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We believe in
Ethical & compassionate support for Tasmanians
Proudly Tasmanian Owned and Operated
We are not like most clinics.
We have beautifully designed playrooms and therapy spaces that offer nurturing, child-led environments where children feel safe, supported, and free to grow.
We have boardgames, robotics, STEM, makerspace and traditional playrooms. This allows us to cater for children of all ages and abilities.
In early intervention and therapy, this kind of setting makes all the difference, fostering trust, emotional security, and real developmental progress from the very first session.
We have boardgames, robotics, STEM, makerspace and traditional playrooms. This allows us to cater for children of all ages and abilities.
In early intervention and therapy, this kind of setting makes all the difference, fostering trust, emotional security, and real developmental progress from the very first session.
We are specialists in supporting children.
At Bridge to Understanding, we provide a relationship-based,
neuro-affirming approach that supports children and families to feel safe, empowered, and understood. We specialise in Early Intervention, Play Therapy, Behaviour Support, and counselling for children with Autism, PDA, and other developmental differences.
Our team is proud to be NDIS registered and committed to providing high-quality, evidence-informed care for children of all ages and abilities.
neuro-affirming approach that supports children and families to feel safe, empowered, and understood. We specialise in Early Intervention, Play Therapy, Behaviour Support, and counselling for children with Autism, PDA, and other developmental differences.
Our team is proud to be NDIS registered and committed to providing high-quality, evidence-informed care for children of all ages and abilities.
🌈 The Power of Play.
We understand that children don’t typically walk into a room, sit down, and share their innermost thoughts and feelings, especially not on demand.
At Bridge to Understanding, we create safe, welcoming spaces where children are free to explore, play, and just be. Through play, children communicate in the way that feels most natural to them. Whether it’s through building, drawing, role-playing, storytelling, or simply engaging with toys and sensory materials, play offers a window into a child’s inner world without the pressure to explain or perform.
We don’t rush the process. We know that trust takes time, and that meaningful therapeutic work often begins in the small, seemingly ordinary moments of connection. Our therapists are trained to follow the child’s lead, gently responding to their emotional cues, supporting regulation, and creating opportunities for healing, learning, and growth, all through play.
In our sessions, play is not just an activity, it’s a language, a tool, and a bridge to understanding.
At Bridge to Understanding, we create safe, welcoming spaces where children are free to explore, play, and just be. Through play, children communicate in the way that feels most natural to them. Whether it’s through building, drawing, role-playing, storytelling, or simply engaging with toys and sensory materials, play offers a window into a child’s inner world without the pressure to explain or perform.
We don’t rush the process. We know that trust takes time, and that meaningful therapeutic work often begins in the small, seemingly ordinary moments of connection. Our therapists are trained to follow the child’s lead, gently responding to their emotional cues, supporting regulation, and creating opportunities for healing, learning, and growth, all through play.
In our sessions, play is not just an activity, it’s a language, a tool, and a bridge to understanding.
🧸 Play Therapy.
We believe that play is the child’s natural language, and Play Therapy offers a safe and therapeutic space for children to express themselves, work through big feelings, and build resilience. Sessions are guided by trained therapists who meet children where they are helping them feel heard, accepted, and in control.
Play therapy: Working creatively with children
Jacki Short MAPS MCCOUNP, Director of Sydney Centre for Creative Change
Play is the child’s natural medium for self experience.” - Virginia Axline (1989), founder of child-centred play therapy
Play therapy is a powerful means of joining with the innate, creative, non-verbal capacities of children in order to engage and work therapeutically with them. It is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based method of counselling younger clients. In play therapy, children can play out, literally and/or metaphorically, their inner and real life experiences in a way that builds insight and capacity. Play therapy allows children to express, regulate, communicate, practice and master new skills as well as their emotional responses.
As adults we can often forget how different a child’s lived experience (and way of communicating) is from ours. This has profound implications for how therapists choose to engage, assess and work with young clients. To maximise sensitivity to and respect for children, we should allow them a means to express themselves in a language that is familiar to them. When children feel comfortable, relaxed and safe enough to express their concerns, abilities and interests, then we are allowed to see and hear some of their real experiences.
Play has long been recognised by developmental psychologists, such as Piaget and Vygotsky, as a critical pathway to healthy physical, cognitive and psychosocial development (Sigelman & Rider, 2012). Therapeutic play builds on the developmental appropriateness of play and offers a structured approach to intervention for children’s problems.
Read how Play Therapy is evidence-based!
Play therapy: Working creatively with children
Jacki Short MAPS MCCOUNP, Director of Sydney Centre for Creative Change
Play is the child’s natural medium for self experience.” - Virginia Axline (1989), founder of child-centred play therapy
Play therapy is a powerful means of joining with the innate, creative, non-verbal capacities of children in order to engage and work therapeutically with them. It is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based method of counselling younger clients. In play therapy, children can play out, literally and/or metaphorically, their inner and real life experiences in a way that builds insight and capacity. Play therapy allows children to express, regulate, communicate, practice and master new skills as well as their emotional responses.
As adults we can often forget how different a child’s lived experience (and way of communicating) is from ours. This has profound implications for how therapists choose to engage, assess and work with young clients. To maximise sensitivity to and respect for children, we should allow them a means to express themselves in a language that is familiar to them. When children feel comfortable, relaxed and safe enough to express their concerns, abilities and interests, then we are allowed to see and hear some of their real experiences.
Play has long been recognised by developmental psychologists, such as Piaget and Vygotsky, as a critical pathway to healthy physical, cognitive and psychosocial development (Sigelman & Rider, 2012). Therapeutic play builds on the developmental appropriateness of play and offers a structured approach to intervention for children’s problems.
Read how Play Therapy is evidence-based!
💬 Child Counselling.
Our child counselling sessions are strengths-based and child-led. We support children navigating challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation, grief, peer relationships, and school transitions. Our approach is always developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and grounded in connection and trust.
Want to learn more about - Play Therapy As Effective Options for School-Age Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems: Read this Case Series
Want to learn more about - Play Therapy As Effective Options for School-Age Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems: Read this Case Series
🤝 Early Intervention & DIR Floortime.
Our Early Intervention services follow the Key Worker model, providing families with a single, consistent point of contact who understands their child’s development and can help navigate services and supports. This holistic, family-centred approach focuses on building capacity, strengthening routines, and promoting developmental growth in everyday environments. We work alongside parents and carers to embed meaningful strategies into home and community life.
In May we will also be qualified to practice the DIRFloortime® approach.
We are proud to be a registered NDIS provider, delivering Early Intervention, Therapeutic Supports, and Behaviour Support under the NDIS. Whether your child is just beginning their journey or transitioning to new stages of development, our team is here to walk alongside you with compassion, flexibility, and care.
Read more about DIR®
In May we will also be qualified to practice the DIRFloortime® approach.
We are proud to be a registered NDIS provider, delivering Early Intervention, Therapeutic Supports, and Behaviour Support under the NDIS. Whether your child is just beginning their journey or transitioning to new stages of development, our team is here to walk alongside you with compassion, flexibility, and care.
Read more about DIR®
🧠 Positive Behaviour Support.
We provide NDIS Behaviour Support grounded in evidence-based practice and person-centred values. Our team works collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to develop practical, individualised strategies that support the child’s communication, autonomy, and wellbeing reducing behaviours of concern without punishment or pressure.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach to behaviour management that revolves around a set of core principles aimed at fostering positive and adaptive behaviours while minimising the occurrence of challenging ones. The first key principle involves understanding the individual's unique needs, preferences, and strengths, emphasising a person-centred approach. By recognising the holistic nature of behaviour, PBS acknowledges the influence of various factors such as environmental, social, and personal elements on an individual's actions. The second core principle of PBS centres on proactive strategies, focusing on preventive measures to create an environment conducive to positive behaviour rather than relying solely on reactive interventions. This holistic and proactive approach ensures a tailored and supportive framework for individuals, promoting their well-being and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Why is Positive Behaviour Important?
Positive behaviour is crucial for several reasons, primarily due to its impact on individual well-being and the overall quality of life. A. Positive behaviour contributes to individual well-being by fostering a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and social connection. When individuals engage in positive behaviours, they experience increased levels of satisfaction and fulfilment, leading to enhanced mental and emotional well-being. This positive psychological state not only benefits the individual but also contributes to healthier relationships and social interactions.
The connection between positive behaviour and overall quality of life is evident in the way positive actions contribute to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Positive behaviours often lead to improved physical health, increased social support, and greater opportunities for personal and professional growth. As individuals consistently exhibit positive behaviour, they create a positive feedback loop that enhances their overall quality of life, promoting a harmonious balance between personal satisfaction and societal well-being. In essence, positive behaviour is a cornerstone for a thriving and enriched life on both individual and collective levels.
Why is Positive Behaviour Support Important?
The importance of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is underscored by its ability to address the limitations of traditional behaviour management approaches. Unlike traditional methods that often focus on reactive measures and consequences for challenging behaviours, PBS takes a proactive stance. By recognising and understanding the individual's unique needs and preferences, PBS seeks to prevent the occurrence of challenging behaviours in the first place. This approach minimises the reliance on punitive measures and instead emphasises creating an environment that fosters positive behaviour.
Moreover, PBS is person-centred, acknowledging the holistic nature of behaviour by considering the influence of factors such as environment, social interactions, and personal strengths. This person-centred approach ensures that interventions are tailored to the individual, promoting their well-being and encouraging positive outcomes. In essence, the importance of Positive Behaviour Support lies in its capacity to overcome the limitations of traditional methods, offering a more effective and compassionate approach that is proactive, person-centred, and ultimately conducive to the development of positive and adaptive behaviours.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach to behaviour management that revolves around a set of core principles aimed at fostering positive and adaptive behaviours while minimising the occurrence of challenging ones. The first key principle involves understanding the individual's unique needs, preferences, and strengths, emphasising a person-centred approach. By recognising the holistic nature of behaviour, PBS acknowledges the influence of various factors such as environmental, social, and personal elements on an individual's actions. The second core principle of PBS centres on proactive strategies, focusing on preventive measures to create an environment conducive to positive behaviour rather than relying solely on reactive interventions. This holistic and proactive approach ensures a tailored and supportive framework for individuals, promoting their well-being and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Why is Positive Behaviour Important?
Positive behaviour is crucial for several reasons, primarily due to its impact on individual well-being and the overall quality of life. A. Positive behaviour contributes to individual well-being by fostering a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and social connection. When individuals engage in positive behaviours, they experience increased levels of satisfaction and fulfilment, leading to enhanced mental and emotional well-being. This positive psychological state not only benefits the individual but also contributes to healthier relationships and social interactions.
The connection between positive behaviour and overall quality of life is evident in the way positive actions contribute to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Positive behaviours often lead to improved physical health, increased social support, and greater opportunities for personal and professional growth. As individuals consistently exhibit positive behaviour, they create a positive feedback loop that enhances their overall quality of life, promoting a harmonious balance between personal satisfaction and societal well-being. In essence, positive behaviour is a cornerstone for a thriving and enriched life on both individual and collective levels.
Why is Positive Behaviour Support Important?
The importance of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is underscored by its ability to address the limitations of traditional behaviour management approaches. Unlike traditional methods that often focus on reactive measures and consequences for challenging behaviours, PBS takes a proactive stance. By recognising and understanding the individual's unique needs and preferences, PBS seeks to prevent the occurrence of challenging behaviours in the first place. This approach minimises the reliance on punitive measures and instead emphasises creating an environment that fosters positive behaviour.
Moreover, PBS is person-centred, acknowledging the holistic nature of behaviour by considering the influence of factors such as environment, social interactions, and personal strengths. This person-centred approach ensures that interventions are tailored to the individual, promoting their well-being and encouraging positive outcomes. In essence, the importance of Positive Behaviour Support lies in its capacity to overcome the limitations of traditional methods, offering a more effective and compassionate approach that is proactive, person-centred, and ultimately conducive to the development of positive and adaptive behaviours.
🧩 Autism and PDA-Informed Support.
We are passionate about supporting neurodivergent children, including those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our approach respects each child’s unique sensory needs, communication style, and autonomy. We use low-demand, flexible, and child-led strategies that foster safety, reduce anxiety, and build trust over time.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) refers to a specific profile within the Autism spectrum, where individuals exhibit a strong desire for independence and have an increased sensitivity towards demands that challenge their autonomy. Tasks as simple as putting on shoes, going to sleep, brushing one’s teeth or having breakfast can evoke significant emotional responses in individuals with PDA, making it challenging for caregivers and loved ones to comprehend. We aim to support families and support PDA as a profile of ASD, shedding light on its fundamental characteristics.
Whether you are a caregiver, parent, or simply curious about Autism PDA, will look forward to hopefully provide valuable insights and support.
Autism and the PDA profile are dimensional – this means that approaches need to be tailored for each individual child, applied flexibly and reviewed regularly. There is no wrong or right way to do things, it’s about learning as much as you can about PDA, finding out what works best for you and your child and building a framework of approaches.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) refers to a specific profile within the Autism spectrum, where individuals exhibit a strong desire for independence and have an increased sensitivity towards demands that challenge their autonomy. Tasks as simple as putting on shoes, going to sleep, brushing one’s teeth or having breakfast can evoke significant emotional responses in individuals with PDA, making it challenging for caregivers and loved ones to comprehend. We aim to support families and support PDA as a profile of ASD, shedding light on its fundamental characteristics.
Whether you are a caregiver, parent, or simply curious about Autism PDA, will look forward to hopefully provide valuable insights and support.
Autism and the PDA profile are dimensional – this means that approaches need to be tailored for each individual child, applied flexibly and reviewed regularly. There is no wrong or right way to do things, it’s about learning as much as you can about PDA, finding out what works best for you and your child and building a framework of approaches.
Connect-First Approach.
Connect First: The Heart of Relationship-Based Therapy.
At the core of our approach is a simple but powerful principle: Connect First.
In relationship-based therapy models like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Child Centred Play Therapy, emotional connection isn't just a goal, it’s the starting point. Before we explore deeper relational dynamics or attempt to resolve longstanding conflicts, we focus on building a secure emotional bond.
This connection creates a safe, supportive space where children can truly be seen and heard. It lays the foundation for healthier communication, meaningful understanding, and lasting change.
We also offer Filial therapy which is a child-centred, evidence-based intervention that teaches and supports parents or caregivers to become the primary therapeutic agents in their child’s life through structured play sessions. It is grounded in principles from nondirective play therapy but is unique in that the therapist coaches and empowers parents to conduct therapeutic play sessions themselves.
Our work begins with emotional safety, trust, and presence, because when we connect first, everything else becomes possible.
At the core of our approach is a simple but powerful principle: Connect First.
In relationship-based therapy models like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Child Centred Play Therapy, emotional connection isn't just a goal, it’s the starting point. Before we explore deeper relational dynamics or attempt to resolve longstanding conflicts, we focus on building a secure emotional bond.
This connection creates a safe, supportive space where children can truly be seen and heard. It lays the foundation for healthier communication, meaningful understanding, and lasting change.
We also offer Filial therapy which is a child-centred, evidence-based intervention that teaches and supports parents or caregivers to become the primary therapeutic agents in their child’s life through structured play sessions. It is grounded in principles from nondirective play therapy but is unique in that the therapist coaches and empowers parents to conduct therapeutic play sessions themselves.
Our work begins with emotional safety, trust, and presence, because when we connect first, everything else becomes possible.
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