The Room to Bloom | Play Therapy in Amanzimtoti

Welcome to The Room to Bloom

Hi, I'm Tarryn

I am a therapeutic play practitioner, a former educator, and a mom to two wonderful children.

My journey into play therapy comes from a deep, heartfelt desire to feel more, do more, and walk alongside children as they navigate their emotional and social worlds. Working with young children — in mainstream and special needs environments, and now therapeutically with children, parents, and families across the South Coast of Durban — has deepened my understanding of what children and parents truly need: connection, understanding, and a safe place to land.

Having spent years in the classroom, my heart has always pulled me closer to our children navigating big emotions, building social relationships, and the unique, beautiful world of neurodivergence. As a mom myself, I try my best to understand the delicate balance of parenting, and how deeply we strive to support our children in the best ways possible. Experiencing the transformation of play therapy within my own family reaffirmed what a profound gift this work is — and I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to share it with yours.

My practice is rooted in a gentle, warm, child-directed and holistic approach, filled with compassion and grace. Through the power of play — a child's natural language — I hold a safe, nurturing space where young minds and hearts feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can better understand your child's behaviour and support both your child and yourself on this journey.

When I am not in my play room, you can find me cherishing moments with my family, soaking up the beauty of our blessed coastline, and living each day with faith and gratitude. I look forward to connecting with you and your child.

With love and grace,
Tarryn

“Enter into children's play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
— Virginia Axline

Play therapy holds space for a child to express their emotions through their most natural language. Children often find it hard to “talk” about what they feel — so why not meet them where they already feel authentic and self-expressive? Through play, children come to understand themselves, and along the way, they gain the strategies to cope with difficulties in life that they themselves cannot change.

A girl kneeling at an open wooden dolls house with a red roof, arranging tiny furniture inside it.

Play Therapy can support your child if they…

Every child's journey looks a little different. These are some of the ways we can help support them.

aren't reaching their full potential, academically or socially
have nightmares or disturbed sleep
lack confidence or self-esteem
are at risk of exclusion from school
have experienced trauma
have suffered emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
are adjusting to their parents' separation or divorce
suffer from anxiety, stress, or phobias
have experienced loss or bereavement
are withdrawn or continually unhappy
are neurodivergent and facing emotional or social challenges
find it difficult to make friends
quarrel frequently with peers or siblings
bully others, or are bullied themselves
display behaviour that worries you
don't play

…and much more. If you're unsure, reach out — we can talk it through together.

Power of Play

A play therapist is attuned to the child's lead…

Creating a natural emotional landscape, by holding a safe space for the child to process, heal, and grow.

How sessions work

A weekly session, at the same time and place — consistency helps children feel safe
No interruptions during the hour
Confidentiality builds trust and safety.

How you can help

Be gentle with them after a session — big feelings can surface
Try not to ask what happened; let them share in their own time
Trust the process, even when it's hard to understand from the outside

Let's grow together

Let's Connect

“You're welcome to reach out for an initial chat. I would love to hear about your child and meet them where they are at.”