Building Strong Foundations for Resilient Families and Thriving Children
At Strong Foundations, we provide play therapy, family therapy, and parenting support to help children and families navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive together.
Our Mission
At Strong Foundations, our mission is to deliver comprehensive child therapy services that create a safe, nurturing environment for children to explore and understand their emotions. Through our specialised play therapy and therapeutic services for children, we foster resilience, strengthen family bonds, and provide emotional support for kids. We believe that through play, children can express what words cannot—leading to profound healing and personal growth. Our commitment to family therapy and developmental support is rooted in compassion, expertise, and a focus on each child’s unique strengths, helping to build a solid foundation for their future.
“Play allows children to communicate beyond words, using a natural language where they feel safe to explore emotions and experiences.”
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Our goal at Strong Foundations is to be a reliable resource for families in need in the Sydney area, making therapeutic services accessible and meaningful throughout each family’s journey toward growth and healing.
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Our approach to therapy for children is child-centred, using play therapy as a tool for children to express and process their feelings in a safe and natural way. Natalie encourages children to engage in creative activities—such as storytelling and role-playing—to explore their emotions and develop resilience. This support for parents and children in need forms the foundation of our humanistic, child-centred approach, allowing each child the freedom to express their inner world while receiving developmental support and emotional support.
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Play therapy is a proven therapeutic method uniquely suited to young children, allowing them to communicate their experiences and feelings without the need for words. Through play, children express their thoughts and emotions, helping them build a stronger emotional foundation and develop coping skills within a secure, supportive environment.
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Emotional Expression: Play therapy provides a supportive environment for children to explore emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, and confusion.
Improved Behaviour: Children often experience positive behavioural changes as they develop tools to manage emotions and cope with challenges.
Resilience and Problem-Solving: Through play, children build resilience and learn to navigate difficulties, strengthening their emotional wellbeing.
Stronger Relationships: As children develop greater self-awareness, they become better equipped to form healthy, secure connections with family and peers.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Guided play sessions help relieve stress and anxiety, supporting children's mental health and boosting their self-confidence.
Meet the Therapist
Natalie Maiolo is a skilled and dedicated Play Therapist, registered with both the Australasian Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She holds a Master of Play Therapy from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Counselling from the University of Notre Dame. Natalie brings substantial experience to her practice and is an approved NDIS provider, committed to delivering accessible and effective therapeutic services for children and counselling for families in Sydney.
Specialising in therapy for children with neurological and developmental disorders—such as Autism, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities—as well as those experiencing trauma, anxiety, or depression, Natalie’s approach is grounded in both empathy and clinical expertise. Her extensive background includes providing emotional support for children and family support services within non-profit organisations, assisting children, families, and couples facing complex challenges such as domestic violence, high-conflict separation, mental health concerns, and addiction.
Natalie is also experienced in facilitating impactful programs for parents and children, including Circle of Security, Tuning in to Kids, and Emotion Coaching. Her additional training in the Gottman Method for couples counselling enhances her ability to provide holistic support for families in need, helping them build stronger, healthier relationships. Natalie’s passion for therapy for young children and her belief in the transformative power of play inspire her commitment to supporting each child’s unique journey toward healing and growth.