PLAY PRESCRIPTION® | MELBOURNE WORKSHOP
Beyond the “Naughty Kid” Story
Look beyond difficult behaviour and learn practical ways to connect with children through play.
An in-person professional development workshop with Dr Sam Casey, for adults working with children and families.
When a child is often called “naughty”, it can be hard to see what else is going on. This workshop offers another starting point.
Saturday 5 December 2026
1:30–4:30 pm AEDT
Melbourne CBD — venue to be confirmed
Who it's for
Educators, teachers, social workers, counsellors, family support workers, allied health professionals, disability support workers and other adults working with children and families.
If you want to better understand a child's behaviour and find ways to connect, this workshop is for you.
You might work in a classroom, a support service or directly with families. We'll focus on everyday moments when a child is struggling and an adult wants to help.
No prior play therapy training is needed.
This workshop does not qualify you as a play therapist.
What you'll learn
We'll explore practical ways to understand children, respond with care and bring play into everyday interactions.
Look beyond the label
Look past “naughty” and notice what a child might need.
Notice the pattern
Notice how our responses affect what happens next with a child.
Connect through play
Use play therapy principles to connect with children in everyday work.
How the workshop works
This interactive three-hour workshop combines teaching, everyday examples, time to reflect, and practical ways to use play therapy principles. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion, plus a short break.
Your ticket includes:
- The full three-hour workshop.
- A printed workbook, provided on the day.
- A certificate of completion after attendance.
Please bring something to write with and an openness to reflect on your everyday work with children.
Dr Sam Casey
PhD | Accredited Mental Health Social Worker | Registered Play Therapist
Sam is the founder of Play Prescription® and has 19 years of experience working with children and families. Sam's work includes play therapy, mental health, counselling and professional education.
Through Play Prescription®, Sam takes ideas from the therapy room and makes them useful for adults supporting children in everyday life.
ACA OPD approved provider
Play Prescription® · Provider number PD-26106
Tickets
Early bird: A$149 including GST
Standard: A$189 including GST
Early bird ends 19 November 2026 at 11:59 pm AEDT.
Both ticket types include the same workshop, workbook and certificate.
Bookings opening soon
