Engage Playfully

30/08/2026

Winnie loved exploring the dog park for the first time off‑lead today. She was so curious and confident, taking in every new smell and space. Such a happy little adventure.

26/08/2026

Happy International Dogs Dog. At Engage Playfully we celebrate Poppy and Winnie and all the amazing work they do to help support, connect,and engage everyone they come in contact with. They are cuddly, non judgemental and bring so much joy. 💕🐾

25/08/2026

Engage Playfully has been supporting schools this year with our Animal‑Assisted Play Therapy social groups, featuring our therapy dogs Poppy and Winnie, and Waffles the therapy rabbit. Throughout these sessions, students build emotional regulation skills by practising regular check‑ins and body scans to notice how their bodies feel during different emotions and situations. By recognising these body cues, students learn when to use their “wobbly toolkit” of regulation strategies to help themselves feel calm and return to their baseline.

Our groups also explore social cues, friendship skills, and ways to communicate needs clearly and respectfully. Poppy, Winnie and Waffles play an important role in this learning students observe their body language, practise helping them feel safe, and enjoy plenty of comforting interactions. Their gentle, non‑judgemental nature helps students feel secure, connected, and confident as they explore their emotions and develop positive social skills. If your school is interested in bringing Engage Playfully’s Animal‑Assisted Play Therapy programs to your students in the South‑East Melbourne area, get in touch today to secure spots for 2027.

21/08/2026

Fill in an enquiry form and we’ll get in touch to chat through whether Engage Playfully’s services would be a good fit for your family.

11/08/2026

Research to support dog assisted interventions. Love the benefits the Engage Playfully’s animals bring to our therapists and clients. 💕

New Research Supports Canine-Assisted Services for Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Conditions

A newly published systematic review in the British Journal of Psychiatry adds to the growing evidence that dog-assisted interventions can provide meaningful benefits for both children and adults living with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions.

After reviewing the available evidence, the researchers found that dog-assisted interventions were associated with improvements in:
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Emotional regulation
• Social functioning
• Engagement with treatment

One of the review’s most important findings was that the presence of a dog may increase engagement with professional services. For many people, this can help build trust, encourage participation, and support ongoing involvement in treatment.

The authors also emphasise that dog-assisted interventions should complement, not replace, evidence-based care, and should be delivered by appropriately qualified professionals with careful attention to animal welfare.

This latest research reinforces the important role that well-trained dogs can play in supporting therapeutic relationships and improving client engagement across a range of professional settings.

Read the full research here:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/dogassisted-interventions-for-children-and-adults-with-mental-health-or-neurodevelopmental-conditions-systematic-review/72599C9A5BDBA836E61D043FE8F097E7

11/08/2026

Supporting Your Child Through Play

At Engage Playfully, we’re always reminding families that play isn’t “extra” it’s essential. When you spend even a few minutes playing with your child, you’re helping them build emotional regulation, confidence, problem‑solving skills and a stronger connection with you.

Play doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be:

Following your child’s lead in pretend play

Sitting with them while they build, draw or create

Joining a simple game they enjoy

Sharing a moment of silliness, imagination or curiosity

When you step into their world, you show them they are valued, understood and safe. These small moments of connection support wellbeing, reduce stress and help children practise the skills they use every day at school and at home.

A little play goes a long way and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Just being present makes all the difference. Check out https://www.playroomchronicles.com/the-5-minute-play-secret-quick-play-ideas-for-busy-parents/ for some tips on short burst of play ideas.

Quick play ideas for busy parents—learn how short, focused bursts of play can boost connection and help your child play independently.

11/08/2026

This term has started off with such positive energy across our school‑based programs. Our social group sessions are now underway, with students exploring:

Interoception skills – helping students recognise and understand their internal body signals.

Toolbox strategies – practical techniques students can use when their feelings become “wobbly” or overwhelming.

Reflections and visualisations – supporting students to identify what helps them feel powerful, capable, and happy.

Social connection and communication – building confidence in interacting with peers and navigating everyday school experiences.

We’re also providing 1:1 child‑led sessions, supporting students to process their experiences at their own pace and meet them exactly where they are.

All sessions are facilitated by our trained therapist and supported by our therapy animals Poppy, Winnie, and Waffles, who bring warmth, regulation, and connection to every interaction.

It’s been a wonderful start to the term, and we’re looking forward to seeing each student continue to grow in confidence and wellbeing.

If your school would like to experience the wellbeing benefits of Engage Playfully’s group and individual programs, please get in touch to discuss availability and next steps.

03/08/2026

Check out our new and improved Website for Services, pricing and Benefits of Animal Assisted Play Therapy at Engage Playfully

Empowering Growth Through Playful Connections Animal-Assisted Child-Led Play Therapy At Engage Playfully, we offer Animal-Assisted Child-Led Play Therapy Social Groups in schools, 1:1 Play Therapy sessions, and Key Worker interventions aimed at enhancing children’s well-being, emotional regulation...

27/07/2026

✨ NEW GROUP STARTING – Brick by Brick LEGO® Social Communication Program ✨

We’re excited to open enrolments for our Brick by Brick LEGO®‑based social communication and capacity‑building group at our Frankston clinic!

📍 443 Nepean Hwy, Frankston
🗓 Wednesdays at 11:00am
👥 Max 4 participants
🐾 Therapy dog present in all sessions

This small‑group program supports children to build teamwork, communication, flexible thinking, problem‑solving and confidence through collaborative LEGO® activities. Each child takes on structured roles (Engineer, Builder, Supplier) while learning to work together, share ideas and practise social skills in a fun, low‑pressure environment.

Program Structure:
• Parent Consult (first session) – develop a Support Plan and individual goals
• 6 weekly group sessions (12th August – 16th September)
• Final Parent Consult – review progress, update goals and plan next steps

Funding Options:
✔ NDIS (Capacity Building or Core, depending on goals)
✔ Private funding

If you’d like your child to join this group, please enquire soon limited spaces available.

📧 [email protected]
Enquire today to secure a spot and discuss costs.