benefit children who:
- struggle with big emotions or frustration
- are experiencing school disengagement or school refusal
- find friendships or social situations difficult
- feel anxious in learning environments
- would benefit from building confidence and resilience
Our aim is to help children discover their strengths, develop emotional tools, and experience the courage to face challenges with greater confidence.
Program Structure
| Duration | 6-week program |
|---|---|
| Session Length | 60 minutes |
| Group Size | Small group (3–5 children) |
| Age Range | Prep – Year 2 |
Small groups create a safe space where children can build meaningful connections and feel supported while developing new skills.
Who Can Join The Courage Crew
The Courage Crew is open to all families who feel their child may benefit from support with emotional regulation, confidence, or social connection.
Children may participate through:
- NDIS funding (Capacity Building Supports) private fee-paying / self-funded participation
Children do not need an NDIS plan or diagnosis to participate in this group.
6-Week Program Overview
Each week of The Courage Crew focuses on helping children build confidence, emotional regulation, and positive peer connection through play-based activities.
| Week 1 | Building Safety & Connection Children get to know each other through cooperative play and team challenges while establishing a safe and supportive group environment. |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | Understanding Big Feelings Children explore emotions and learn to recognise how feelings show up in their bodies through play and creative activities. |
| Week 3 | Handling Frustration Activities focus on developing frustration tolerance, persistence, and strategies for managing big emotions when things feel difficult. |
| Week 4 | Problem Solving Together Children practise teamwork, communication, and flexible thinking through cooperative games and group challenges. |
| Week 5 | Building Confidence & Strengths Children explore their personal strengths and practise positive self-talk while engaging in confidence-building activities. |
| Week 6 | Celebrating Growth The final session focuses on reflection, celebrating progress, and reinforcing the skills children have developed throughout the program. |
Located in Springwood | Supporting Families Across Brisbane & Logan
Curious Box Play Therapy is located in Springwood, Brisbane, and supports families across Logan, Daisy Hill, Shailer Park, South Brisbane, and surrounding areas.
We provide play therapy, child counselling, NDIS therapeutic supports, and parent consultation services to help children, teens, and families thrive.
Is The Courage Crew Right For Your Child?
Your child may benefit from The Courage Crew if you have noticed that they:
- become easily frustrated or overwhelmed by challenges
- struggle to regulate big emotions such as anger, anxiety, or disappointment
- are beginning to lose confidence in themselves or their abilities
- avoid school, complain about attending, or seem disengaged from learning
- find it difficult to navigate friendships or social situations
- give up quickly when something feels hard
- would benefit from building confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation skills
Many children experience periods where they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of themselves. The Courage Crew provides a safe, supportive environment where children can practise new skills, build confidence, and experience success alongside peers.
If you are unsure whether this group would be the right fit for your child, we welcome you to contact us to discuss your child’s needs.
Meet the Facilitator
Mercia Armstrong (B.Ed – Primary & Early Childhood, MSW)
Director & Play Therapy Practitioner
Register your interest now
If you would like to learn more about The Courage Crew play therapy group, or discuss whether it may be a good fit for your child, we would love to hear from you.
CHILD GROUP
Curious Starters
Prep Readiness for Future School Explorers
Starting Prep is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring big emotions for children and families. While many school readiness programs focus primarily on academic skills such as letters and numbers, research consistently shows that the most important predictors of a successful transition to school are emotional regulation, confidence, social competence, and the ability to participate in group environments.
Curious Starters is a therapeutic school readiness group designed to support children who will be starting Prep in 2027. Facilitated by a qualified teacher and play therapy practitioner, this program focuses on building the emotional and social foundations children need to feel confident, capable, and secure as they begin their school journey.
Through play therapy techniques, guided group experiences, and therapeutic play activities, children are supported to:
- Develop emotional awareness and regulation
- Build confidence in group environments
- Practise social skills and friendship-building
- Strengthen independence and problem-solving
- Become familiar with group routines similar to those used in school
The program provides a safe, supportive environment where children can practise new skills through play, helping them develop the confidence needed for a smooth transition into the classroom.
At Curious Box Play Therapy, our work is child-centred, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming, ensuring every child feels respected, supported, and understood.
Program Details
| Program | Curious Starters – Therapeutic Prep Readiness Group |
|---|---|
| Location | Curious Box Play Therapy |
| Facilitator | Mercia Armstrong MSW | Bachelor of Education (Primary & Early Childhood) |
| Session Times | Thursdays: 9:00 – 10:00am Each group runs for 8 weeks in a small therapeutic group setting. |
| Term 3 Program | 23 July – 10 September (8 weeks) |
| Term 4 Program | 15 October – 3 December (8 weeks) |
| Includes |
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Group sizes are intentionally kept small to allow for individualised therapeutic support and meaningful peer interaction.
Therapeutic Focus of the Program
Curious Starters is designed to support the whole child, focusing on the emotional and relational skills needed for school participation.
Key areas of development include:
Emotional Regulation
Children learn to recognise and name feelings while developing strategies to manage frustration, anxiety, disappointment, and excitement.
Social Confidence
Children practise interacting with peers through play, learning skills such as:
- Taking turns
- Sharing space and materials
- Negotiating during play
- Reading social cues
Friendship Skills
Children are supported to practise:
- Starting play with others
- Joining group activities
- Managing small conflicts
- Repairing relationships after disagreements
Independence
Children build confidence participating in activities independently and learn to manage transitions between activities.
Group Participation
Children become familiar with group routines similar to those experienced in the classroom environment.
What the 8-Week Program Includes
Each week introduces new skills while building on previous experiences. Activities are delivered through play-based therapeutic methods, storytelling, cooperative games, creative activities, and imaginative play.
| Week 1 | Getting Comfortable in the Group Children are gently introduced to the group environment and begin building trust with the therapist and peers. Focus:
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| Week 2 | Understanding Feelings Children begin exploring emotions and how feelings show up in their bodies. Focus:
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| Week 3 | Big Feelings & Calm Bodies Children practise strategies to help regulate when emotions become overwhelming. Focus:
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| Week 4 | Playing Together Children begin practising social interaction and cooperative play. Focus:
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| Week 5 | Friendship Skills Children explore what it means to be a friend and practise building positive relationships. Focus:
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| Week 6 | Problem Solving Children practise navigating small social challenges that arise in play. Focus:
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| Week 7 | Independence & Confidence Children practise participating more independently within the group environment. Focus:
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| Week 8 | Celebrating Growth The final session reflects on children’s progress and celebrates their development. Focus:
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Parent Support
Parents receive a Prep Readiness Parent Guide that includes practical strategies to support their child’s transition into school.
Topics include:
- Supporting separation at school drop-off
- Helping children manage big feelings
- Encouraging independence at home
- Supporting social confidence before starting school
Parents play an important role in reinforcing these skills outside the therapy space.
NDIS & Funding
Children who are NDIS participants may be able to access this therapeutic group where goals relate to:
- Emotional regulation
- Social skill development
- Community participation
- Building independence
- Increasing confidence in group environments
Self-managed and plan-managed participants are welcome.
Families are also welcome to attend privately.
Who This Program Is For
This group is designed for children who:
- Will be starting Prep in 2026
- Are currently attending Kindergarten in 2025
- May feel nervous about school
- Need support building social confidence
- Would benefit from developing emotional regulation skills
Why Choose Curious Box?
At Curious Box Play Therapy, we specialise in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing through the power of play.
Our programs are:
- Therapeutic and developmentally appropriate
- Trauma-informed
- Neurodiversity-affirming
- Facilitated by qualified therapists
- Focused on building lifelong emotional and relational skills
We believe children thrive when they feel safe, confident, and connected.
Meet the Facilitator
Mercia Armstrong (B.Ed – Primary & Early Childhood, MSW)
Director & Play Therapy Practitioner
Mercia Armstrong is the founder and director of Curious Box Play Therapy and will be facilitating the Curious Starters Prep Readiness Group. Mercia holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Bachelor of Education (Primary & Early Childhood), bringing a unique combination of educational and therapeutic expertise to her work with children. With experience both in the classroom and in therapeutic settings, Mercia understands the emotional, social, and developmental skills children need to feel confident starting school. She specialises in Child-Centred Play Therapy, supporting children to develop emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills through play. Mercia’s work is grounded in a child-centred, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming approach, creating safe and supportive spaces where children can build the foundations they need to thrive as they transition into Prep.
Register Your Interest
Places are limited to maintain a small therapeutic group environment.
CHILD GROUP
Confidence Collective
Teen Girls Confidence & Friendship Group in Brisbane
The Confidence Collective is a small therapeutic group designed to support teen girls in building confidence, strengthening friendships, and developing a stronger sense of self.
Adolescence can be an exciting yet challenging stage of life. As girls navigate school, friendships, identity, and increasing social pressures, many experience self-doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty about where they belong.
The Confidence Collective provides a safe, supportive space where girls can connect with peers, share experiences, and develop the confidence to be themselves.
This group combines creative activities, guided discussion, reflective exercises, and therapeutic group work to support girls in developing emotional awareness, social confidence, and authentic connections.
Program Details
| Program | Confidence Collective |
|---|---|
| Facilitator | Emily Rein |
| Term 3 Dates | Thursdays, 23 July – 27 August |
| Time | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Duration | 6-week program |
| Location | Curious Box Play Therapy, Brisbane |
| Includes | Dinner each session, program materials, and parent resources. |
Why Parents Choose This Group
Many families seek support when their daughter is experiencing:
- friendship challenges or peer conflict
- low confidence or self-esteem
- social anxiety or worry about fitting in
- difficulty navigating social dynamics at school
- feelings of exclusion or isolation
The Confidence Collective teen girls group helps participants feel understood, supported, and connected while developing skills that support healthy relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Group programs can be particularly powerful for adolescents because they allow girls to practice social skills, communication, and confidence in a real peer environment.
What Girls Will Gain
Participants in the Confidence Collective are supported to:
Build Confidence
Girls explore their strengths, identity, and values while developing a stronger sense of self.
Develop Healthy Friendships
Participants learn skills to communicate effectively, navigate social challenges, and build respectful relationships.
Strengthen Emotional Awareness
Girls develop tools to recognise, express, and manage their emotions.
Experience Belonging
Being part of a supportive group helps girls realise they are not alone in their experiences.
What Happens in Each Session
Each weekly session begins with a shared dinner, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment where participants can settle in and connect socially before group activities begin.
Sessions may include:
- creative and reflective activities
- guided group discussions
- confidence-building exercises
- communication and connection activities
- opportunities for shared reflection and support
Our goal is to create an environment where girls feel safe to speak, explore, and grow together.
6-Week Program Overview
The Confidence Collective runs over six weekly sessions, with each week building on the previous one to support personal growth and connection.
| Week 1 | Building Safety & Connection Participants get to know each other and establish a safe and respectful group environment. Activities focus on building trust, belonging, and helping girls feel comfortable sharing their voice. |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | Understanding Ourselves Girls explore identity, personal strengths, and what makes them unique. Activities help participants recognise their values and build self-awareness. |
| Week 3 | Confidence & Self-Esteem This session focuses on recognising strengths, challenging negative self-talk, and developing self-belief. |
| Week 4 | Friendships & Social Dynamics Participants explore healthy friendships, communication skills, and ways to navigate common social challenges such as misunderstandings or peer pressure. |
| Week 5 | Emotions & Regulation Girls develop greater awareness of their emotions and learn strategies to manage stress, overwhelm, and social anxiety. |
| Week 6 | Moving Forward with Confidence The final session celebrates each participant’s growth and helps girls reflect on what they have learned and how they can continue building confidence moving forward. |
Our Approach at Curious Box
At Curious Box Play Therapy, our programs are:
- Trauma-informed
- Neurodiversity-affirming
- Strength-based
- Relational and supportive
We believe young people thrive when they feel safe, understood, and connected.
NDIS Participants
Teenagers who are NDIS participants may be able to attend the Confidence Collective where the group aligns with their NDIS plan goals.
This program may support goals related to:
- building social and communication skills
- developing confidence and self-advocacy
- improving emotional awareness and regulation
- increasing positive peer relationships
- supporting community and social participation
Group programs provide valuable opportunities for young people to practice social interaction, develop communication skills, and build confidence in a supported peer environment.
Participants attending through the NDIS may be able to use funding from:
- Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
- Capacity Building – Increased Social & Community Participation
Self-managed and plan-managed participants are welcome. Families are encouraged to speak with their support coordinator or plan manager if they are unsure whether the group aligns with their child’s plan.
About the Facilitator
Emily Rein (MCouns, BPsych)
Play Therapy Practitioner
Emily Rein (MCouns, BPsych) is a counsellor at Curious Box Play Therapy with training in child and adolescent mental health. Emily has experience supporting young people navigating confidence challenges, friendship difficulties, anxiety, and emotional well-being. She takes a warm, relational, and strengths-based approach, creating a safe and supportive environment where teenagers feel comfortable expressing themselves, building self-awareness, and developing confidence in who they are.
Register Your Interest
Places are limited to maintain a safe and supportive group environment.
To learn more or register your teen for the Confidence Collective, please register…
PARENT GROUP
Play to Connect GROUP
Strengthening Parent and Caregiver Connection Through Play
At Curious Box Therapy, we believe that meaningful connection is the foundation of children’s emotional wellbeing. The Play to Connect Group is designed to help parents and caregivers strengthen their relationship with their child through the power of play.
This interactive group introduces the core principles of play therapy-informed parenting, helping adults better understand their child’s emotional world and respond in ways that support confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Through practical examples, discussion, and reflection, participants will gain tools they can begin using immediately at home.
| Date | 14 May – 18 June |
|---|---|
| Time | Term 2: Thursday nights, 6:30 – 7:30pm (Coffee and Chats from 6pm) |
| Presenters | Emily Rein & Mercia Armstrong |
| Location | Curious Box Therapy, Springwood |
What is the Play to Connect Group?
The Play to Connect Group is a parent and caregiver learning experience focused on building stronger relationships with children through intentional, child-led play.
Children often communicate their feelings through play before they can fully express them with words. By learning how to follow your child’s lead in play, parents and caregivers can better understand their child’s experiences and create a stronger sense of safety and connection.
This workshop introduces key play therapy concepts in a practical and accessible way, giving parents confidence to support their child’s emotional development in everyday moments.
What You Will Learn
Participants in the Play to Connect Workshop will explore a range of strategies designed to strengthen parent-child connection and support emotional development.
Understanding Your Child’s Emotional World
Learn how children express their feelings through behaviour and play, and how adults can respond in ways that help children feel seen and understood.
Responding Empathetically to Feelings
Discover how reflective responses and empathy can help children process emotions and feel emotionally safe.
Supporting Emotional Regulation
Understand how connection and co-regulation help children learn to manage big feelings and develop self-control over time.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Explore ways to support your child’s developing sense of self so they feel capable, valued, and resilient.
Setting Gentle, Therapeutic Limits
Learn how to set boundaries in ways that maintain connection and help children feel safe.
Who Is This Group For?
The Play to Connect Group is designed for:
- Parents of children of all ages
- Caregivers supporting children’s emotional development
- Families wanting to strengthen their connection through play
- Parents looking for practical, evidence-based parenting strategies
The group can be especially helpful for families whose children:
- experience big emotions
- struggle with confidence or self-esteem
- find change or transitions challenging
- benefit from stronger emotional connection with caregivers
No prior experience with play therapy is needed.
Why Play Matters in Child Development
Play is one of the most natural ways children process experiences and express emotions. Through play, children explore relationships, work through challenges, and make sense of the world around them.
Research in child development and play therapy shows that child-led play can:
- strengthen parent-child attachment
- improve emotional regulation
- build resilience and confidence
- support problem-solving and flexibility
When adults join children in play with curiosity and acceptance, it creates powerful moments of connection and emotional growth.
Group Format
The Play to Connect Group is designed to be engaging, supportive, and practical.
Participants will experience:
- guided discussion
- real-life parenting examples
- reflection opportunities
- practical strategies for everyday parenting situations
The group environment is warm, supportive, and respectful of every family’s unique experiences.
Group Outcomes
After attending the group, parents and caregivers will leave with:
- a deeper understanding of their child’s emotional needs
- practical strategies to strengthen connection through play
- tools to support emotional regulation
- increased confidence in responding to challenging behaviour
- new perspectives on parenting with connection and empathy
About Curious Box Therapy
Curious Box Therapy provides a compassionate and supportive environment where children, teens, and families can thrive through the transformative power of play.
Our practice specialises in child-centred play therapy, a therapeutic approach that recognises play as the natural language of children.
Curious Box Therapy is:
- child-centred and strength-based
- trauma-informed
- neurodiversity-affirming
Through therapy, parent workshops, and family support programs, we help families strengthen connection and support children’s emotional wellbeing.
Meet the Facilitator - the Parent Group:
Emily Rein (MCouns, BPsych)
Play Therapy Practitioner
Emily Rein (MCouns, BPsych) is a counsellor at Curious Box Therapy who is passionate about supporting children and families to build stronger relationships and emotional wellbeing. With a Master of Counselling and a Bachelor of Psychology, Emily brings a warm, compassionate, and play-based approach to her work with children and their caregivers. She is particularly passionate about helping parents and caregivers feel more confident in understanding their child’s emotional world and strengthening connection through everyday moments of play. Through the Play to Connect program, Emily guides families in learning practical, evidence-based strategies that support connection, emotional regulation, and healthy development.
Join the Play to Connect Group
The Play to Connect Group offers parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn how small moments of play can lead to powerful changes in connection and emotional wellbeing.
When children feel understood, safe, and supported, they develop the foundations they need to thrive.
