my approach
My Approach with Children
I am very passionate about adopting a non-judgemental approach to working with children, with the main aim being to assist your child in growing their strengths and adaptive skills in order to help them to be the best version of themselves. My aim is never to change your child, but to recognise areas in which I can be of assistance, and to help your child to integrate emotions and situations that they are finding difficult to process. I follow the child's lead, and adapt to their needs within the room, with the aim to assist them in developing self-regulation skills that they can carry outside of the therapy room.
It is important to me that our therapeutic journey together aims to empower your child, and assist them in feeling confident in tackling the areas that they are finding difficult.
I recognise that each child is different, and as such, my approach will be based on your child's presentation and need level.
My Approach with Parents
Through my years of experience, I have recognised that bringing your child to therapy with someone new can be a vulnerable experience. My aim is always to ensure that parents and carers feel supported, empathised with, and have an idea of how their therapeutic goals for their child are tracking. I am open to adjusting to your needs, and am always happy to have a conversation about how you can feel supported throughout your child's therapeutic journey. I am also passionate about sharing techniques, skills, and language that has been helpful for your child within the room, so that you can practice these at home with your child also.
I am also happy to work with third-parties, such as schools or other professionals, in order to provide your child with a rounded-approach to therapy.
Areas of Expertise
With over six years and 1500 hours of clinical experience, I have supported a number of children reach their therapeutic goals. Whilst I am passionate about supporting all children, my area of expertise is in working with children with an ASD diagnosis/children who are neurodiverse, whether they communicate verbally, non-verbally, or are even pre-diagnosis. An additional area of expertise is in working with children with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) presentation of ASD.
I also support many clients who identify as a Highly Sensitive Person/Highly Sensitive Child, and require extra support around their experience.
I am passionate about the brain, and know that our brains can all look a little different, as they adapt to our life circumstances, our experiences, and our attempts to process the world. I think that all brains are brilliant - some just need a little bit of help in forming adaptive links that will assist them for their lifetime.
Passion for Growth
It is fundamentally important to me as a therapist that I continue to learn and grow, and find new ways to inform myself, to expand my understanding, and to stay up to date on the areas that I am knowledgeable about. I am extremely passionate about growing both as a therapist and as a human being. It is important to me that I stay informed in order to best support your child on their therapeutic journey.
NDIS Support
We accept self-managed and plan-managed clients, and have experience in writing NDIS reports. We encourage people with NDIS funding to engage in our services. .
Meet the therapist
Who Am I?
My name is Ashleigh Hanegraaf and I have been an active, child-centred play therapist with over seven years of clinical experience, with additional studies in Synergenic Play Therapy and Autplay. I have a background in psychology and a passion for neurodiversity, neuroscience, and an integrated and inclusive approach to treatment. I thoroughly believe in encouraging and empowering children to feel in control of their lives and confident in being themselves, whilst offering assistance in integrating difficult experiences, managing complex emotions, and developing skills to best manage their difficulties.
I believe that with the right approach, the work that we do can change our children’s brain on a biological level, and create a positive foundation for increased coping strategies, self esteem, and interpersonal skills later in life, as well as allow children to properly integrate any trauma. I believe in including and empowering parents and other significant people in the child’s life to better support them, all the while encouraging the child to feel comfortable being who they are. I am incredibly passionate about authenticity, and have studied both Child Centred and Synergetic approaches of play therapy (CCPT and SPT). I also have a thorough understanding of DBT and CBT approaches, and apply this to my work where applicable.
In my spare time, I enjoy writing articles and books that help to explain elements of our work to parents, children and other interested parties. In my personal life I have a passion for writing fictional novels, and discovering more about myself through poetry and words. I am a passionate person who wants to use my knowledge and the skills that I have acquired to help children to feel accepted and parents to feel understood.
NDIS Support
We welcome self-managed and plan-managed NDIS clients, and offer NDIS report writing for ongoing clients. We can also offer advice as to whether seeking NDIS funding might be helpful for you and your child.