Emma Jones
(BECSt ECU, GDipTCP Deakin)
Welcome to Dandelion Play Therapy!
My name is Emma, and I am an experienced and passionate early childhood teacher and play therapist.
I began my journey into play therapy in 2017, whilst I was on maternity leave with my first child. Becoming a mother reinforced my understanding of play as a powerful and intrinsic part of child development, which I had long observed in the classroom.
I came across Play Therapy at Deakin University and then (very slowly!) whilst raising my children, began my studies to become a Play Therapist. In 2021 I graduated Deakin University with a post graduate diploma in Child Therapeutic Play. In 2024 I will complete my clinical placement and obtain a Masters in Child Play Therapy.
I have a passion for working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Every child has the right to be supported to reach their full potential, regardless of past challenges, culture or abilities. I believe that play has the power to heal, change and grow children to reach their goals and strengthen their abilities.
In my free time I love spending time outdoors with my husband and three beautiful children, making the most of the pristine coastline and wilderness of the Great Southern region where we live. In this way, Dandelion Play Therapy is an alignment of my values around the transformative and healing powers of both nature and play.
Fish swim, birds fly, children play.
~ Dr. Garry Landreth ~
Why Dandelion?
When walking in nature children will often stop to pick a dandelion seedhead. They take a deep breath in and blow, releasing the seeds into the air. This gives them a feeling of enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of playfulness – all elements which play therapy offers.
Play therapy can help children release tension, fears and past adversities.
Dandelions only need a little bit of sunshine, water and earth to grow and thrive – just as children will naturally grow and thrive through play.
Jointly created by my Mum – Julie Faulkner who is a passionate advocate for play in the early years and experienced early childhood teacher of 40 years.