Play Therapy Counselling in Alexandria, NSW
I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years.
The relationship I develop with your child supports them to feel fully understood and develop communication and strategies to deal with overwhelming emotions. This in turn supports your child’s self esteem, behaviours and relationships with others.
I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years.
The relationship I develop with your child supports them to feel fully understood and develop communication and strategies to deal with overwhelming emotions. This in turn supports your child’s self esteem, behaviours and relationships with others.
Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based and includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as Creative and Play therapy.
Aarthi is registered as a clinical counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She brings over 10 years of experience working directly with clients from all walks of life. Aarthi has experience working with individuals and families experiencing concerns relating to couples, domestic and family violence, trauma, grief and loss, child welfare and wellbeing, as well as depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental health issues. She has experience using trauma informed, strengths-based and outcomes focussed practices. Aarthi is dedicated to providing a service that is person-centred.
Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based and includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as Creative and Play therapy.
Aarthi is registered as a clinical counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). She brings over 10 years of experience working directly with clients from all walks of life. Aarthi has experience working with individuals and families experiencing concerns relating to couples, domestic and family violence, trauma, grief and loss, child welfare and wellbeing, as well as depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental health issues. She has experience using trauma informed, strengths-based and outcomes focussed practices. Aarthi is dedicated to providing a service that is person-centred.
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”.
Play is how children learn and develop and also how they regulate their emotions and communicate with others. Where an adult might seek talking therapy, play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapy for children to explore and deal with stuck thoughts or feelings. Play is a child's language.
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”.
Play is how children learn and develop and also how they regulate their emotions and communicate with others. Where an adult might seek talking therapy, play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapy for children to explore and deal with stuck thoughts or feelings. Play is a child's language.
More Therapists Nearby
- Autism
- ADHD
- Perinatal Psychology
- Children, Teens, Adults
- EMDR/Trauma Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Assessments including: Cognitive, learning disorders, autism, and ADHD.
Hi, I’m Jessica.
I am a psychologist, a mother, neurodivergent, and a flower lover. I have been described as having a quiet confidence, calming vibe, and quirky persona. I aim to be authentic and unmasked in our interactions together so that you feel comfortable to be yourself.
I am passionate about holding space for those who need it. My driving force is to be the psychologist who I would want to support my own loved ones.
I believe each client is special, worthy of connection, and that their story deserves to be heard. My approach is never to fix. It is to support.
- Autism
- ADHD
- Perinatal Psychology
- Children, Teens, Adults
- EMDR/Trauma Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Assessments including: Cognitive, learning disorders, autism, and ADHD.
Hi, I’m Jessica.
I am a psychologist, a mother, neurodivergent, and a flower lover. I have been described as having a quiet confidence, calming vibe, and quirky persona. I aim to be authentic and unmasked in our interactions together so that you feel comfortable to be yourself.
I am passionate about holding space for those who need it. My driving force is to be the psychologist who I would want to support my own loved ones.
I believe each client is special, worthy of connection, and that their story deserves to be heard. My approach is never to fix. It is to support.
Art therapy, play therapy, and social-emotional learning are integrated into my Saturday Kidslink social skills groups at CDSA Hornsby amongst ages 4-14.
My ideal client is someone feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, stress, or navigating life transitions. They might have difficulty expressing emotions, building confidence, or finding balance. Their goal is to feel more in control, connected, and at peace. They seek a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and emotions, wanting to grow, heal, and gain clarity. Through art therapy, they’re looking to find a way to express themselves, learn new coping skills, and create positive change in their lives.
Art therapy, play therapy, and social-emotional learning are integrated into my Saturday Kidslink social skills groups at CDSA Hornsby amongst ages 4-14.
My ideal client is someone feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, stress, or navigating life transitions. They might have difficulty expressing emotions, building confidence, or finding balance. Their goal is to feel more in control, connected, and at peace. They seek a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and emotions, wanting to grow, heal, and gain clarity. Through art therapy, they’re looking to find a way to express themselves, learn new coping skills, and create positive change in their lives.
I specialise in child-centred play therapy (CCPT) and person-centred therapy (PCT).
In session, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental and nurturing space where clients can heal through relationship, explore new insights, develop resilience and grow into their best selves.
As well as attending PD and supervision, I am a member of the CCPT Collective, an international community with the goal of advancing the child-centred model.
I specialise in child-centred play therapy (CCPT) and person-centred therapy (PCT).
In session, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental and nurturing space where clients can heal through relationship, explore new insights, develop resilience and grow into their best selves.
As well as attending PD and supervision, I am a member of the CCPT Collective, an international community with the goal of advancing the child-centred model.
With expertise in child and family therapy, play therapy, and trauma-informed care, I provide a safe, understanding space to explore emotions, build coping strategies, and create positive change.
My ideal client feels overwhelmed—perhaps a parent navigating a child’s neurodivergence, someone coping with grief, or an individual struggling with self-doubt and emotional exhaustion. They need a safe space to process emotions, gain coping strategies, and feel heard without judgment. Their goal is to build resilience, manage stress, and create meaningful change. They want to feel more confident, balanced, and in control of their emotions. With warmth and understanding, I help them navigate life’s challenges, reconnect with joy, and move forward with clarity and strength.
With expertise in child and family therapy, play therapy, and trauma-informed care, I provide a safe, understanding space to explore emotions, build coping strategies, and create positive change.
My ideal client feels overwhelmed—perhaps a parent navigating a child’s neurodivergence, someone coping with grief, or an individual struggling with self-doubt and emotional exhaustion. They need a safe space to process emotions, gain coping strategies, and feel heard without judgment. Their goal is to build resilience, manage stress, and create meaningful change. They want to feel more confident, balanced, and in control of their emotions. With warmth and understanding, I help them navigate life’s challenges, reconnect with joy, and move forward with clarity and strength.
When working with children I use play and other expressive ways to facilitate communication and expression.
I specialise in psychodynamic psychotherapy, a therapeutic approach which involves collaborative work between the client and therapist. I create a safe, inclusive and neuro-affirming space where we can explore persistent issues or patterns of behaviour, including:
Relationship difficulties
Anger, anxiety and depression
Childhood trauma and abuse
Attachment issues and parenting
Identity and self-concept
Chronic illness
Misophonia (‘sound rage’)
When working with children I use play and other expressive ways to facilitate communication and expression.
I specialise in psychodynamic psychotherapy, a therapeutic approach which involves collaborative work between the client and therapist. I create a safe, inclusive and neuro-affirming space where we can explore persistent issues or patterns of behaviour, including:
Relationship difficulties
Anger, anxiety and depression
Childhood trauma and abuse
Attachment issues and parenting
Identity and self-concept
Chronic illness
Misophonia (‘sound rage’)
I enjoy engaging with young children in play therapy on up through teens and adults who have a desire or need for hope and change.
In my role as a clinicaI Counsellor and acquainted beliefs I will listen to you. I was drawn to the helping profession through each day, my ministry experiences and a deep desire to understand emotional processes and healing. A wealth of life experience provides me with an ability to understand common patterns which affect most people in their journeys. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relationships and the overall quality of daily experiences for each individual, family, youth, children, women and elders mindfulness, specifically emphasises the value and the importance of them due to the vulnerability of life
I enjoy engaging with young children in play therapy on up through teens and adults who have a desire or need for hope and change.
In my role as a clinicaI Counsellor and acquainted beliefs I will listen to you. I was drawn to the helping profession through each day, my ministry experiences and a deep desire to understand emotional processes and healing. A wealth of life experience provides me with an ability to understand common patterns which affect most people in their journeys. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relationships and the overall quality of daily experiences for each individual, family, youth, children, women and elders mindfulness, specifically emphasises the value and the importance of them due to the vulnerability of life
I use evidence-based techniques in my therapeutic work including CBT, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR and Play Therapy.
I am a registered psychologist with several years of experience helping clients with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, bullying, stress, grief and loss, relationship conflicts, anger, social difficulties, behavioural issues, self-esteem, coping with change and life adjustments. My warm, open and non-judgemental approach allows me to easily build strong rapport with my clients and make them feel comfortable and safe. I have a keen interest in client-centred approach, drawing on an eclectic framework of therapeutic interventions, with the aim of building upon the client’s strengths.
I use evidence-based techniques in my therapeutic work including CBT, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR and Play Therapy.
I am a registered psychologist with several years of experience helping clients with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, bullying, stress, grief and loss, relationship conflicts, anger, social difficulties, behavioural issues, self-esteem, coping with change and life adjustments. My warm, open and non-judgemental approach allows me to easily build strong rapport with my clients and make them feel comfortable and safe. I have a keen interest in client-centred approach, drawing on an eclectic framework of therapeutic interventions, with the aim of building upon the client’s strengths.
We provide Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Circle of Security, Narrative Therapy, Psycho-dynamic Therapy and more!
Self Reflections is a private practice in the heart of Wollongong that prides itself on delivering unparalleled quality, service and value to our clients. We have a team consisting of Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists and Accredited Practising Dietitians providing services to children, adolescents and adults in the Illawarra and surrounding communities. In addition to individual therapeutic and dietetic services, we provide Assessments (Cognitive IQ, Functional Behavioural and Autism Assessments), Family and Couples Therapy, Supervision and through our Online Services groups, programs as well as Coaching.
We provide Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Circle of Security, Narrative Therapy, Psycho-dynamic Therapy and more!
Self Reflections is a private practice in the heart of Wollongong that prides itself on delivering unparalleled quality, service and value to our clients. We have a team consisting of Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists and Accredited Practising Dietitians providing services to children, adolescents and adults in the Illawarra and surrounding communities. In addition to individual therapeutic and dietetic services, we provide Assessments (Cognitive IQ, Functional Behavioural and Autism Assessments), Family and Couples Therapy, Supervision and through our Online Services groups, programs as well as Coaching.
I draw on a wide range of wisdom from many modalities such as Process-oriented Psychology, Schema Therapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy and IFS, to name a few.
Welcome to Presence Psychotherapy, my name is Dorian. I’m a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 12 years’ experience in the health and welfare sector. I specialize in holistic practice, process-oriented psychotherapy and mental health, and offer sessions with children, young people and adults to support a variety of needs.
I draw on a wide range of wisdom from many modalities such as Process-oriented Psychology, Schema Therapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy and IFS, to name a few.
Welcome to Presence Psychotherapy, my name is Dorian. I’m a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 12 years’ experience in the health and welfare sector. I specialize in holistic practice, process-oriented psychotherapy and mental health, and offer sessions with children, young people and adults to support a variety of needs.
I have experience working with therapy modalities that involve Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy.
My name is Rickii and I am a Psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and young adults. I take pride in assisting young people who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, self-harm, disordered eating, and school/study concerns.
I find it incredibly fulfilling to be on my client’s team as they achieve their goals, whether it be learning how to self-soothe when anxious, or how to navigate challenging friendship conflicts at school.
I have experience working with therapy modalities that involve Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy.
My name is Rickii and I am a Psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and young adults. I take pride in assisting young people who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, self-harm, disordered eating, and school/study concerns.
I find it incredibly fulfilling to be on my client’s team as they achieve their goals, whether it be learning how to self-soothe when anxious, or how to navigate challenging friendship conflicts at school.
My approach draws on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), including play-based strategies and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), to make learning meaningful, fun, and neuroaffirming.
I can help by delivering engaging and goal-oriented behavioural therapy, support emotional regulation, communication, and independence, a collaborate closely with families and educators to ensure consistent, effective support across settings.
My approach draws on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), including play-based strategies and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), to make learning meaningful, fun, and neuroaffirming.
I can help by delivering engaging and goal-oriented behavioural therapy, support emotional regulation, communication, and independence, a collaborate closely with families and educators to ensure consistent, effective support across settings.
Using evidence-based approaches, we offer individual and couples therapy, specialised child and adolescent counselling, and play therapy incorporating art, sand tray, and AutPlay techniques.
You might be experiencing anxiety or depression, seeking ways to manage ADHD or autism, or working through trauma and PTSD. Perhaps you're looking to develop a healthier relationship with food and your body, or wanting to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, taking the first step towards change shows courage. At Olivia Hawkins Psychology, we provide compassionate psychological care across all life stages.
Using evidence-based approaches, we offer individual and couples therapy, specialised child and adolescent counselling, and play therapy incorporating art, sand tray, and AutPlay techniques.
You might be experiencing anxiety or depression, seeking ways to manage ADHD or autism, or working through trauma and PTSD. Perhaps you're looking to develop a healthier relationship with food and your body, or wanting to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, taking the first step towards change shows courage. At Olivia Hawkins Psychology, we provide compassionate psychological care across all life stages.
Emma is trained in numerous evidence based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, schema therapy, SFBT and Art & Play therapies.
Emma is a Clinical Psychologist, who has experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Emma is trained in numerous evidence based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, schema therapy, SFBT and Art & Play therapies.
Emma is a Clinical Psychologist, who has experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
I specialise in therapeutic Play Therapy, a powerful, evidence based, developmentally appropriate therapy approach for children aged 3-12.
Are you feeling worried, confused and overwhelmed about your child's current emotional and psychological well being? You're trying so hard every day and nothing seems to stick. You know deep in your heart there must be a better way to improve how you & your child are feeling so life can be easier to manage. You're searching for someone who is experienced with children, and who can also provide support to you. I specialise with anxiety, attachment, trauma & challenging behaviours by focussing on restoring feelings of safety in the nervous system. I can help you and your child break through the negative experiences and restore hope.
I specialise in therapeutic Play Therapy, a powerful, evidence based, developmentally appropriate therapy approach for children aged 3-12.
Are you feeling worried, confused and overwhelmed about your child's current emotional and psychological well being? You're trying so hard every day and nothing seems to stick. You know deep in your heart there must be a better way to improve how you & your child are feeling so life can be easier to manage. You're searching for someone who is experienced with children, and who can also provide support to you. I specialise with anxiety, attachment, trauma & challenging behaviours by focussing on restoring feelings of safety in the nervous system. I can help you and your child break through the negative experiences and restore hope.
The psychoanalytic approach involves meaning making and exploration, sometimes using play and art.
Maya works with children and young people aged 0-25, and their families, to help with:
Low mood and depression, anxiety and stress, self-esteem, identity and personal development, grief and bereavement, divorce and family conflict, friendships and relationships, transitions, difficulties in learning and distractibility, neurodevelopmental difficulties, autism, trauma, developmental difficulties (eg. feeding, toileting and boundaries), behavioural problems, anger issues, sleeping difficulties, separation anxiety and attachment difficulties, OCD, eating disorders, phobias, impulsivity and addiction.
The psychoanalytic approach involves meaning making and exploration, sometimes using play and art.
Maya works with children and young people aged 0-25, and their families, to help with:
Low mood and depression, anxiety and stress, self-esteem, identity and personal development, grief and bereavement, divorce and family conflict, friendships and relationships, transitions, difficulties in learning and distractibility, neurodevelopmental difficulties, autism, trauma, developmental difficulties (eg. feeding, toileting and boundaries), behavioural problems, anger issues, sleeping difficulties, separation anxiety and attachment difficulties, OCD, eating disorders, phobias, impulsivity and addiction.
If it's a child, we'll use play, sensory materials and movement throughout the session.
Having been a school counsellor and paediatric palliative care grief counsellor, there's a special place in my heart for supporting children and adults who are bereaved and/or grieving the imminent loss of a loved one. The outdoors is also a wonderful place to support people who are finding anxiety symptoms or low self-esteem negatively impacting their life.
If it's a child, we'll use play, sensory materials and movement throughout the session.
Having been a school counsellor and paediatric palliative care grief counsellor, there's a special place in my heart for supporting children and adults who are bereaved and/or grieving the imminent loss of a loved one. The outdoors is also a wonderful place to support people who are finding anxiety symptoms or low self-esteem negatively impacting their life.
When working with children, creating a safe therapeutic alliance is of utmost importance and I will often use art and play therapies including sandtray play while implementing evidence base practices.
To offer a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space for clients to freely express and explore their truth is my passion and purpose in life. One of my favourite quotes which guides my practice is by Bessel van der Kolk who states: "Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives." - Bessel Van Der Kolk. Through the many forms of listening, I am able to enter into the world of my client and walk alongside them as they explore, express and empower themselves to navigate the challenges in their life.
When working with children, creating a safe therapeutic alliance is of utmost importance and I will often use art and play therapies including sandtray play while implementing evidence base practices.
To offer a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space for clients to freely express and explore their truth is my passion and purpose in life. One of my favourite quotes which guides my practice is by Bessel van der Kolk who states: "Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives." - Bessel Van Der Kolk. Through the many forms of listening, I am able to enter into the world of my client and walk alongside them as they explore, express and empower themselves to navigate the challenges in their life.
Nearby Play Therapy Counsellors Searches for Alexandria
- Annandale
- Bondi Junction
- Darlinghurst
- Leichhardt
- Marrickville
- Mascot
- Newtown
- Paddington
- Petersham
- Randwick
- Surry Hills
- Sydney
Play Therapy Counsellors
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.