Jodie

Director & Play Therapist

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education, Certificate in play therapy & currently studying a diploma in counselling

Service Locations:

Everywhere! Thinly stretched between the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Northern Suburbs of Adelaide & the Yorke Peninsula.

My Favourite Childhood Toys:

As a little girl, I remember setting up my Barbie dolls in the back of the car while my parents worked in the vineyard. Pretend play at its best. I also loved being outside.

A Bit About Jodie

During my tenure as Deputy Principal, my work primarily revolved around supporting children with various additional needs, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and those who had experienced trauma. What I quickly realised was that traditional approaches to managing behaviour and addressing meltdowns often fell short of what these children truly needed. I firmly believed that when children exhibit challenging behaviours, it is often a result of underlying triggers, and our role as educators and caregivers should be to identify and address those triggers rather than merely reacting with consequences.

In my experience, both as an educator and as a parent of a child with complex needs, I was introduced to the concept of play therapy. This eye-opening encounter inspired me to dive into the world of play therapy, a relatively new concept in South Australia.

Launching my own business, "Play Therapy with Jodie," was a monumental leap after two decades in the education sector.

Transitioning from a world filled with students and fellow teachers to a life centred around my own practice was an adjustment. However, the unwavering support of my husband, two sons, family, and friends made this transition smoother

As I witness the progress made by the children I've worked with, I am reassured that I am on the right path. With the growth of my business, I have been able to employ additional therapists and expand our office space, now serving families not only in Tanunda but also in the Clare Valley and Yorke Peninsula. I am genuinely excited about the prospect of providing more families in the Barossa, Clare and Yorke Peninsula regions with a safe and supportive environment where their children can thrive, relationships can be rebuilt, and healing can take place.