Our Programs

At Be Centre, everything we do is focused on the children we support. With this in mind, we also provide therapeutic programs for parents and carers as well as professionals working with children who play a valuable role in a child’s journey.

Programs for Children

At Be Centre, the core service we provide is one-on-one Play Therapy, which is available to children aged 3-12 years. The children we work with have typically experienced a trauma that is affecting their emotional well-being, behaviour and ability to learn.

The traumas we see range from things like divorce, low self-esteem, bullying and grief, to domestic violence and sexual abuse. Each child is different, and this is reflected in our approach to treatment – rather than recommending a ‘standard’ number of therapy sessions, we work with each child until we achieve the outcomes we’re aiming for.

Techniques we use during sessions include clay and sandplay therapy, role play, puppets, creative visualisation and art therapy. Whatever the case, we make sure sessions are on the child’s terms, and at a pace they’re comfortable with.

Be Centre is also a registered charity and through generous funders can provide families and children who are struggling with free or partially free services.

To find out more, get in touch.

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One-on-one Play Therapy

Sessions are generally held in our purpose-built Play Rooms at our Warriewood centre.  Each Play Room is equipped with a range of stimulus, from dolls and trucks to costumes.  This gives children plenty of scope in how they choose to play, interact and communicate.  We start with a 1.5-hour consultation with a parent or carer, to discuss the child’s background, current situation, and needs. From there, our therapists develop a personalised plan, usually consisting of weekly 30-40 minute sessions. Consistency is key, so these are held at the same time each week, with the same therapist.  We also conduct a weekly check-in with each child’s home, school or both.  We measure outcomes by evaluating children before, during and after therapy using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ), parent surveys and feedback.  This helps us ensure our programs are effective, and allows us to continually improve them over time.

 

 


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Intensive Play Therapy Program

From time to time, Be Centre provides intensive Play Therapy programs which involve the child attending 40-minute Play Therapy sessions every day for a period of 10 to 12 days. One benefit of this program is that it makes Play Therapy accessible for children who live in rural and regional areas of NSW, for example, those impacted by natural disasters such as bush fires.  At times, intensive Play Therapy is held in collaboration with Royal Far West Manly and forms one part of their holistic support plan, assessment and treatment for children living in rural communities, which may also include psychology, speech, and occupational therapy.  All of this is coordinated by Royal Far West, who also provides accommodation for families for the duration.


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Group Programs

Be Centre offers two group programs for children and teens.

Seasons for Growth

Be Centre offers this small group term-based program for 6-12 year olds which builds resilience and well-being for children who have recently experienced change or loss such as to death, family separation, migration, natural disasters or school transitions. This program supports children to understand their feelings, help them develop skills for coping, restore self-confidence, and educates them about the grief/loss process. Based on extensive research, this program emphasises the value of social support and the practice of essential life skills, including managing emotions, problem-solving, decision making, and effective communication.

Group Art Therapy Program

This term-based small group art therapy program supports 7 to 14-year-olds and focuses on anxiety around climate change. It will culminate in an art exhibition.


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Creative Holiday Workshops

The Be Centre team provides a range of school holiday activities aimed at promoting creative expression in a fun and safe environment. Past workshops have included dance, drama, art, creative construction and kite making – and all are facilitated by qualified facilitators and volunteers. All children are welcome to attend. You don’t have to already be a ‘Be Centre kid’! As well as taking home something they’ve made, children gain valuable creative and social skills that will stay with them for life.


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Weekly Art Club

Run every Wednesday afternoon during the school term, Art Club is facilitated by Karen Atkins, an award-winning Sydney artist who also has a strong background in children’s education. Sessions are two hours long, and held at our Warriewood centre.

For children who have been receiving one-to-one Play Therapy and are ready to progress, Art Club can be the ideal next step. With a maximum of 12 children per session, it’s also great for kids who benefit from a small group setting.As well as encouraging creativity, Art Club is designed to support the therapeutic process, including both sensory and structured activities.  Art Club is funded by the generous folks at UnLtd, of whom we are most appreciative!

 


Programs for Parents & Carers

We’ve recognised that Play Therapy is much more effective when a parent or carer is involved and supported.  So, we’ve developed a number of programs with this in mind, each focused on a different topic.  All our programs are run by experienced health professionals and aim to build trust and understanding between adults and the kids they’re supporting.  The programs are held either on a one to one basis or in a group format.

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Tuning into Kids

It’s important for adults to understand the various ways that children communicate – after all, this knowledge enables you to work with your child to build their social skills and resilience.

In Tuning into Kids, we focus on helping parents and carers to do just that, addressing topics such as:

  • Understanding and managing your own emotions.
  • Improving communication with your child.
  • Gaining a better understanding of your child.
  • Helping your child learn to manage their emotions.
  • Helping prevent behavioural problems.
  • Teaching children to deal with conflict.

 


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Tuning into Teens

After infancy, a child’s most dramatic development happens in adolescence – and through this course, parents and carers can learn skills to help their own teen navigate this tricky time. The main focus is on reducing conflict within the home, and helping make teens more comfortable talking about difficulties they’re facing. As well as helping you create a more harmonious home, this program can even help you reduce your teen’s risk of mental health difficulties.

In Tuning into Teens, you’ll learn to help your teen:

  • Have greater success in making friends and managing conflict.
  • Concentrate better at school.
  • Calm themselves when upset or angry.
  • Manage change and challenges.
  • Be more aware, assertive and strong when facing peer pressure.
  • Have more stable and satisfying relationships as adults.

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Circle of Security

In addition to the successful Tuning in to Kids / Teens series, Be Centre is delighted to offer The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program (COS) to supplement the support available to parents and caregivers. In our experience, whilst similar to Tuning in to Kids / Teens in providing emotional support, COS may be more relevant for parents / caregivers of younger children.

In circle of Security you will learn valuable skills and insights:

  • Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read their emotional needs.
  • Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions.
  • Enhance the development of your child's self esteem.
  • Honour your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure.

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Filial Play Coaching

Filial Play Coaching is an intervention which can support parents/carers to strengthen the bond with their child through play. Using a structured and consistent programme of non-directive play sessions, skills development, feedback and support, parents/carers are empowered to build a more enjoyable, harmonious, connected and co-operative relationship with their child which has potential lifelong benefits.


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Programs for Professionals

As the leading Play Centre hub in Australia, Be Centre is proud to offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training for Play Therapy professionals, as well as in-service workshops for organisations. The CPD programs that we’re currently offering are detailed below.


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Intern Program

Be Centre supports Post Graduate Play Therapy students from a range of tertiary institutions and training organisations in gaining their clinical hours and experience to fulfil the requirements to become registered play therapists.

Intern positions are by application and availability is limited. Please contact us via info@becentre.org.au for further information.

To enquire about a workshop tailored to your organisation please get in touch.

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