Kerry Paul
B Ed, Dip Early Intervention, Dip Counselling, Post Grad Cert Therapeutic Play Therapist
Kerry has added online consults to her practice.
Kerry comes to the Harbour Therapy Clinic in Coffs Harbour, bringing 30 years of experience working with children in education and care settings. Her career started in New Zealand and since coming to Australia she has continued to train, learn and advocate for children who need her help. Kerry has always been a strong advocate for children. She has worked as a relief carer for children at risk of harm in the Women’s Refuge system in New Zealand. She has enjoyed being an early childhood centre owner, director and teacher. Kerry has a way of working that emphasises trust in a child’s ability and own knowledge to know implicitly what they need to do to heal, grow and work out an issue.
Play Therapy is a proven, developmentally appropriate child centred and non-directive intervention to enhance the mental health of children. Each child has a unique way to work through and communicate their worries and concerns.
Play Therapy is helpful in treating a wide range of disorders and difficulties that effect a child’s development.
Social Skills and social adjustment
Self-concept
Language and academic achievement
Trauma symptoms
Internalizing problems
Functional impairment
Caregiver/child relationships
Externalizing behaviour problems such as ADHD symptoms, aggression, conduct problems and disruptive behaviours.
(Outcome Research Evidence Based Child Therapy, Meta-Analysis/Reviews, AM Design, 2016).
Aim: Kerry aims to create an atmosphere of acceptance, support, and trust in the child to find resilience, and healing in their own way.
Albert Einstein was a strong advocate for play
and respecting this as a developmental learning tool used innately by children.
“Play is the highest form of research”.
He also hypothesized that -
“Combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought”.
In her opinion Kerry sees that Albert Einstein was in a good position to know this given his own life story and work.
How: With safety provided by boundaries to keep the child grounded and connected to the outside world, there is scope to explore as they do their healing through play. A comprehensive array of play and expressive arts helps Kerry to follow the child’s lead.
With: The key component of Kerry's approach is engaging and collaborating with parents who want the best outcome for their child or children. Kerry also has tremendous respect for schoolteachers who want positive outcomes for their students, and believes in building a firm relationship with all caregivers founded on knowledge that is available through honest communication. This is a team approach that is fostered through trust, respect, patience and honesty.
Kerry is also working online, initially with parents and caregivers in a private setting. Kerry aims to develop strategies and ideas based upon the families unique needs. Online sessions can also include a virtual tour of the environment where together you can come up with innovative ideas for working with the child. The aim is to develop a positive working relationship with the parents prior to introducing the work with the child.
Kerry looks forward to working with you and your children.
Play Therapy is a proven, developmentally appropriate child centred and non-directive intervention to enhance the mental health of children. Each child has a unique way to work through and communicate their worries and concerns.
Play Therapy is helpful in treating a wide range of disorders and difficulties that effect a child’s development.
Social Skills and social adjustment
Self-concept
Language and academic achievement
Trauma symptoms
Internalizing problems
Functional impairment
Caregiver/child relationships
Externalizing behaviour problems such as ADHD symptoms, aggression, conduct problems and disruptive behaviours.
(Outcome Research Evidence Based Child Therapy, Meta-Analysis/Reviews, AM Design, 2016).
Aim: Kerry aims to create an atmosphere of acceptance, support, and trust in the child to find resilience, and healing in their own way.
Albert Einstein was a strong advocate for play
and respecting this as a developmental learning tool used innately by children.
“Play is the highest form of research”.
He also hypothesized that -
“Combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought”.
In her opinion Kerry sees that Albert Einstein was in a good position to know this given his own life story and work.
How: With safety provided by boundaries to keep the child grounded and connected to the outside world, there is scope to explore as they do their healing through play. A comprehensive array of play and expressive arts helps Kerry to follow the child’s lead.
With: The key component of Kerry's approach is engaging and collaborating with parents who want the best outcome for their child or children. Kerry also has tremendous respect for schoolteachers who want positive outcomes for their students, and believes in building a firm relationship with all caregivers founded on knowledge that is available through honest communication. This is a team approach that is fostered through trust, respect, patience and honesty.
Kerry is also working online, initially with parents and caregivers in a private setting. Kerry aims to develop strategies and ideas based upon the families unique needs. Online sessions can also include a virtual tour of the environment where together you can come up with innovative ideas for working with the child. The aim is to develop a positive working relationship with the parents prior to introducing the work with the child.
Kerry looks forward to working with you and your children.
