Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Carlingford, NSW
Are you struggling with your relationship? Having issues with: communication as you don’t feel like you’re on the same page, conflict resolution - as nothing seems to get resolved, feel like you’ve lost the intimacy and closeness, and you no longer trust one another, are you struggling with sex, finances, house responsibilities, parenting or in-laws? You've tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to change. The love is still there and you want the relationship to work, you're just not sure how to go about it.
Are you struggling with your relationship? Having issues with: communication as you don’t feel like you’re on the same page, conflict resolution - as nothing seems to get resolved, feel like you’ve lost the intimacy and closeness, and you no longer trust one another, are you struggling with sex, finances, house responsibilities, parenting or in-laws? You've tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to change. The love is still there and you want the relationship to work, you're just not sure how to go about it.
I am an educational and developmental psychologist with a particular interest in childhood, adolescent, and adult mental health, resilience building, and positive well-being. I practise from my clinic and provide specialised support to clients of all ages, empowering them to work through and achieve their treatment goals in a caring and safe environment.
I am an educational and developmental psychologist with a particular interest in childhood, adolescent, and adult mental health, resilience building, and positive well-being. I practise from my clinic and provide specialised support to clients of all ages, empowering them to work through and achieve their treatment goals in a caring and safe environment.
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I offer a warm, reflective space where we can explore anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, identity, and life's challenges at a pace that feels right for you.
I work with adolescents and adults who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences, explore what lies beneath them, and find new ways of moving forward - through conversation, and when helpful, through art-making.
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I offer a warm, reflective space where we can explore anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, identity, and life's challenges at a pace that feels right for you.
I work with adolescents and adults who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences, explore what lies beneath them, and find new ways of moving forward - through conversation, and when helpful, through art-making.
I believe that therapy is a necessity for every individual, regardless of their age, gender, or circumstances. Everybody has a story, and every story needs to be heard by a willing ear, understood with no judgement, shared in a safe environment, and respected. I aim to deliver a positive outcome for individuals, allowing them to further better their lives today, tomorrow and in their futures using a holistic and person-centred approach. I help my patients in building self-awareness, confidence, and understanding and empowering them to regain control of their lives, allowing positive choices, providing a sense of direction.
I believe that therapy is a necessity for every individual, regardless of their age, gender, or circumstances. Everybody has a story, and every story needs to be heard by a willing ear, understood with no judgement, shared in a safe environment, and respected. I aim to deliver a positive outcome for individuals, allowing them to further better their lives today, tomorrow and in their futures using a holistic and person-centred approach. I help my patients in building self-awareness, confidence, and understanding and empowering them to regain control of their lives, allowing positive choices, providing a sense of direction.
As a clinical psychotherapist/clinical counsellor/clinical supervisor, I keep it real! Practical support for adults, couples, children, families to facilitate healing and growth via raising their awareness of behaviours, feelings and thoughts which may impact their ability to function within the world, and experiment with new ways Clients often are surprised how calm and nurturing our environment is at Lifesort, which assists to support feeling safe to explore challenges such as trauma & abuse, domestic violence, relationship issues, parenting struggles, mental health, identity crisis, life transitions and spiritual emergencies...
As a clinical psychotherapist/clinical counsellor/clinical supervisor, I keep it real! Practical support for adults, couples, children, families to facilitate healing and growth via raising their awareness of behaviours, feelings and thoughts which may impact their ability to function within the world, and experiment with new ways Clients often are surprised how calm and nurturing our environment is at Lifesort, which assists to support feeling safe to explore challenges such as trauma & abuse, domestic violence, relationship issues, parenting struggles, mental health, identity crisis, life transitions and spiritual emergencies...
Filial Therapy is a specialised relationship-focused therapeutic program for parents/ caregivers and their children, in which you learn some of the main tools from the play therapist's toolbox.
Understanding and responding sensitively to your child’s BIG emotions and behaviours can feel overwhelming and exhausting. It’s hard not to feel triggered, slipping into fight, flight, or freeze, or defaulting to unhelpful parenting patterns. The ripple effect on the entire family and beyond - sibling dynamics, peer relationships, school - can feel so disheartening. What you truly want is to support your child’s growth, development, and wellbeing. Most importantly, you long for a stronger, more secure, and trusting relationship with your child, so they feel safe turning to you for the big things.
Filial Therapy is a specialised relationship-focused therapeutic program for parents/ caregivers and their children, in which you learn some of the main tools from the play therapist's toolbox.
Understanding and responding sensitively to your child’s BIG emotions and behaviours can feel overwhelming and exhausting. It’s hard not to feel triggered, slipping into fight, flight, or freeze, or defaulting to unhelpful parenting patterns. The ripple effect on the entire family and beyond - sibling dynamics, peer relationships, school - can feel so disheartening. What you truly want is to support your child’s growth, development, and wellbeing. Most importantly, you long for a stronger, more secure, and trusting relationship with your child, so they feel safe turning to you for the big things.
More Therapists Nearby
I may be the right fit for you if you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, depression, anxiety, or challenging relationships. I can also help if you’re struggling to navigate personal identity or feeling like an imposter in your own life. Bulk billing is available for clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (GP referral).
I may be the right fit for you if you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, depression, anxiety, or challenging relationships. I can also help if you’re struggling to navigate personal identity or feeling like an imposter in your own life. Bulk billing is available for clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (GP referral).
Therapy is about learning to be gentle and honest with yourself—finding the courage to face what we've been avoiding and feel what we've been pushing down.
Hi, I'm Stella—a registered counsellor and art therapist.
Maybe you've experienced:
-Lying awake at 3am, thoughts looping endlessly
-Unable to say what you really mean to people you love
-Feeling exhausted but telling yourself "I should do more"
-Looking in the mirror and barely recognising yourself
If this resonates, know that you're not alone. Healing begins when we feel safe and understood.
Therapy is about learning to be gentle and honest with yourself—finding the courage to face what we've been avoiding and feel what we've been pushing down.
Hi, I'm Stella—a registered counsellor and art therapist.
Maybe you've experienced:
-Lying awake at 3am, thoughts looping endlessly
-Unable to say what you really mean to people you love
-Feeling exhausted but telling yourself "I should do more"
-Looking in the mirror and barely recognising yourself
If this resonates, know that you're not alone. Healing begins when we feel safe and understood.
I am a qualified counsellor registered with ACA and hold a BA of Creative Arts Psychotherapy from Ikon Institute Australia. The combination of having experience in both counselling and art therapy allows me to reach a diverse clientele. I work in a holistic way, guiding clients towards their strengths. I have experience working with adults who face life challenges and young children and adolescents who have social, emotional and behavioural issues. I facilitate individual counselling and group therapy/art therapy for adolescents who struggle with self identity and the pressures that come with school/family and social settings.
I am a qualified counsellor registered with ACA and hold a BA of Creative Arts Psychotherapy from Ikon Institute Australia. The combination of having experience in both counselling and art therapy allows me to reach a diverse clientele. I work in a holistic way, guiding clients towards their strengths. I have experience working with adults who face life challenges and young children and adolescents who have social, emotional and behavioural issues. I facilitate individual counselling and group therapy/art therapy for adolescents who struggle with self identity and the pressures that come with school/family and social 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.
I am flexible and able to work with both males and females. Age does not preclude me from seeing someone. I am accepting of anyone who is looking for someone to listen to and see them. Together we will discover and give them their voice.
I worked in Samaritans and Lifeline for 20 years. I work with various addictions and traumas. I counsel the addict, or the family, and friends of the addict.
Working with discovering purpose, trust and sobriety, I am able to hold the person in a safe space while dealing with trauma by using different counselling modalities suited to them.
I am flexible and able to work with both males and females. Age does not preclude me from seeing someone. I am accepting of anyone who is looking for someone to listen to and see them. Together we will discover and give them their voice.
I worked in Samaritans and Lifeline for 20 years. I work with various addictions and traumas. I counsel the addict, or the family, and friends of the addict.
Working with discovering purpose, trust and sobriety, I am able to hold the person in a safe space while dealing with trauma by using different counselling modalities suited to them.
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.
Jennifer Zhu is a registered psychologist who provides therapy for depression, anxiety, neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional regulation, and behavioural concerns. She works with all age groups and tailors evidence-based therapies to individual needs. Jennifer uses a trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approach and collaborates with families for holistic care. She builds strong therapeutic relationships, offering warmth, reliability, and a safe space. Inspired by her own mental health journey, she empowers clients to discover their strengths. In her spare time, she enjoys meditation, baking, gaming, and watching TV.
Jennifer Zhu is a registered psychologist who provides therapy for depression, anxiety, neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional regulation, and behavioural concerns. She works with all age groups and tailors evidence-based therapies to individual needs. Jennifer uses a trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approach and collaborates with families for holistic care. She builds strong therapeutic relationships, offering warmth, reliability, and a safe space. Inspired by her own mental health journey, she empowers clients to discover their strengths. In her spare time, she enjoys meditation, baking, gaming, and watching TV.
With children, I draw on play and narrative therapies; older children benefit from CBT, and OCD is treated with ERP.
When relationships feel strained or your child is struggling, it can be hard to know where to begin. You may feel stuck in the same arguments, distant from your partner, or unsure how to best support your child’s emotional or behavioural needs. Seeking therapy can feel vulnerable — but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change.
I am a Clinical Psychologist working with couples, children, adolescents and families. My approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed and grounded in attachment science.
With children, I draw on play and narrative therapies; older children benefit from CBT, and OCD is treated with ERP.
When relationships feel strained or your child is struggling, it can be hard to know where to begin. You may feel stuck in the same arguments, distant from your partner, or unsure how to best support your child’s emotional or behavioural needs. Seeking therapy can feel vulnerable — but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change.
I am a Clinical Psychologist working with couples, children, adolescents and families. My approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed and grounded in attachment science.
If you prefer to be outside, to have the freedom to move while exploring your emotions and concerns, I am your Gal. You are determined to have more compassion for yourself, and to use this as a springboard for self empowerment and healing. You want understanding of yourself, and tools for the alleviation of anxiety, sadness, heaviness, 'Stuckness', relationship concerns, and general emotional discomfort. I also have a room on Mondays in Wollongong, and offer Online therapy for those uncomfortable with being in the Outdoor Space, where we can still bring in Nature and Movement.
If you prefer to be outside, to have the freedom to move while exploring your emotions and concerns, I am your Gal. You are determined to have more compassion for yourself, and to use this as a springboard for self empowerment and healing. You want understanding of yourself, and tools for the alleviation of anxiety, sadness, heaviness, 'Stuckness', relationship concerns, and general emotional discomfort. I also have a room on Mondays in Wollongong, and offer Online therapy for those uncomfortable with being in the Outdoor Space, where we can still bring in Nature and Movement.
Hi! I am Jess - Founder and Clinical Director of Perfectly Imperfect. I am an allistic advocate. I provide neuro-diversity affirming psychology services for autistic, ADHER's, queer, and gender-diverse people, well as those within the neurotypical community struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict to name a few. We will work on developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, self-care and healthy boundaries.
Hi! I am Jess - Founder and Clinical Director of Perfectly Imperfect. I am an allistic advocate. I provide neuro-diversity affirming psychology services for autistic, ADHER's, queer, and gender-diverse people, well as those within the neurotypical community struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict to name a few. We will work on developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, self-care and healthy boundaries.
Helping people improve their lives is at the heart of my practice. My greatest reward is seeing clients achieve meaningful and lasting change through counselling.
My counselling services include support for WorkCover and CTP clients, family issues, relationship and couples counselling, as well as a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns.
Every person deserves the opportunity to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. With the right therapeutic support, positive change is possible—because better therapy leads to a better life.
Helping people improve their lives is at the heart of my practice. My greatest reward is seeing clients achieve meaningful and lasting change through counselling.
My counselling services include support for WorkCover and CTP clients, family issues, relationship and couples counselling, as well as a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns.
Every person deserves the opportunity to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. With the right therapeutic support, positive change is possible—because better therapy leads to a better life.
With over a decade of experience across early intervention, hospitals, schools, and community health, I offer individual therapy, parent-child work, play therapy and psychological assessments
My approach is warm, open, and non-judgemental, and I aim to create a safe, supportive and fun (for younger children) space. My work is informed by attachment theory, which highlights the importance of how early relationships impact later life, and through a trauma-informed lens. Additionally, I continue to work for NSW health supporting families in crisis.
With over a decade of experience across early intervention, hospitals, schools, and community health, I offer individual therapy, parent-child work, play therapy and psychological assessments
My approach is warm, open, and non-judgemental, and I aim to create a safe, supportive and fun (for younger children) space. My work is informed by attachment theory, which highlights the importance of how early relationships impact later life, and through a trauma-informed lens. Additionally, I continue to work for NSW health supporting families in crisis.
I believe how we do relationship is how we do everything.
My work invites people into deeper honesty with themselves, with others, and with life. Together we explore the patterns beneath the surface of your relationships and emotional world, bringing awareness and compassion to the places that feel stuck, disconnected, or caught in the same loop.
My work is for those who would rather bend than blend.
Who feel things deeply, relate in ways that don't always fit the mould, and are ready to look honestly at what they're carrying and be really curious and honest.
I believe how we do relationship is how we do everything.
My work invites people into deeper honesty with themselves, with others, and with life. Together we explore the patterns beneath the surface of your relationships and emotional world, bringing awareness and compassion to the places that feel stuck, disconnected, or caught in the same loop.
My work is for those who would rather bend than blend.
Who feel things deeply, relate in ways that don't always fit the mould, and are ready to look honestly at what they're carrying and be really curious and honest.
I use several tools including positive psychology, play therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Focusing Therapy to heal emotional and relational wounds, foster stronger connections, regulate emotions, create healthy boundaries, and increase self-worth and self-esteem.
I bring skills in play therapy, Internal Family Systems, Focusing Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I use several tools including positive psychology, play therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Focusing Therapy to heal emotional and relational wounds, foster stronger connections, regulate emotions, create healthy boundaries, and increase self-worth and self-esteem.
I bring skills in play therapy, Internal Family Systems, Focusing Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Carlingford
- Baulkham Hills
- Bella Vista
- Cherrybrook
- Eastwood
- Epping
- North Parramatta
- North Rocks
- Parramatta
- Ryde
- Telopea
- Wentworthville
- Westmead
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.