Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Newcastle, NSW

Greygum Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Newcastle, NSW 2300
Someone who has been trying to hold everything together for a long time while quietly struggling beneath the surface. They may appear capable and high-functioning, yet inside they feel anxious, exhausted, and disconnected from themselves. They might be navigating ongoing anxiety or low mood, living with unrecognised ADHD or Autism, recovering from trauma, or facing the emotional challenges of pregnancy, birth, or early parenthood. Often, they feel different, misunderstood, or burdened by guilt for not feeling how they think they “should.” What they need most is a safe, compassionate space where they feel truly seen and accepted.
Someone who has been trying to hold everything together for a long time while quietly struggling beneath the surface. They may appear capable and high-functioning, yet inside they feel anxious, exhausted, and disconnected from themselves. They might be navigating ongoing anxiety or low mood, living with unrecognised ADHD or Autism, recovering from trauma, or facing the emotional challenges of pregnancy, birth, or early parenthood. Often, they feel different, misunderstood, or burdened by guilt for not feeling how they think they “should.” What they need most is a safe, compassionate space where they feel truly seen and accepted.
(02) 4082 6485 View (02) 4082 6485
Suzanne Barker
Social Worker, AASW
Newcastle, NSW 2300
I am a accedited Social Worker and trauma-informed counsellor with a strong commitment to Advocacy, Wellbeing, and Empowerment. I am an approved NSW Victim Services counsellor and have extensive experience supporting people impacted by trauma, violence, and complex life experiences.I am also registered as a WDO sponsor for work development orders in NSW. I offer a calm, respectful, and non-judgemental space where clients can feel safe, understood, and supported to move forward at their own pace. My work is collaborative and strengths-based, helping people reconnect with their resilience and sense of agency.
I am a accedited Social Worker and trauma-informed counsellor with a strong commitment to Advocacy, Wellbeing, and Empowerment. I am an approved NSW Victim Services counsellor and have extensive experience supporting people impacted by trauma, violence, and complex life experiences.I am also registered as a WDO sponsor for work development orders in NSW. I offer a calm, respectful, and non-judgemental space where clients can feel safe, understood, and supported to move forward at their own pace. My work is collaborative and strengths-based, helping people reconnect with their resilience and sense of agency.
(02) 4012 8078 View (02) 4012 8078
Emily Lewis
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Newcastle, NSW 2300
You may be someone who appears to be coping externally while feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted or disconnected on the inside. Many people experiencing anxiety, burnout and chronic stress continue functioning day to day while struggling internally. At Omnia Lifestyle Psychology, I offer in-clinic sessions in Newcastle and telehealth Australia-wide for adults navigating these experiences, alongside sleep difficulties and emotional overwhelm. My approach is grounded in lifestyle psychology, recognising the connection between sleep, nervous system regulation, daily life and mental wellbeing.
You may be someone who appears to be coping externally while feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted or disconnected on the inside. Many people experiencing anxiety, burnout and chronic stress continue functioning day to day while struggling internally. At Omnia Lifestyle Psychology, I offer in-clinic sessions in Newcastle and telehealth Australia-wide for adults navigating these experiences, alongside sleep difficulties and emotional overwhelm. My approach is grounded in lifestyle psychology, recognising the connection between sleep, nervous system regulation, daily life and mental wellbeing.
(02) 4077 2405 View (02) 4077 2405
Oracle Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Newcastle, NSW 2300
Childhood is the most important time in an individual's life and professional advice can play an essential role in promoting development.
Mr Daniel Wendt is the Principal Clinical Psychologist and Director of Oracle Psychology. His qualifications in both Education and Psychology offer a unique combination of expertise which is well suited to assisting children and young people. We also assist adults and practice across the lifespan. Oracle Psychology's clinicians are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They have extensive experience working with children, teenagers and adults. Our staff are passionate about the wellbeing of individuals in Newcastle, the Hunter and Central Coast.
Childhood is the most important time in an individual's life and professional advice can play an essential role in promoting development.
Mr Daniel Wendt is the Principal Clinical Psychologist and Director of Oracle Psychology. His qualifications in both Education and Psychology offer a unique combination of expertise which is well suited to assisting children and young people. We also assist adults and practice across the lifespan. Oracle Psychology's clinicians are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They have extensive experience working with children, teenagers and adults. Our staff are passionate about the wellbeing of individuals in Newcastle, the Hunter and Central Coast.
(02) 4077 2916 View (02) 4077 2916
The Lakes Counselling (Psychotherapist)
Verified Verified
Serves Area
A warm welcome! My name is Catherine. You have taken the first step to alter your current situation. It will be a privilege as your psychotherapist (Masters in Counselling, Level 2 ACA), to provide you with exceptional bespoke treatment for depression, anxiety and trauma (or other mental health issues ). My guidance and professional skills, (CBT, ACT, and Gottman (couples) as well as extensive counseling experience have positively impacted my clients consisting of adults,children, teens, and couples. Small business award for Couples Therapy (2023). Also counsellor for Carers Australia.
A warm welcome! My name is Catherine. You have taken the first step to alter your current situation. It will be a privilege as your psychotherapist (Masters in Counselling, Level 2 ACA), to provide you with exceptional bespoke treatment for depression, anxiety and trauma (or other mental health issues ). My guidance and professional skills, (CBT, ACT, and Gottman (couples) as well as extensive counseling experience have positively impacted my clients consisting of adults,children, teens, and couples. Small business award for Couples Therapy (2023). Also counsellor for Carers Australia.
(03) 6159 0103 View (03) 6159 0103
Rebecca Saalfeld
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Do you feel stuck? Are you struggling? Would you like to deepen your understanding of yourself and what is important to you? Would you like to feel more confident? Would you like to make choices that better serve you? Would you like to explore your concerns using dialogue, 2 chair work, art, body wisdom or dreams? Would you like to deepen your self awareness and authentic experience? Do you want to work in a way and at a pace determined by your needs? All sessions are mutually respectful and confidential.
Do you feel stuck? Are you struggling? Would you like to deepen your understanding of yourself and what is important to you? Would you like to feel more confident? Would you like to make choices that better serve you? Would you like to explore your concerns using dialogue, 2 chair work, art, body wisdom or dreams? Would you like to deepen your self awareness and authentic experience? Do you want to work in a way and at a pace determined by your needs? All sessions are mutually respectful and confidential.
(02) 4082 8292 View (02) 4082 8292
Laura Therese Turner
Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
There's a particular kind of tired that comes from holding it all together on the outside while everything underneath feels like it's barely keeping up. With this can come anxiety, overwhelm, rage, and maybe even a sense of having lost yourself somewhere along the way. I work with women across Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire, in person and online, supporting them to create space for what's been asking to be felt, and find their way back to feeling lighter, more resourced, and more in control. Reach out for a free 20-minute consultation
There's a particular kind of tired that comes from holding it all together on the outside while everything underneath feels like it's barely keeping up. With this can come anxiety, overwhelm, rage, and maybe even a sense of having lost yourself somewhere along the way. I work with women across Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire, in person and online, supporting them to create space for what's been asking to be felt, and find their way back to feeling lighter, more resourced, and more in control. Reach out for a free 20-minute consultation
(02) 7501 1182 View (02) 7501 1182
Marta Smitham
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Prov
Serves Area
I work with children, teenagers, and adults who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, low, stuck, or unsure how to manage their emotions. I also support people with ADHD, autism, behavioural concerns, and challenges with everyday life. Together, we explore what is going on, recognise your strengths, and find practical strategies that feel realistic and useful for you.
I work with children, teenagers, and adults who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, low, stuck, or unsure how to manage their emotions. I also support people with ADHD, autism, behavioural concerns, and challenges with everyday life. Together, we explore what is going on, recognise your strengths, and find practical strategies that feel realistic and useful for you.
(02) 4075 7787 View (02) 4075 7787
Abbie Johnson
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Online Only
I work clinically with a diverse range of individuals, with a particular interest in anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication concerns, attentional difficulties and depression.
I work clinically with a diverse range of individuals, with a particular interest in anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication concerns, attentional difficulties and depression.
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Shelley Puru - Harmony Well-being Services
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Specialising in children, youth and individuals who are stressed, anxious and generally overwhelmed with life’s curve balls. Do you have children with behaviours that are challenging, diagnosis’ of ADHD, Autism or similar? Do you have teens that feel like no one understands them? Do you want to create a sense of contentment in your life? To gain some connection within your family, to feel a greater sense of self-worth and self-acceptance? To understand and not vilify the many different parts of who you are? Congratulations on taking the first and often most difficult step in your well-being journey!
Specialising in children, youth and individuals who are stressed, anxious and generally overwhelmed with life’s curve balls. Do you have children with behaviours that are challenging, diagnosis’ of ADHD, Autism or similar? Do you have teens that feel like no one understands them? Do you want to create a sense of contentment in your life? To gain some connection within your family, to feel a greater sense of self-worth and self-acceptance? To understand and not vilify the many different parts of who you are? Congratulations on taking the first and often most difficult step in your well-being journey!
(02) 4005 0240 View (02) 4005 0240
Beth Numeyer Counselling
Counsellor, PsychD, ACA-L1
Serves Area
With over 25 years working in family and community services, Beth brings a compassionate and person-centred approach to her counselling practice. As a registered counsellor Beth understands difficulties within the family structure and can offer sensitive family counselling to assist individuals, parents, caregivers and children for successful outcomes within the families’ difficulties. Beth’s counselling room offers a warm and welcoming space where you can feel comfortable and safe, and welcomes all people, abilities, identities and cultures.
With over 25 years working in family and community services, Beth brings a compassionate and person-centred approach to her counselling practice. As a registered counsellor Beth understands difficulties within the family structure and can offer sensitive family counselling to assist individuals, parents, caregivers and children for successful outcomes within the families’ difficulties. Beth’s counselling room offers a warm and welcoming space where you can feel comfortable and safe, and welcomes all people, abilities, identities and cultures.
(02) 4075 5073 View (02) 4075 5073
Tiffany Williamson
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I support adolescents, adults and families who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or impacted by trauma, neurodivergence, grief, phobias, burnout, distressing memories, shutdowns or strong emotional responses. Clients often come to therapy wanting to feel safer in themselves, understand their patterns, and find practical ways to move forward. I offer a warm, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed space where clients feel understood, supported and respected.
I support adolescents, adults and families who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or impacted by trauma, neurodivergence, grief, phobias, burnout, distressing memories, shutdowns or strong emotional responses. Clients often come to therapy wanting to feel safer in themselves, understand their patterns, and find practical ways to move forward. I offer a warm, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed space where clients feel understood, supported and respected.
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Dante Psychology - Mental Health & Neurodiversity
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Providing a therapy space that is both judgement-free and provides a clear path forward. Our work focuses on two things: Helping you make the deeper changes to find lasting healing, while also giving you the practical tools to feel improvements happening right away . We'll get to the root of what's happening for you while crafting everyday strategies to lift your mental health today. Whether dealing with stress, anxiety, and low mood, or navigating neurodiversity, we will work together to get you where you want to be.
Providing a therapy space that is both judgement-free and provides a clear path forward. Our work focuses on two things: Helping you make the deeper changes to find lasting healing, while also giving you the practical tools to feel improvements happening right away . We'll get to the root of what's happening for you while crafting everyday strategies to lift your mental health today. Whether dealing with stress, anxiety, and low mood, or navigating neurodiversity, we will work together to get you where you want to be.
0420 235 817 View 0420 235 817
Amrita Arvind
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I believe that trust is the highest form of human motivation and tricky situations challenge it in ourselves. We can have strengths that are as salient and unique as the barriers we face. My clients can have a good insight into themselves or their situation. They may have qualities that set them up for life or have achievements and yet experience significant setbacks that impact their mental health. I work largely with women navigating their pregnancy, parents with young children (up to 4 yrs), immigrants or people of a multi-racial background navigating change in a personal or professional context.
I believe that trust is the highest form of human motivation and tricky situations challenge it in ourselves. We can have strengths that are as salient and unique as the barriers we face. My clients can have a good insight into themselves or their situation. They may have qualities that set them up for life or have achievements and yet experience significant setbacks that impact their mental health. I work largely with women navigating their pregnancy, parents with young children (up to 4 yrs), immigrants or people of a multi-racial background navigating change in a personal or professional context.
(02) 4307 5406 View (02) 4307 5406

More Therapists Nearby

Sandy Toes Holistic Health
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Blacksmiths, NSW 2281
Looking after our health and wellbeing is one of the most valuable things we can do in our life. At times this can be really challenging when we are facing hard situations personally or helping others as a parent/ carer/ friend/ partner or family member. My passion for more than 25years in health is to support a healing and restorative wellness that can be a foundational strength while navigating life’s journey.
Looking after our health and wellbeing is one of the most valuable things we can do in our life. At times this can be really challenging when we are facing hard situations personally or helping others as a parent/ carer/ friend/ partner or family member. My passion for more than 25years in health is to support a healing and restorative wellness that can be a foundational strength while navigating life’s journey.
(02) 4005 0042 View (02) 4005 0042
Francy Palma
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Prov
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, NSW 2303
Hi, I am Francy, a bilingual Provisional Psychologist at Sage Minds Psychology. With clinical training in Australia and the United States, I provide warm, evidence-based support to children, adolescents, and adults, bringing a cross-cultural, compassionate, and inclusive approach to therapy. As a fluent Spanish speaker, I also provide culturally attuned support to Spanish-speaking clients, helping bridge language and cultural gaps in mental health care.
Hi, I am Francy, a bilingual Provisional Psychologist at Sage Minds Psychology. With clinical training in Australia and the United States, I provide warm, evidence-based support to children, adolescents, and adults, bringing a cross-cultural, compassionate, and inclusive approach to therapy. As a fluent Spanish speaker, I also provide culturally attuned support to Spanish-speaking clients, helping bridge language and cultural gaps in mental health care.
(02) 4075 9408 View (02) 4075 9408
The Heart & Mind Collective
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Our clinicians offer evidence-based treatments including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), CBT, ACT, Play Therapy and somatic treatments.
Ready to nurture your emotional and mental health? The Heart & Mind Collective has a range of therapeutic supports available to assist you at any stage of your journey. Our experienced clinicians offer expertise in the assessment and therapeutic support of anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and more.
Our clinicians offer evidence-based treatments including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), CBT, ACT, Play Therapy and somatic treatments.
Ready to nurture your emotional and mental health? The Heart & Mind Collective has a range of therapeutic supports available to assist you at any stage of your journey. Our experienced clinicians offer expertise in the assessment and therapeutic support of anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and more.
(02) 4326 0725 View (02) 4326 0725
Jane Hodgson
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Maitland, NSW 2320
Although working with children using play and creative approaches to manage emotions, fears and anxiety, is my specialty.
My particular expertise is in working with parents, teenagers and children. My counselling style uses creative and expressive arts allowing children to build coping strategies, create an awareness of their body responses to stress and to help make meaning of their experiences.
Although working with children using play and creative approaches to manage emotions, fears and anxiety, is my specialty.
My particular expertise is in working with parents, teenagers and children. My counselling style uses creative and expressive arts allowing children to build coping strategies, create an awareness of their body responses to stress and to help make meaning of their experiences.
(02) 4063 1091 View (02) 4063 1091
Lorena Fernandez Collazo
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L3
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I provide trauma-informed counselling using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT,DBT, mindfulness, play therapy, and creative therapies.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, domestic and family violence, grief, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, or major life changes? You don't have to face it alone. I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families through compassionate, trauma-informed counselling in Gosford, Tuggerah, and online across NSW. I welcome referrals through Victims Support, SIRA (Workers Compensation), CTP, NDIS, EAP, and private referrals. Together, we work towards healing, resilience, emotional regulation, and meaningful change.
I provide trauma-informed counselling using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT,DBT, mindfulness, play therapy, and creative therapies.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, domestic and family violence, grief, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, or major life changes? You don't have to face it alone. I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families through compassionate, trauma-informed counselling in Gosford, Tuggerah, and online across NSW. I welcome referrals through Victims Support, SIRA (Workers Compensation), CTP, NDIS, EAP, and private referrals. Together, we work towards healing, resilience, emotional regulation, and meaningful change.
(02) 4307 5583 View (02) 4307 5583
Madeleine Berryman
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Belmont, NSW 2280
Over the years I have worked hard to grow skills to be able to work with individuals with a variety of presentations. I work with anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders and trauma and much more. It is important that the client and I work collaboratively to meet a clients needs and goals and that we have an open, honest relationship together. It is important for client's to know that they are the master in themselves and that I as a therapist am there to support them to make their own changes to reach their full potential.
Over the years I have worked hard to grow skills to be able to work with individuals with a variety of presentations. I work with anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders and trauma and much more. It is important that the client and I work collaboratively to meet a clients needs and goals and that we have an open, honest relationship together. It is important for client's to know that they are the master in themselves and that I as a therapist am there to support them to make their own changes to reach their full potential.
(02) 4058 4419 View (02) 4058 4419

See more therapy options for Newcastle

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.