Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Ryde, NSW

Vishmi De Silva
Counsellor, MSc, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Ryde, NSW 2112
I work with adults, couples and children who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. Many struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, or relationship patterns rooted in childhood. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your story, understand your patterns, and reconnect with your authentic self.
I work with adults, couples and children who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. Many struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, or relationship patterns rooted in childhood. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your story, understand your patterns, and reconnect with your authentic self.
(02) 7804 4768 View (02) 7804 4768
Emma Chow | The Filial Space
Psychotherapist, MA
Serves Area
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.
(02) 7804 4503 View (02) 7804 4503
Stacey Admiraal
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
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...
(02) 7804 4995 View (02) 7804 4995
Pat Wood-Collier
Counsellor, MA, CCAA
Serves Area
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.
(02) 5504 5434 View (02) 5504 5434
The Counselling Collective
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
Providing a safe place to share, discuss and work through those times where daily life feels difficult, coping with the day to day tasks becomes overwhelming, school, family, relationship issues become too much; bullying, peer pressure, friendship groups, sexting, screen time/gaming issues take over; questions around identity, transitions/transitioning through school, university, work has a sense of hopelessness and helplessness; family life family relationships, managing young children, teenagers, adolescents, young adults, and parenting in general simply becomes too much.
Providing a safe place to share, discuss and work through those times where daily life feels difficult, coping with the day to day tasks becomes overwhelming, school, family, relationship issues become too much; bullying, peer pressure, friendship groups, sexting, screen time/gaming issues take over; questions around identity, transitions/transitioning through school, university, work has a sense of hopelessness and helplessness; family life family relationships, managing young children, teenagers, adolescents, young adults, and parenting in general simply becomes too much.
(02) 7804 4067 View (02) 7804 4067
The Recalibrate Hub
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Serves Area
Whether you’re excitedly planning for your wedding, feeling disappointed in your relationship or the spark has waned after decades of marriage, know I too have travelled the relationship roller coaster of euphoria & broken dreams. The reality is, these relationship struggles can overflow into parenting too. You may be excitedly expecting your first child or perhaps, you're feeling overwhelmed by your children's attitude. Regardless of what stage you're in, hope exists for you to recalibrate your relationships and parenting. I'm looking forward to supporting you to do this, so you can know empowerment & joy in your current season.
Whether you’re excitedly planning for your wedding, feeling disappointed in your relationship or the spark has waned after decades of marriage, know I too have travelled the relationship roller coaster of euphoria & broken dreams. The reality is, these relationship struggles can overflow into parenting too. You may be excitedly expecting your first child or perhaps, you're feeling overwhelmed by your children's attitude. Regardless of what stage you're in, hope exists for you to recalibrate your relationships and parenting. I'm looking forward to supporting you to do this, so you can know empowerment & joy in your current season.
(02) 8355 9790 View (02) 8355 9790
Erin Chan
Counsellor, MSc, PACFA
Serves Area
Erin is a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor. She's warm and thoughtful providing individual, couples and relationship therapies. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space where her clients feel heard and supported to reconnect. Trained in various modalities e.g. Gottman Method, Erin helps couples and individuals break negative patterns, improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen intimacy and connection. She also supports neurodiverse individuals, couples and families with practical, evidence-based strategies. Whether navigating conflict, grief, parenting stress, or life transitions, Erin offers calm, structured guidance.
Erin is a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor. She's warm and thoughtful providing individual, couples and relationship therapies. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space where her clients feel heard and supported to reconnect. Trained in various modalities e.g. Gottman Method, Erin helps couples and individuals break negative patterns, improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen intimacy and connection. She also supports neurodiverse individuals, couples and families with practical, evidence-based strategies. Whether navigating conflict, grief, parenting stress, or life transitions, Erin offers calm, structured guidance.
(02) 8503 4490 View (02) 8503 4490
Helen Ly
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I believe that mental health is the foundation for wellbeing. Seeking help is a vital step toward living a balanced and fulfilling life. Through building strong rapport with my clients, fostering a collaborative relationship to support them in achieving their unique goals all in a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment- Recovery, Healing and Thriving is made possible, overcoming life’s challenges and concerns. Using a person-centred approach, I integrate therapeutic modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, to help you explore, understand and navigate your journey.
I believe that mental health is the foundation for wellbeing. Seeking help is a vital step toward living a balanced and fulfilling life. Through building strong rapport with my clients, fostering a collaborative relationship to support them in achieving their unique goals all in a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment- Recovery, Healing and Thriving is made possible, overcoming life’s challenges and concerns. Using a person-centred approach, I integrate therapeutic modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, to help you explore, understand and navigate your journey.
(02) 7804 4815 View (02) 7804 4815
Lauren Evans Counselling & Consulting
Counsellor, AMHSW
Serves Area
I am an experienced therapist and clinical supervisor who specialises in working with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space in which to explore the challenges that have brought you to counselling. Together, we will work to understand your experiences, build practical tools for coping, and help you to move forward.
I am an experienced therapist and clinical supervisor who specialises in working with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space in which to explore the challenges that have brought you to counselling. Together, we will work to understand your experiences, build practical tools for coping, and help you to move forward.
0402 441 397 View 0402 441 397
Amber Hunter
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Enjoy being outdoors in natural spaces? Me too! I offer walk & talk therapy in natural environments from North Ryde to Hornsby to Berowra. Compassionately & empathically passionate about helping young people live their best lives. Assessing and supporting neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism) and it’s impacts on mental health i.e. anxiety, stress, depression, is of special interest to me. Therapeutically I am committed to empowering people to achieve healthy and enjoyable lives by developing a greater capacity for resilience and more positive & meaningful relationships with themselves & others in a safe supportive environment.
Enjoy being outdoors in natural spaces? Me too! I offer walk & talk therapy in natural environments from North Ryde to Hornsby to Berowra. Compassionately & empathically passionate about helping young people live their best lives. Assessing and supporting neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism) and it’s impacts on mental health i.e. anxiety, stress, depression, is of special interest to me. Therapeutically I am committed to empowering people to achieve healthy and enjoyable lives by developing a greater capacity for resilience and more positive & meaningful relationships with themselves & others in a safe supportive environment.
(02) 8403 1535 View (02) 8403 1535

More Therapists Nearby

Carly Tredway
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work best with women, young adults, and neurodivergent people navigating anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, autism, life transitions, or challenges that feel difficult to untangle alone. Many come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, misunderstood, or exhausted from carrying things for too long. I offer an authentic and warm, trauma-informed approach that will meet you where you are to help you make sense of your experiences, build self-understanding, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I work best with women, young adults, and neurodivergent people navigating anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, autism, life transitions, or challenges that feel difficult to untangle alone. Many come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, misunderstood, or exhausted from carrying things for too long. I offer an authentic and warm, trauma-informed approach that will meet you where you are to help you make sense of your experiences, build self-understanding, and create meaningful, lasting change.
(02) 4306 7495 View (02) 4306 7495
Mauro Vieira
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Bar Point, NSW 2083
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
Elizabeth Counselling Clinic Pty Ltd
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
West Ryde, NSW 2114
Elizabeth is warm and non-judgmental in her practice. Elizabeth has about 15 years of counselling experience and has worked for both NGOs (Non-profit organizations) and governments to learn to treat people with different issues. Elizabeth also works as a clinical supervisor and has a passion to raise the next generation of therapists. Elizabeth is involved in different community boards to raise more awareness on some of the common mental health topics.
Elizabeth is warm and non-judgmental in her practice. Elizabeth has about 15 years of counselling experience and has worked for both NGOs (Non-profit organizations) and governments to learn to treat people with different issues. Elizabeth also works as a clinical supervisor and has a passion to raise the next generation of therapists. Elizabeth is involved in different community boards to raise more awareness on some of the common mental health topics.
(02) 8074 3828 View (02) 8074 3828
Sydney Clinic Of Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Hornsby, NSW 2077
Our team provides comprehensive assessments for autism, ADHD, cognitive abilities, and learning disabilities for children, teenagers, and adults. We also offer tailored treatments for depression, anxiety, trauma and more, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth.
Our team provides comprehensive assessments for autism, ADHD, cognitive abilities, and learning disabilities for children, teenagers, and adults. We also offer tailored treatments for depression, anxiety, trauma and more, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth.
(02) 8403 0471 View (02) 8403 0471
PsychBlossom
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Liverpool, NSW 2170
Cheryn is a Clinical Psychologist. Cheryn’s qualifications are a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and a Master of Clinical Psychology. Cheryn loves her work and is a very dedicated, warm and engaging therapist, with a keen sense of the privilege and responsibility that her role involves. She enjoys accompanying her clients on their path through difficulty and grounds her work in an attuned and genuine understanding of her clients and their needs. ​ Cheryn has an affinity working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and her experience has enabled her to become resourceful in adapting therapies.
Cheryn is a Clinical Psychologist. Cheryn’s qualifications are a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and a Master of Clinical Psychology. Cheryn loves her work and is a very dedicated, warm and engaging therapist, with a keen sense of the privilege and responsibility that her role involves. She enjoys accompanying her clients on their path through difficulty and grounds her work in an attuned and genuine understanding of her clients and their needs. ​ Cheryn has an affinity working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and her experience has enabled her to become resourceful in adapting therapies.
(02) 8105 5998 View (02) 8105 5998
Do you seek safety, healing or a meaningful connection? Do you want to feel whole? To trust yourself again. Do you want to be seen and heard. Without judgment, without pressure. Do you want healthier relationships? Whether with a partner, child, or yourself! Do you want healing that lasts? Not a band-aid, but deep integration and change. Do you want freedom from your past? So you can create a different future. Do you want to tap on the root causes of your issues? Do you want to parent in a way that feels nurturing, secure, and empowering? Do you want to thrive not just survive? If you said yes to any of the above, I can help you!
Do you seek safety, healing or a meaningful connection? Do you want to feel whole? To trust yourself again. Do you want to be seen and heard. Without judgment, without pressure. Do you want healthier relationships? Whether with a partner, child, or yourself! Do you want healing that lasts? Not a band-aid, but deep integration and change. Do you want freedom from your past? So you can create a different future. Do you want to tap on the root causes of your issues? Do you want to parent in a way that feels nurturing, secure, and empowering? Do you want to thrive not just survive? If you said yes to any of the above, I can help you!
(02) 8105 6425 View (02) 8105 6425
Anna Djuric
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Online Only
If you are unsure about how the world sees you, unable to trust, feeling of being never good enough, facing low self-esteem, losing confidence, struggling with personal issues; having anxiety, trauma triggers, feeling stuck, unable to adjust to changes-transitions; having relationship issues, want to improve your mental health do not hesitate to reach out. You can expect professional, non-judgmental, and caring approach that could enable you to deal with personal issues and struggle and help you to reach your goals. I have years of experiences working with individuals, young adults, adults and families with a wide range of issues.
If you are unsure about how the world sees you, unable to trust, feeling of being never good enough, facing low self-esteem, losing confidence, struggling with personal issues; having anxiety, trauma triggers, feeling stuck, unable to adjust to changes-transitions; having relationship issues, want to improve your mental health do not hesitate to reach out. You can expect professional, non-judgmental, and caring approach that could enable you to deal with personal issues and struggle and help you to reach your goals. I have years of experiences working with individuals, young adults, adults and families with a wide range of issues.
(02) 9100 0255 View (02) 9100 0255
Mind Matters Christian Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L3
Online Only
Caring for matters of the mind in a Christ-centered way is important to my practice. I believe mental health is an integral part of overall wellbeing You may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your concerns, gain clarity, and begin moving toward healing and positive change. I use evidence-based approaches and practical strategies. For those who desire it, I also integrate Christian faith and prayer into the counselling process to support growth and restoration.
Caring for matters of the mind in a Christ-centered way is important to my practice. I believe mental health is an integral part of overall wellbeing You may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your concerns, gain clarity, and begin moving toward healing and positive change. I use evidence-based approaches and practical strategies. For those who desire it, I also integrate Christian faith and prayer into the counselling process to support growth and restoration.
(02) 5605 7606 View (02) 5605 7606
The Heart & Mind Collective
Psychologist, PsyBA General
North Gosford, NSW 2250
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
Amy Elizabeth Doust
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Artarmon, NSW 2064
Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff, clinical, or like you’re being “fixed.” I offer a warm, down-to-earth space where people of all ages can show up as they are and feel genuinely understood. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and practical, grounded in real connection and a strengths-based lens. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and parents, supporting big emotions, overwhelm, anxiety, and life transitions. There’s room for humour, honesty, and imperfection here — because meaningful change happens when you feel safe, supported, and seen.
Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff, clinical, or like you’re being “fixed.” I offer a warm, down-to-earth space where people of all ages can show up as they are and feel genuinely understood. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and practical, grounded in real connection and a strengths-based lens. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and parents, supporting big emotions, overwhelm, anxiety, and life transitions. There’s room for humour, honesty, and imperfection here — because meaningful change happens when you feel safe, supported, and seen.
(02) 9161 8072 View (02) 9161 8072
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.