Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Hobart, TAS

Minky van der Walt
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Sometimes we know everything we could do to change things but we just can't make our way through the fog. If you've been lying awake at night, thought it through more times than you care to admit and tried talking therapy, yet still find yourself stuck, there are ways beyond words that can help. I work with music, art, imagery and the body alongside EMDR and Internal Family Systems, to access different pathways towards clarity and ease. Many of the people I see are therapists and clinicians who spend their days holding this for others. Short-term, intensive therapy options are available depending on your needs.
Sometimes we know everything we could do to change things but we just can't make our way through the fog. If you've been lying awake at night, thought it through more times than you care to admit and tried talking therapy, yet still find yourself stuck, there are ways beyond words that can help. I work with music, art, imagery and the body alongside EMDR and Internal Family Systems, to access different pathways towards clarity and ease. Many of the people I see are therapists and clinicians who spend their days holding this for others. Short-term, intensive therapy options are available depending on your needs.
(03) 6155 0510 View (03) 6155 0510
Timna Jacks
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialise in getting to the root cause of your pain, supporting adults, adolescents, children and couples. I work with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, difficult life transitions and relationship conflicts. I support individuals as well as whole families, helping parents, children, siblings and couples repair and rebuild their relationships. I don't offer quick fixes. Instead, I provide a space for you to speak freely and together, we will get to the heart of the issue. I listen carefully, to the underlying resonance of speech and draw on body-based approaches to support trauma processing and healing.
I specialise in getting to the root cause of your pain, supporting adults, adolescents, children and couples. I work with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, difficult life transitions and relationship conflicts. I support individuals as well as whole families, helping parents, children, siblings and couples repair and rebuild their relationships. I don't offer quick fixes. Instead, I provide a space for you to speak freely and together, we will get to the heart of the issue. I listen carefully, to the underlying resonance of speech and draw on body-based approaches to support trauma processing and healing.
0490 973 408 View 0490 973 408
Bronte Purcell
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
The main modalities I use are: Art therapy, Play therapy, Psycho-education, Zones of Regulation.
Do you want to get to the root cause of your challenges? Are you ready for sustainable change through inner work? Are you yearning to transform your relationship to yourself & those around you? I support uncommonly curious, sensitive, and deep feeling humans access truth, authenticity & freedom from within. I meet you in the depths of your inner world, so that you can dissolve shame, welcome home the suppressed parts of yourself & return to a sense of wholeness & humanness. I work with both youth & adults, online & in person Byron Bay. Please book in for a free connection call to see if we are the right fit, via my website.
The main modalities I use are: Art therapy, Play therapy, Psycho-education, Zones of Regulation.
Do you want to get to the root cause of your challenges? Are you ready for sustainable change through inner work? Are you yearning to transform your relationship to yourself & those around you? I support uncommonly curious, sensitive, and deep feeling humans access truth, authenticity & freedom from within. I meet you in the depths of your inner world, so that you can dissolve shame, welcome home the suppressed parts of yourself & return to a sense of wholeness & humanness. I work with both youth & adults, online & in person Byron Bay. Please book in for a free connection call to see if we are the right fit, via my website.
(02) 5943 7272 View (02) 5943 7272
Dr Coby Liew
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have expertise in Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology, HypnoNLP, and LEGO Play Therapy, combined with a gentle blend of evidence-based psychological approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Art Therapy.
G'day, my name is Coby. I have spent more than 15 years in psychotherapy and mental health practice, helping individuals of different ages and backgrounds navigate life’s challenges with compassion, care and empathy. Having lived across several countries and cultures, I bring a deeply informed, culturally responsive perspective to my therapeutic work. I specialise in grief and loss, gender and sexuality (LGBTIQA), complex trauma, family and domestic violence, attachment difficulties, ASD, ADHD, personality disorders, relationship and intimacy issues, anger management, family conflict, workplace bullying and intercultural adjustment.
I have expertise in Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology, HypnoNLP, and LEGO Play Therapy, combined with a gentle blend of evidence-based psychological approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Art Therapy.
G'day, my name is Coby. I have spent more than 15 years in psychotherapy and mental health practice, helping individuals of different ages and backgrounds navigate life’s challenges with compassion, care and empathy. Having lived across several countries and cultures, I bring a deeply informed, culturally responsive perspective to my therapeutic work. I specialise in grief and loss, gender and sexuality (LGBTIQA), complex trauma, family and domestic violence, attachment difficulties, ASD, ADHD, personality disorders, relationship and intimacy issues, anger management, family conflict, workplace bullying and intercultural adjustment.
0408 375 544 View 0408 375 544
Stonewater Art Therapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Samuel (He/They/She/Any) and I'm a non-binary/genderfluid Arts Psychotherapist. In life I have used the creative arts as a way of understanding, listening to and responding to my experiences and inner conflicts. I’m passionate about integrating our inner and outer selves and believe in the value the arts offer in encountering resources and parts of ourselves which aren’t accessed in normal daily life. I offer a gentle, non-judgemental and inclusive therapeutic space for you to reveal yourself as we explore struggles, hopes and what growth and resolution looks like for you at this time.
Hi, I'm Samuel (He/They/She/Any) and I'm a non-binary/genderfluid Arts Psychotherapist. In life I have used the creative arts as a way of understanding, listening to and responding to my experiences and inner conflicts. I’m passionate about integrating our inner and outer selves and believe in the value the arts offer in encountering resources and parts of ourselves which aren’t accessed in normal daily life. I offer a gentle, non-judgemental and inclusive therapeutic space for you to reveal yourself as we explore struggles, hopes and what growth and resolution looks like for you at this time.
(03) 8203 5271 View (03) 8203 5271
Gaye Mallinson
Counsellor, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Somatic Psychotherapies offers Clinical Supervision (+SOS), Counselling (talk & somatic based) & Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy to Child/Youth/Adult, Couples & Families with availability for Weekday & Weekend sessions Online via (Video/Voicelink) across Australia, New Zealand & Worldwide. I can utilise various assessments when appropriate to measure the severity of a specific problem, as well as determining your progress within therapy. I can also teach many various emotional regulation skills where this may be of benefit for you too. Whatever you are going through, know that there is hope - Let me help you find that hope.
Somatic Psychotherapies offers Clinical Supervision (+SOS), Counselling (talk & somatic based) & Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy to Child/Youth/Adult, Couples & Families with availability for Weekday & Weekend sessions Online via (Video/Voicelink) across Australia, New Zealand & Worldwide. I can utilise various assessments when appropriate to measure the severity of a specific problem, as well as determining your progress within therapy. I can also teach many various emotional regulation skills where this may be of benefit for you too. Whatever you are going through, know that there is hope - Let me help you find that hope.
0459 767 347 View 0459 767 347
Jezreel Besterwitch
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
I've had the privilege of supporting clients from many walks of life across the lifespan. Having lived in rural Tasmania, I understand country town life. I have experience working with childhood trauma, relationships, and grief-and-loss counselling, and I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I also have experience supporting people with neurospicy brains; you will find my approach strength-based and neuro-affirming. I like to bring my sense of creativity to each session, as ever-changing life requires finding effective and evidence-based strategies to meet needs.
I've had the privilege of supporting clients from many walks of life across the lifespan. Having lived in rural Tasmania, I understand country town life. I have experience working with childhood trauma, relationships, and grief-and-loss counselling, and I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I also have experience supporting people with neurospicy brains; you will find my approach strength-based and neuro-affirming. I like to bring my sense of creativity to each session, as ever-changing life requires finding effective and evidence-based strategies to meet needs.
(03) 8104 9454 View (03) 8104 9454
Diksha Singla
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Serves Area
You may be functioning on the outside — working, studying, showing up — while internally feeling anxious, disconnected, or emotionally drained. You might find yourself overthinking everything, repeating relationship patterns, or quietly questioning your self-worth. Even when nothing looks “wrong,” something doesn’t feel settled inside. Many people come to therapy not because they are broken, but because coping alone has become exhausting.
You may be functioning on the outside — working, studying, showing up — while internally feeling anxious, disconnected, or emotionally drained. You might find yourself overthinking everything, repeating relationship patterns, or quietly questioning your self-worth. Even when nothing looks “wrong,” something doesn’t feel settled inside. Many people come to therapy not because they are broken, but because coping alone has become exhausting.
0415 785 149 View 0415 785 149
Mind & Me Counselling and Supervision
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Online Only
Registered with the ACA and PACFA, Certified play therapist.
I offer both individual and group supervision. Also registered with NDIS and Victims of Crime (ACT/NSW) and WorkSafe Victoria. My focus is to provide supportive, growth-oriented supervision tailored to the unique needs of each individual or group while enhancing any clients mental health and overall wellbeing.
Registered with the ACA and PACFA, Certified play therapist.
I offer both individual and group supervision. Also registered with NDIS and Victims of Crime (ACT/NSW) and WorkSafe Victoria. My focus is to provide supportive, growth-oriented supervision tailored to the unique needs of each individual or group while enhancing any clients mental health and overall wellbeing.
(03) 7003 2153 View (03) 7003 2153
Sheree Bryan
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
One thing I would love you to know, "There is a place for you in this world, and despite all you may be experiencing, 'You Matter!" Are you carrying an emotional load you would like release from? Perhaps you are a parent grieving the excruciating loss of your child? Perhaps you have experienced trauma that constantly impedes on your life; feel so lost or anxious you are unable to move, breathe or speak? Imagine that there is a way forward to finding powerful release, purpose and your authentic, amazing self once again. Time to thrive, not just survive? Sounds SO good!
One thing I would love you to know, "There is a place for you in this world, and despite all you may be experiencing, 'You Matter!" Are you carrying an emotional load you would like release from? Perhaps you are a parent grieving the excruciating loss of your child? Perhaps you have experienced trauma that constantly impedes on your life; feel so lost or anxious you are unable to move, breathe or speak? Imagine that there is a way forward to finding powerful release, purpose and your authentic, amazing self once again. Time to thrive, not just survive? Sounds SO good!
(03) 6413 0624 View (03) 6413 0624
Tara Lee Harriden
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a Wiradjuri woman, PACFA-registered Clinical Counsellor and Professional Supervisor. I offer culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially those healing from systemic, intergenerational, ancestral, or race-based trauma, so we can live with pride, confidence, and joy. I also enjoy supporting non-Indigenous clients from all walks of life with issues such as trauma, anxiety, relationships, identity, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and strengths-based, creating a safe, respectful space for healing.
I am a Wiradjuri woman, PACFA-registered Clinical Counsellor and Professional Supervisor. I offer culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially those healing from systemic, intergenerational, ancestral, or race-based trauma, so we can live with pride, confidence, and joy. I also enjoy supporting non-Indigenous clients from all walks of life with issues such as trauma, anxiety, relationships, identity, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and strengths-based, creating a safe, respectful space for healing.
(07) 5230 8953 View (07) 5230 8953
Dorian De Nobrega
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Online Only
Dorian is a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 20 years experience in the health and welfare sector. He provides general therapeutic support to people of all genders and ages, while specializing in men’s mental health and youth mental health. Dorian offers sessions with adults, young people and children, to support a variety of needs.
Dorian is a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 20 years experience in the health and welfare sector. He provides general therapeutic support to people of all genders and ages, while specializing in men’s mental health and youth mental health. Dorian offers sessions with adults, young people and children, to support a variety of needs.
(08) 6219 3971 View (08) 6219 3971
Sarah Elliott
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialising in high risk children, adolescents and young adults. Self harm, suicidality, complex trauma, relational trauma. Clinical family assessment and therapy. Anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorder, parenting challenges, online issues, separated families. Family Law reporting and court reporting available
Specialising in high risk children, adolescents and young adults. Self harm, suicidality, complex trauma, relational trauma. Clinical family assessment and therapy. Anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorder, parenting challenges, online issues, separated families. Family Law reporting and court reporting available
(03) 8771 4151 View (03) 8771 4151
Sally Walsh
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Immediately Available - No Waitlist - Registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Practitioner. Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed or seeking practical support? Are you struggling with an issue on your own? We can work this out together to help you feel more in control. I can help you see your situation more clearly with talking therapy and somatically integrating body/mind experiences for emotional distress support for anxiety, depression and trauma (CPTSD) ie. brain intervention (7-8 sessions). Relationship struggles ? including poly/open, narcissism
Immediately Available - No Waitlist - Registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Practitioner. Are you overwhelmed, anxious or depressed or seeking practical support? Are you struggling with an issue on your own? We can work this out together to help you feel more in control. I can help you see your situation more clearly with talking therapy and somatically integrating body/mind experiences for emotional distress support for anxiety, depression and trauma (CPTSD) ie. brain intervention (7-8 sessions). Relationship struggles ? including poly/open, narcissism
(02) 9100 0123 View (02) 9100 0123
Mauro Vieira
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, often in nature, where deep reflection and healing happen naturally. With 15+ years of experience, I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Originally trained in Brazil, I hold postgraduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice and am a registered Australian psychologist. Let’s work together to help you find clarity and resilience.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, often in nature, where deep reflection and healing happen naturally. With 15+ years of experience, I support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Originally trained in Brazil, I hold postgraduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice and am a registered Australian psychologist. Let’s work together to help you find clarity and resilience.
(02) 9158 6184 View (02) 9158 6184
Molly Brennan
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Online Only
These include CBT, ACT, person-centred therapy, and play therapy.
I am a warm and compassionate psychotherapist / counsellor passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and supported at your own pace. As an integrative counsellor, I tailor therapy using approaches such as CBT, ACT, and play therapy to suit your needs. Originally from Ireland, I’ve worked across Ireland, the UK, and Australia, and understand the challenges of life transitions, including living abroad. I work with children, young people, and adults across a range of issues, and offer a free 15-minute introductory call.
These include CBT, ACT, person-centred therapy, and play therapy.
I am a warm and compassionate psychotherapist / counsellor passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and supported at your own pace. As an integrative counsellor, I tailor therapy using approaches such as CBT, ACT, and play therapy to suit your needs. Originally from Ireland, I’ve worked across Ireland, the UK, and Australia, and understand the challenges of life transitions, including living abroad. I work with children, young people, and adults across a range of issues, and offer a free 15-minute introductory call.
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Anna - Text Counselling Online
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not everyone wants to talk out loud. Some people prefer text. Maybe you prefer having space to think as you type, maybe it's less overwhelming, less pressure, or maybe it's just more comfortable for you. Whatever your reason, I'm here to help. I offer text-based counselling, where we use text through the entire session with no speaking or listening required (unless you want it!).
Not everyone wants to talk out loud. Some people prefer text. Maybe you prefer having space to think as you type, maybe it's less overwhelming, less pressure, or maybe it's just more comfortable for you. Whatever your reason, I'm here to help. I offer text-based counselling, where we use text through the entire session with no speaking or listening required (unless you want it!).
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Thrive within Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with individuals who are ready — whether confidently or cautiously — to explore what’s happening beneath the surface. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance use, or difficulties with identity and relationships. I often support people experiencing mental health concerns, alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community seeking a safe and supportive space. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Together, we work at your pace using evidence-based strategies to help you feel heard, empowered, and supported
I work with individuals who are ready — whether confidently or cautiously — to explore what’s happening beneath the surface. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance use, or difficulties with identity and relationships. I often support people experiencing mental health concerns, alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community seeking a safe and supportive space. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Together, we work at your pace using evidence-based strategies to help you feel heard, empowered, and supported
(08) 7110 0028 View (08) 7110 0028
Creating Wellbeing Melbourne
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
8 Endorsed
Serves Area
Please Contact Me Via Email Not Phone Hi, I'm Rae (they/them) and I'm a trans non-binary and multiple neurodivergent Supervisor, Creative/Experiential Therapist and Counsellor with a lived experience of chronic illness. I have white Anglophone privilege and settler privilege. I experience marginalisation due to living in cisgenderist, binary, neurotypical-centred society. I am very passionate about disability rights, the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health. I am vegan and love animals. My core values; connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, community, liberation and autonomy
Please Contact Me Via Email Not Phone Hi, I'm Rae (they/them) and I'm a trans non-binary and multiple neurodivergent Supervisor, Creative/Experiential Therapist and Counsellor with a lived experience of chronic illness. I have white Anglophone privilege and settler privilege. I experience marginalisation due to living in cisgenderist, binary, neurotypical-centred society. I am very passionate about disability rights, the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health. I am vegan and love animals. My core values; connection, expression, creativity, imagination, curiosity, authenticity, courage, empowerment, community, liberation and autonomy
(03) 7302 2943 View (03) 7302 2943
Counselling and Wellbeing
Counsellor, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Online Only
With more than 23 years in the helping professions in the UK and Australia, in various health, education, mental health areas across the lifespan, I'm able to support people with a wide range of presenting issues to support people navigating life's challenges. It can feel like no one gets it sometimes, even those closest to you. Wanting someone to listen to you who really gets it, I truly do and I know how to support you. I provide an opportunity to explore what you're experiencing with compassion focused on guiding you towards health and wellbeing.
With more than 23 years in the helping professions in the UK and Australia, in various health, education, mental health areas across the lifespan, I'm able to support people with a wide range of presenting issues to support people navigating life's challenges. It can feel like no one gets it sometimes, even those closest to you. Wanting someone to listen to you who really gets it, I truly do and I know how to support you. I provide an opportunity to explore what you're experiencing with compassion focused on guiding you towards health and wellbeing.
(08) 6206 8179 View (08) 6206 8179

See more therapy options for Hobart

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.