At Therapy Connect, we are passionate about making therapy accessible, personalised, and effective for families across Australia. As the leading provider of online therapy in Australia, we deliver evidence-based approaches that empower individuals and families to thrive. One of the most impactful methods we use is DIR® Floortime®—a developmental and relationship-based model that supports communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
What is DIR® Floortime®?
DIR stands for Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship-based. This approach moves beyond traditional compliance-focused therapies and instead focuses on the whole child—their sensory processing, communication style, emotional regulation, and family context.
Rather than teaching isolated skills, DIR Floortime builds core capacities such as:
- Self-regulation and emotional control
- Engaging and relating to others
- Communicating and thinking flexibly
- Problem-solving and abstract reasoning
These capacities form the foundation for lifelong learning and social success.
Why Relationships Matter?
Research shows that affect—the emotional tone of interactions—is the key to connection. When caregivers and therapists use expressive gestures, tone, and facial cues, they invite curiosity and engagement. These moments of shared joy create opportunities for:
- Turn-taking and back-and-forth communication
- Building trust and confidence
Every interaction becomes a chance to strengthen a child’s ability to relate and communicate.
Parent-Mediated Approach
DIR Floortime empowers families by making them active participants in therapy. Through parent coaching, caregivers learn strategies such as:
- Joining in child-led play
- Expanding on their ideas
- Using affect to keep interactions going
This approach transforms everyday routines into rich developmental opportunities—whether during playtime, mealtime, or transitions.
Strength-Based Language
At Therapy Connect, we use language that uplifts. Instead of “can’t” or “refuses,” we say:
- “Able to when…”
- “Needs time…”
- “Taking a break…”
This shift helps families focus on possibilities and strengths, rather than limitations—aligning with NDIS principles of capacity building and person-centred support.
How Does DIR Floortime Support NDIS Goals?
For NDIS participants, DIR Floortime offers:
- Flexibility: Delivered via telehealth occupational therapy and online speech therapy, making therapy accessible anywhere in Australia.
- Individualisation: Goals tailored to each child’s developmental profile and family priorities.
- Capacity Building: Supports communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation—key areas in NDIS plans.
Therapy Connect’s Allied Health Service
We provide a full range of Allied Health Therapy services online, including:
- Online Occupational Therapy for Kids and Occupational Therapy for Autism
- Online Speech Pathology with experienced speech therapists in Australia
- Online Psychologists Australia for emotional and behavioural support
- NDIS Dietitian services for nutrition and wellbeing
Our team includes online occupational therapist, online speech therapist, and online psychologists, all trained in evidence-based approaches like DIR Floortime.
Ready to Begin?
If you’d like to explore how DIR Floortime and our online allied health services can support your child’s development, contact Therapy Connect today. Together, we can turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth.
