Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Canberra, ACT

Enrei Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Canberra, ACT 2601
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief or identity struggles? You don’t have to face it alone. I’m Audrey, the counsellor behind Enrei Counselling, providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support to adults across Australia. Together, we’ll create a safe, compassionate space to gently explore your emotions and attachment experiences. Through deepening emotional awareness, we’ll heal relational wounds, strengthen your connections, and build emotional resilience. You can expect greater emotional insight, healing from past hurts, practical tools for managing anxiety and grief, and support that honours your identity.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief or identity struggles? You don’t have to face it alone. I’m Audrey, the counsellor behind Enrei Counselling, providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support to adults across Australia. Together, we’ll create a safe, compassionate space to gently explore your emotions and attachment experiences. Through deepening emotional awareness, we’ll heal relational wounds, strengthen your connections, and build emotional resilience. You can expect greater emotional insight, healing from past hurts, practical tools for managing anxiety and grief, and support that honours your identity.
(02) 5133 6270 View (02) 5133 6270
Kirsten Close
Psychotherapist, MA
Online Only
Kirsten offers both play therapy for children and tailored therapeutic support for adolescents, ensuring each young person receives care that feels right for their stage of development.
Kirsten is a Play Therapist and Social Worker with a genuine passion for supporting children, young people, and families. With a warm, approachable, and down-to-earth style, she meets each child and young person where they are emotionally, developmentally, and at their own pace.
Kirsten offers both play therapy for children and tailored therapeutic support for adolescents, ensuring each young person receives care that feels right for their stage of development.
Kirsten is a Play Therapist and Social Worker with a genuine passion for supporting children, young people, and families. With a warm, approachable, and down-to-earth style, she meets each child and young person where they are emotionally, developmentally, and at their own pace.
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Diksha Singla
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Serves Area
You may be functioning on the outside — working, studying, showing up — while internally feeling anxious, disconnected, or emotionally drained. You might find yourself overthinking everything, repeating relationship patterns, or quietly questioning your self-worth. Even when nothing looks “wrong,” something doesn’t feel settled inside. Many people come to therapy not because they are broken, but because coping alone has become exhausting.
You may be functioning on the outside — working, studying, showing up — while internally feeling anxious, disconnected, or emotionally drained. You might find yourself overthinking everything, repeating relationship patterns, or quietly questioning your self-worth. Even when nothing looks “wrong,” something doesn’t feel settled inside. Many people come to therapy not because they are broken, but because coping alone has become exhausting.
0415 785 149 View 0415 785 149
Sally Walsh
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Immediately Available - No Waitlist - Registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Practitioner. Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed or seeking practical support? Are you struggling with an issue on your own? We can work this out together to help you feel more in control. I can help you see your situation more clearly with talking therapy and somatically integrating body/mind experiences for emotional distress support for anxiety, depression and trauma (CPTSD) ie. brain intervention (7-8 sessions). Relationship struggles ? including poly/open, narcissism
Immediately Available - No Waitlist - Registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Practitioner. Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed or seeking practical support? Are you struggling with an issue on your own? We can work this out together to help you feel more in control. I can help you see your situation more clearly with talking therapy and somatically integrating body/mind experiences for emotional distress support for anxiety, depression and trauma (CPTSD) ie. brain intervention (7-8 sessions). Relationship struggles ? including poly/open, narcissism
(02) 9100 0123 View (02) 9100 0123
Parts and Pride Counselling
Social Worker, MA, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I support adults, teens, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients seeking trauma‑informed, identity‑safe counselling. Many come with complex trauma, anxiety, burnout, or feeling unseen in school, work or family systems. I offer ACT, DBT, CFT, IFS and somatic approaches to build regulation, strengthen internal safety and help clients move forward with clarity, confidence and self‑compassion.
I support adults, teens, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients seeking trauma‑informed, identity‑safe counselling. Many come with complex trauma, anxiety, burnout, or feeling unseen in school, work or family systems. I offer ACT, DBT, CFT, IFS and somatic approaches to build regulation, strengthen internal safety and help clients move forward with clarity, confidence and self‑compassion.
(02) 5951 0276 View (02) 5951 0276
Anne Vitharana
Counsellor, MSc, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method couples work, play therapy, trauma focused approaches, and parenting support.
Hi, I’m Anne. I offer a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space where your story is heard heart to heart. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed by life’s demands, stuck in patterns, struggling in relationships, or working through past trauma, I’m here to support you with compassion and professional care.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method couples work, play therapy, trauma focused approaches, and parenting support.
Hi, I’m Anne. I offer a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space where your story is heard heart to heart. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed by life’s demands, stuck in patterns, struggling in relationships, or working through past trauma, I’m here to support you with compassion and professional care.
(02) 5133 6894 View (02) 5133 6894
Anna - Text Counselling Online
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not everyone wants to talk out loud. Some people prefer text. Maybe you prefer having space to think as you type, maybe it's less overwhelming, less pressure, or maybe it's just more comfortable for you. Whatever your reason, I'm here to help. I offer text-based counselling, where we use text through the entire session with no speaking or listening required (unless you want it!).
Not everyone wants to talk out loud. Some people prefer text. Maybe you prefer having space to think as you type, maybe it's less overwhelming, less pressure, or maybe it's just more comfortable for you. Whatever your reason, I'm here to help. I offer text-based counselling, where we use text through the entire session with no speaking or listening required (unless you want it!).
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Timna Jacks
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialise in getting to the root cause of your pain, supporting adults, adolescents, children and couples. I work with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, difficult life transitions and relationship conflicts. I support individuals as well as whole families, helping parents, children, siblings and couples repair and rebuild their relationships. I don't offer quick fixes. Instead, I provide a space for you to speak freely and together, we will get to the heart of the issue. I listen carefully, to the underlying resonance of speech and draw on body-based approaches to support trauma processing and healing.
I specialise in getting to the root cause of your pain, supporting adults, adolescents, children and couples. I work with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, difficult life transitions and relationship conflicts. I support individuals as well as whole families, helping parents, children, siblings and couples repair and rebuild their relationships. I don't offer quick fixes. Instead, I provide a space for you to speak freely and together, we will get to the heart of the issue. I listen carefully, to the underlying resonance of speech and draw on body-based approaches to support trauma processing and healing.
0490 973 408 View 0490 973 408
Creating Wellbeing Melbourne
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
8 Endorsed
Serves Area
Please Contact Me Via Email Not Phone Hi, I'm Rae (they/them) and I'm a trans non-binary and multiple neurodivergent Supervisor, Creative/Experiential Therapist and Counsellor with a lived experience of chronic illness. I have white Anglophone privilege and settler privilege. I experience marginalisation due to living in cisgenderist, binary, neurotypical-centred society. I am very passionate about disability rights, the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health. I am vegan and love animals. My core values; connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, community, liberation and autonomy
Please Contact Me Via Email Not Phone Hi, I'm Rae (they/them) and I'm a trans non-binary and multiple neurodivergent Supervisor, Creative/Experiential Therapist and Counsellor with a lived experience of chronic illness. I have white Anglophone privilege and settler privilege. I experience marginalisation due to living in cisgenderist, binary, neurotypical-centred society. I am very passionate about disability rights, the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health. I am vegan and love animals. My core values; connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, community, liberation and autonomy
(03) 7302 2943 View (03) 7302 2943
Stonewater Art Therapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Samuel (He/They/She/Any) and I'm a non-binary/genderfluid Arts Psychotherapist. In life I have used the creative arts as a way of understanding, listening to and responding to my experiences and inner conflicts. I’m passionate about integrating our inner and outer selves and believe in the value the arts offer in encountering resources and parts of ourselves which aren’t accessed in normal daily life. I offer a gentle, non-judgemental and inclusive therapeutic space for you to reveal yourself as we explore struggles, hopes and what growth and resolution looks like for you at this time.
Hi, I'm Samuel (He/They/She/Any) and I'm a non-binary/genderfluid Arts Psychotherapist. In life I have used the creative arts as a way of understanding, listening to and responding to my experiences and inner conflicts. I’m passionate about integrating our inner and outer selves and believe in the value the arts offer in encountering resources and parts of ourselves which aren’t accessed in normal daily life. I offer a gentle, non-judgemental and inclusive therapeutic space for you to reveal yourself as we explore struggles, hopes and what growth and resolution looks like for you at this time.
(03) 8203 5271 View (03) 8203 5271
Thrive within Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with individuals who are ready — whether confidently or cautiously — to explore what’s happening beneath the surface. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance use, or difficulties with identity and relationships. I often support people experiencing mental health concerns, alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community seeking a safe and supportive space. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Together, we work at your pace using evidence-based strategies to help you feel heard, empowered, and supported
I work with individuals who are ready — whether confidently or cautiously — to explore what’s happening beneath the surface. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance use, or difficulties with identity and relationships. I often support people experiencing mental health concerns, alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community seeking a safe and supportive space. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Together, we work at your pace using evidence-based strategies to help you feel heard, empowered, and supported
(08) 7110 0028 View (08) 7110 0028
Northground
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
I'll calm your nervous system in ways that are realistic, unique, and tailored to you using somatic practices, sensory regulation, "spoon theory" thinking, curiosity, and even play.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert. When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response. My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
I'll calm your nervous system in ways that are realistic, unique, and tailored to you using somatic practices, sensory regulation, "spoon theory" thinking, curiosity, and even play.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert. When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response. My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
0411 607 463 View 0411 607 463
Stellar Therapies
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Serves Area
My ideal clients are adolescents and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, worn down, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel sustainable. Often, they’ve been holding a lot for a long time and are not sure where to put it. They may be navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, or significant life changes, and are looking for support that feels steady, safe, and genuinely understanding. Their goal isn’t to be “fixed”, but to feel more like themselves again — calmer, clearer, and better equipped to move through life with confidence and self-compassion.
My ideal clients are adolescents and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, worn down, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel sustainable. Often, they’ve been holding a lot for a long time and are not sure where to put it. They may be navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, or significant life changes, and are looking for support that feels steady, safe, and genuinely understanding. Their goal isn’t to be “fixed”, but to feel more like themselves again — calmer, clearer, and better equipped to move through life with confidence and self-compassion.
(02) 5839 5698 View (02) 5839 5698
Kara Baak
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L3
Serves Area
I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy lens, with Gestalt therapy, animal assisted play therapy and person-centred therapy integrated where relevant.
Kara works primarily with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults, meeting each person where they are. My approach is gentle, reflective & collaborative. With younger clients, this often means being child-led, following their pace and interests rather than imposing an agenda. I bring animals into my sessions, from dogs and cats to goats, alpacas, horses, and even chickens, because they help create that balance; having a calm, non-judgemental presence in the space often opens up connection and safety in ways that traditional talk therapy alone can't. Sometimes it doesn't feel like therapy at all and that's often exactly the point.
I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy lens, with Gestalt therapy, animal assisted play therapy and person-centred therapy integrated where relevant.
Kara works primarily with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults, meeting each person where they are. My approach is gentle, reflective & collaborative. With younger clients, this often means being child-led, following their pace and interests rather than imposing an agenda. I bring animals into my sessions, from dogs and cats to goats, alpacas, horses, and even chickens, because they help create that balance; having a calm, non-judgemental presence in the space often opens up connection and safety in ways that traditional talk therapy alone can't. Sometimes it doesn't feel like therapy at all and that's often exactly the point.
(08) 6629 4840 View (08) 6629 4840
Peta Meyerink
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
I work with perinatal clients, including expectant and new mums, alongside children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, burnout, overwhelm, parenting stress and emotional regulation challenges. Clients often come to therapy feeling stuck, emotionally drained or unsure how to manage ongoing stress. I offer supportive, evidence-based telehealth therapy tailored to each client’s needs. I help clients develop practical coping strategies, improve emotional wellbeing and feel more confident managing life’s challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
I work with perinatal clients, including expectant and new mums, alongside children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, burnout, overwhelm, parenting stress and emotional regulation challenges. Clients often come to therapy feeling stuck, emotionally drained or unsure how to manage ongoing stress. I offer supportive, evidence-based telehealth therapy tailored to each client’s needs. I help clients develop practical coping strategies, improve emotional wellbeing and feel more confident managing life’s challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
(02) 5121 9339 View (02) 5121 9339
Mauro Vieira
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, often in nature, where deep reflection and healing happen naturally. With 15+ years of experience, I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Originally trained in Brazil, I hold postgraduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice and am a registered Australian psychologist. Let’s work together to help you find clarity and resilience.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, often in nature, where deep reflection and healing happen naturally. With 15+ years of experience, I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Originally trained in Brazil, I hold postgraduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice and am a registered Australian psychologist. Let’s work together to help you find clarity and resilience.
(02) 9158 6184 View (02) 9158 6184
Riverina Counselling
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Serves Area
I usually take the first 2-3 sessions to understand what has brought someone to see me, how long the issue has gone on for and understand all the factors at play.
I work with clients from a range of areas and aim to connect with clients who are motivated to work together toward making changes in their lives. I work with neurodivergent clients, both doing testing and neuroaffirming therapy to help them advocate for themselves, as well as becoming more comfortable to unmask. I work with adolescent mental health, psychosocial disability. I also do extensive work with people who have experienced trauma, as well as those with personality disorders. People who want an empathic, honest, direct and exploratory approach to what affects them and better understanding themselves.
I usually take the first 2-3 sessions to understand what has brought someone to see me, how long the issue has gone on for and understand all the factors at play.
I work with clients from a range of areas and aim to connect with clients who are motivated to work together toward making changes in their lives. I work with neurodivergent clients, both doing testing and neuroaffirming therapy to help them advocate for themselves, as well as becoming more comfortable to unmask. I work with adolescent mental health, psychosocial disability. I also do extensive work with people who have experienced trauma, as well as those with personality disorders. People who want an empathic, honest, direct and exploratory approach to what affects them and better understanding themselves.
(02) 5302 4357 View (02) 5302 4357
Lye Fong (Kelly) Lee
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L3
Online Only
I offer counselling services for individuals, couples, children and adolescents, families, and people experiencing workplace-related concerns, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and WorkSafe Victoria clients. I speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay, and provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach is based on empathy, understanding, and collaboration, helping clients build resilience, improve wellbeing, manage stress, strengthen relationships, and work towards their personal goals while creating lasting positive change.
I offer counselling services for individuals, couples, children and adolescents, families, and people experiencing workplace-related concerns, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and WorkSafe Victoria clients. I speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay, and provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach is based on empathy, understanding, and collaboration, helping clients build resilience, improve wellbeing, manage stress, strengthen relationships, and work towards their personal goals while creating lasting positive change.
(03) 7302 2757 View (03) 7302 2757
Michelle Ottey
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Online Only
I use a collaborative approach to treat a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, trauma-related disorders, and many more. I am also here to support you through life’s challenges such grief and loss, relationship and marital problems, parenting challenges and living with the impact of chronic health conditions. With expertise in childhood trauma, I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I am committed to helping you better understand yourself and how you relate to others, to uncover the patterns that get in the way of your well-being.
I use a collaborative approach to treat a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, trauma-related disorders, and many more. I am also here to support you through life’s challenges such grief and loss, relationship and marital problems, parenting challenges and living with the impact of chronic health conditions. With expertise in childhood trauma, I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I am committed to helping you better understand yourself and how you relate to others, to uncover the patterns that get in the way of your well-being.
(03) 8104 9534 View (03) 8104 9534
Dorian De Nobrega
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Online Only
Dorian is a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 20 years experience in the health and welfare sector. He provides general therapeutic support to people of all genders and ages, while specializing in men’s mental health and youth mental health. Dorian offers sessions with adults, young people and children, to support a variety of needs.
Dorian is a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 20 years experience in the health and welfare sector. He provides general therapeutic support to people of all genders and ages, while specializing in men’s mental health and youth mental health. Dorian offers sessions with adults, young people and children, to support a variety of needs.
(08) 6219 3971 View (08) 6219 3971
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.

Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behaviour and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.

What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.

What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.

How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behaviour.