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
|
| Session Length | 75-minute sessions, once per week |
| Group Size | Maximum of 5 children per group |
| Age Groups |
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| Facilitator | Dawn Bondass |
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.
PARENT GROUP
Play to COnnect
| Date | Thursday 30th April |
|---|---|
| Time | 7 – 8 PM |
| Presenters | Emily Rein & Mercia Armstrong |
| Location | Virtual |
What you'll learn
During this session, you’ll learn:
- Why play is essential for brain development
- What child-led play looks like at home
- The Observe → Respond approach
- How to respond empathetically during play
- Supporting self-regulation and big feelings
- Encouragement vs praise
- Setting gentle, clear limits while maintaining connection
This workshop is warm, accessible, and grounded in Child-Centred Play Therapy principles. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately with your child—no special toys, time commitments, or prior experience needed.
Who is this for?
Parents, caregivers, or educators supporting children aged 2–10 who want to:
- Build stronger connection
- Support emotional regulation
- Understand behaviour through a developmental lens
- Create calm, meaningful moments of one-on-one play
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.
Why attend?
Because small moments of intentional play can transform your relationship. Through play, children feel seen, understood, and safe—and connection becomes the foundation for learning, wellbeing, and growth.
Register for Your Free Spot
Join our free virtual workshop to learn simple, child-led play strategies that support emotional regulation at home.
