Our Story
Creative Therapy with Care at Its Core
Sensory Solutions Sand & Play Therapy began in regional NSW, built for families and individuals who need something different from traditional therapy. We believe everyone deserves support that feels safe, creative, and genuinely life-changing.
Proudly Serving Coonabarabran & Surrounds
Sensory Solutions was founded in Coonabarabran to bridge the gap in local mental health support. Our approach is shaped by the needs of rural families, carers, first responders, and adults who often find themselves travelling too far or waiting too long for help. Supporting country communities isn’t just part of our story, it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Meet Joanna Wallace
Our Founder
Founder of Sensory Solutions, Joanna brings deep experience in early childhood education, trauma-informed support, and creative therapies. After working in child protection and education, and living through her own family crisis, Joanna saw just how hard it can be to find the right kind of help in regional areas. She created Sensory Solutions as a safe, creative space for anyone who feels unseen or overwhelmed — helping people heal, grow, and reconnect, at their own pace.
Qualifications:
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Qualified Sandtray Therapist (STTAA member)
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NESA-accredited teacher (Early Childhood)
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Training in trauma-informed practice, developmental psychology, and expressive therapy
Member:
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Sandtray Therapy Association of Australia
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International Institute of Complementary Therapies
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Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
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Play Therapy Practitioners Association
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Meet Steve Wallace
Our Founder
Steve, Joanna’s husband, brings over 30 years of experience in welfare, family support, and mediation. With a calm, practical approach, Steve supports families in finding practical solutions, navigating change, and feeling heard during tough times. He has worked across education and community services, specialising in Family Group Conferencing and mediation for families navigating complex situations.
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Qualifications:
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Qualified Family Group Conferencing Facilitator & Mediator
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Background in community welfare and education
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Experience supporting families, schools, and regional organisations
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How We Help
Calm, Creative, and Client-Led
At Sensory Solutions, every session is tailored to your story whether you’re a child, parent, adult, or carer. Our trauma-informed, creative approach uses sandtray and sensory tools so you can express emotions and process experiences without pressure to talk. We believe in client-led therapy, practical support, and steady encouragement, especially for those who feel traditional therapy just isn’t right for them.
Why Our Clients Trust Us
Support That’s Truly Accessible
We believe support should be easy to access, not something you wait months for or travel hours to find. Our doors are open to new clients, making therapy simple to start with no exhausting waitlists, no complicated systems, just practical help when you need it most
Respect for Your Unique Journey
We honour every story and every pace. Whether you’re taking your first step toward healing or you’ve tried other types of support before, we’ll meet you right where you are. There’s never any pressure to move faster than you’re ready for, and your experiences are always treated with respect, care, and confidentiality.
A Sensory Space for Every Age
Our approach is grounded in neuroscience and developmental psychology, integrating the latest research to guide our therapeutic practices and help clients understand the connection between their sensory experiences and emotional well-being.
Care Backed by Experience
Our approach is grounded in both creative expression and evidence-based practice. Every session blends the warmth of genuine human connection with professional expertise, so you get therapy that is both effective and deeply supportive. We’re committed to consistent, high-quality care you can trust.
Professional Memberships & Associations
We are committed to best practice and ongoing learning. Sensory Solutions is proud to be recognised and supported by the following associations.
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Sandtray Therapy Association of Australia (STTAA)
Certified Sandtray Therapist
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International Institute of Complimentary Therapies (IICT)
Registered Member
Play Therapy Practitioners Association
Affiliate Member
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Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH)
Professional Member
