Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Abbotsford, VIC
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches. Sophie offers a creative, embodied and highly attuned style of therapy that supports change through somatic processing & nervous system regulation within a safe therapeutic relationship. Sophie works in private practice at Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, and in Frankston South, as well as online. Sophie’s approach is grounded in cultural humility, respect for lived experience, and collaboration, with care shaped to each client’s unique needs and identities.
Sophie is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) & clinical supervisor informed by attachment and developmental approaches. Sophie offers a creative, embodied and highly attuned style of therapy that supports change through somatic processing & nervous system regulation within a safe therapeutic relationship. Sophie works in private practice at Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, and in Frankston South, as well as online. Sophie’s approach is grounded in cultural humility, respect for lived experience, and collaboration, with care shaped to each client’s unique needs and identities.
Clarity Health Care (CHC) provides comprehensive mental health care through a unified team of psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, all working towards your emotional well-being and mental clarity. At our Fitzroy and Hobart clinics, we offer a serene, supportive environment for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges, our experienced therapists are here to guide you. Our team includes some of the most skilled professionals in Melbourne and Hobart.
Clarity Health Care (CHC) provides comprehensive mental health care through a unified team of psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, all working towards your emotional well-being and mental clarity. At our Fitzroy and Hobart clinics, we offer a serene, supportive environment for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges, our experienced therapists are here to guide you. Our team includes some of the most skilled professionals in Melbourne and Hobart.
Manisha (they/she) is a queer, neurodivergent, Sri Lankan-Fijian Indian non-binary woman, born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand. A person-centred narrative therapist, EMDR practitioner, and resource therapist (parts work), Manisha brings a deep commitment to anti-colonial care. Raised in a bicultural haven, they carry the belief that what's good for Māori is good for all, an ethos woven into both life and practice. Therapy with Manisha is grounded in collective thriving, cultural safety, and the gentle yet powerful art of storytelling.
Manisha (they/she) is a queer, neurodivergent, Sri Lankan-Fijian Indian non-binary woman, born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand. A person-centred narrative therapist, EMDR practitioner, and resource therapist (parts work), Manisha brings a deep commitment to anti-colonial care. Raised in a bicultural haven, they carry the belief that what's good for Māori is good for all, an ethos woven into both life and practice. Therapy with Manisha is grounded in collective thriving, cultural safety, and the gentle yet powerful art of storytelling.
I am a clinical psychologist currently working in private practice. I work with children, adolescents and adults experiencing a range of difficulties including anxiety, trauma, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety. My therapeutic approach is informed by emotion focused therapy (EFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT),cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also facilitated therapy groups for social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
I am a clinical psychologist currently working in private practice. I work with children, adolescents and adults experiencing a range of difficulties including anxiety, trauma, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety. My therapeutic approach is informed by emotion focused therapy (EFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT),cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also facilitated therapy groups for social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Wonderful Mind provides Autism Assessment and clinical supports such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Play Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy and Martial Arts Therapy and is an NDIA registered provider.
Nikoo Chamani, Founder and Clinical Art Therapist. She is specialized in autism (assessment and support) and trauma. She is passionate about what she does and tailors interventions to best support her clients and their needs. in her words: "I have lived both in ease and chaos; and have learnt to explore my thoughts in different environments. In music, ceramic, in painting or in writing, I explore my own layers of self and reform my outer with every self-encounter. I believe we human are simple in our best, but to communicate we are far more complex.
Wonderful Mind provides Autism Assessment and clinical supports such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Play Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy and Martial Arts Therapy and is an NDIA registered provider.
Nikoo Chamani, Founder and Clinical Art Therapist. She is specialized in autism (assessment and support) and trauma. She is passionate about what she does and tailors interventions to best support her clients and their needs. in her words: "I have lived both in ease and chaos; and have learnt to explore my thoughts in different environments. In music, ceramic, in painting or in writing, I explore my own layers of self and reform my outer with every self-encounter. I believe we human are simple in our best, but to communicate we are far more complex.
More Therapists Nearby
Better Together Therapy is a warm, neuroaffirming psychology and speech pathology clinic in Essendon supporting children, adolescents, and adults across Melbourne. We work with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, disordered eating, emotional regulation challenges, and neurodivergence including autism and ADHD. Many of our clients feel overwhelmed, stuck, or misunderstood, or are navigating school, relationships, or life transitions. Our team takes a collaborative, strengths based approach, helping clients feel understood while building practical strategies to move forward in a way that feels sustainable.
Better Together Therapy is a warm, neuroaffirming psychology and speech pathology clinic in Essendon supporting children, adolescents, and adults across Melbourne. We work with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, disordered eating, emotional regulation challenges, and neurodivergence including autism and ADHD. Many of our clients feel overwhelmed, stuck, or misunderstood, or are navigating school, relationships, or life transitions. Our team takes a collaborative, strengths based approach, helping clients feel understood while building practical strategies to move forward in a way that feels sustainable.
PAWS Psychology is thoughtfully resourced with art, craft, and play‑based materials that support engagement.
Our assessment process is collaborative and respectful, with a strong focus on clear feedback and practical recommendations, including learning strategies and supports that can be applied at home, school, work, or in daily life.
Clients are often drawn to PAWS Psychology because of our calm, nature based setting and the option of animal assisted therapy.
PAWS Psychology is thoughtfully resourced with art, craft, and play‑based materials that support engagement.
Our assessment process is collaborative and respectful, with a strong focus on clear feedback and practical recommendations, including learning strategies and supports that can be applied at home, school, work, or in daily life.
Clients are often drawn to PAWS Psychology because of our calm, nature based setting and the option of animal assisted therapy.
Jane is a family therapist and is utilising her years of experience working with parents and families to provide family therapy and dyadic (parent-child) therapy and/or (complimentary to dyadic work ) DDP and/or Theraplay (a form of play therapy).
Blue Leaf Therapy provide services for children and adults, but holds expertise in individuals (using EMDR), family therapy, counselling for adolescents & children, and parent-child (dyadic) therapy, including Theraplay and dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP).
Jane is a family therapist and is utilising her years of experience working with parents and families to provide family therapy and dyadic (parent-child) therapy and/or (complimentary to dyadic work ) DDP and/or Theraplay (a form of play therapy).
Blue Leaf Therapy provide services for children and adults, but holds expertise in individuals (using EMDR), family therapy, counselling for adolescents & children, and parent-child (dyadic) therapy, including Theraplay and dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP).
I offer counselling services for individuals, couples, children and adolescents, families, and people experiencing workplace-related concerns, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and WorkSafe Victoria clients. I speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay, and provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach is based on empathy, understanding, and collaboration, helping clients build resilience, improve wellbeing, manage stress, strengthen relationships, and work towards their personal goals while creating lasting positive change.
I offer counselling services for individuals, couples, children and adolescents, families, and people experiencing workplace-related concerns, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and WorkSafe Victoria clients. I speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay, and provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach is based on empathy, understanding, and collaboration, helping clients build resilience, improve wellbeing, manage stress, strengthen relationships, and work towards their personal goals while creating lasting positive change.
I specialise in developing an understanding of and treating children, adolescents and adults struggling to cope with challenges related to the past. I treat behavioural difficulties, emotional dysregulation and a broad range of presentations due to complex trauma. I have a particular interest in early life experience and the impact on attachment relationships. I am referred patients through Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, GPs and families seeking an alternative treatment to the usual medication focussed response to ADHD, ODD and ADD presentations and abuse. I undertake psychodynamic assessment and treatment that gets great results.
I specialise in developing an understanding of and treating children, adolescents and adults struggling to cope with challenges related to the past. I treat behavioural difficulties, emotional dysregulation and a broad range of presentations due to complex trauma. I have a particular interest in early life experience and the impact on attachment relationships. I am referred patients through Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, GPs and families seeking an alternative treatment to the usual medication focussed response to ADHD, ODD and ADD presentations and abuse. I undertake psychodynamic assessment and treatment that gets great results.
MindfulNest Therapeutic Services is a specialised mental health and wellbeing service that sees babies, children and families from 0-15 years of age.
We work with young children from 0-4 years who might have NDIS plans and need support with emotional regulation, stress, worry, sadness, trauma or adjusting the life stages and changes.
We work with older children from 5-15 years who might also have NDIS plans or mental health care plans and need support with feelings of worry, sadness, fear or simply need a safe space to talk about life's challenges with a trust and qualified therapist.
We also have an accredited therapy dog!
MindfulNest Therapeutic Services is a specialised mental health and wellbeing service that sees babies, children and families from 0-15 years of age.
We work with young children from 0-4 years who might have NDIS plans and need support with emotional regulation, stress, worry, sadness, trauma or adjusting the life stages and changes.
We work with older children from 5-15 years who might also have NDIS plans or mental health care plans and need support with feelings of worry, sadness, fear or simply need a safe space to talk about life's challenges with a trust and qualified therapist.
We also have an accredited therapy dog!
I'll calm your nervous system in ways that are realistic, unique, and tailored to you using somatic practices, sensory regulation, "spoon theory" thinking, curiosity, and even play.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert.
When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response.
My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
I'll calm your nervous system in ways that are realistic, unique, and tailored to you using somatic practices, sensory regulation, "spoon theory" thinking, curiosity, and even play.
If you’re living with complex conditions like POTS, Long COVID, MCAS, EDS, CFS, or Autoimmune disorders, your nervous system is likely in a constant state of high alert.
When a body is stuck in a cycle of flares, exhaustion, and medical gaslighting, "just talking about it" often isn't enough. You can’t talk your way out of a physiological nervous system response.
My practice is designed for those who have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy and are seeking a body-based, neuroaffirming approach to find stability again.
Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted or struggling with motivation? Do you have sensitivities that leave you feeling judged by others, or misunderstood? Do you experience stuck patterns of behaviour that effect your ability to feel satisfaction in life and in relationships? Do you feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, which leaves you feeling "othered" and isolated? I see you! You are not alone and you don't have to work this out by yourself. Together we can explore your lived experience and the many ways it impacts your sense of self, worthiness and belonging.
Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted or struggling with motivation? Do you have sensitivities that leave you feeling judged by others, or misunderstood? Do you experience stuck patterns of behaviour that effect your ability to feel satisfaction in life and in relationships? Do you feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, which leaves you feeling "othered" and isolated? I see you! You are not alone and you don't have to work this out by yourself. Together we can explore your lived experience and the many ways it impacts your sense of self, worthiness and belonging.
Using a person centred approach, we draw from various frameworks such as Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychology, Somatic Psychotherapy and Community Integration support to meet your individual needs.
One Another provides a boutique mobile service based in Melbourne that evolved from the concept that recovery and healing is achievable for all. Being mobile, we drive up to 30min from the CBD to any area South, East or Northern Suburbs. We work with NDIS and TAC clients as well. We strongly believe that you are the expert of your experience and work in collaboration with you to tailor and personalise your therapeutic journey around what you need in order to keep moving forward.
Using a person centred approach, we draw from various frameworks such as Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychology, Somatic Psychotherapy and Community Integration support to meet your individual needs.
One Another provides a boutique mobile service based in Melbourne that evolved from the concept that recovery and healing is achievable for all. Being mobile, we drive up to 30min from the CBD to any area South, East or Northern Suburbs. We work with NDIS and TAC clients as well. We strongly believe that you are the expert of your experience and work in collaboration with you to tailor and personalise your therapeutic journey around what you need in order to keep moving forward.
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).
Fiona is a Play Therapist with a passion for working with children and families.
In addition to being a Masters qualified and registered Child Play Therapist, Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and has worked as a Kindergarten Director, and the Child Development Officer at a welfare agency working with families seeking support.
Fiona is a Play Therapist with a passion for working with children and families.
In addition to being a Masters qualified and registered Child Play Therapist, Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and has worked as a Kindergarten Director, and the Child Development Officer at a welfare agency working with families seeking support.
The founder and Director 'Jen Rushani' is a qualified Child Play Therapist (Master of Child Play Therapy) with a background in Psychology and extensive career in Early Childhood Education and early intervention.
Play Therapy harnesses the unique therapeutic powers of play to help children heal and bring about changes in behaviour, social, emotional, language, and physical development. It is suitable for a variety of presentations such as trauma, loss, parental separation/divorce, behavioural problems, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, GDD, Cerebral Palsy
The founder and Director 'Jen Rushani' is a qualified Child Play Therapist (Master of Child Play Therapy) with a background in Psychology and extensive career in Early Childhood Education and early intervention.
Play Therapy harnesses the unique therapeutic powers of play to help children heal and bring about changes in behaviour, social, emotional, language, and physical development. It is suitable for a variety of presentations such as trauma, loss, parental separation/divorce, behavioural problems, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, GDD, Cerebral Palsy
James is an experienced child & youth psychotherapist (social worker) who offers a friendly, relationship-based approach that is fully tailored to suit each child or young person (age 5-18). James works by taking into account each individual’s personal challenges, stage of development, interests, wishes, personality, strengths and life circumstances.
James works with all children and young people. James has significant experience supporting neurodivergent young people.
James is an experienced child & youth psychotherapist (social worker) who offers a friendly, relationship-based approach that is fully tailored to suit each child or young person (age 5-18). James works by taking into account each individual’s personal challenges, stage of development, interests, wishes, personality, strengths and life circumstances.
James works with all children and young people. James has significant experience supporting neurodivergent young people.
Daniela has a warm personality and creates a safe and welcoming environment that supports you to explore your needs and experiences. Therapy is a very collaborative space where your needs are met and explored. Daniela has a passion for working with kids, adolescents, and adults with various presentations; Autism, ADHD, anxiety concerns, depressive disorders, and personality disorders (such as, BPD). Daniela also has experience conducting various diagnostic assessments, such as Cognitive, ADHD, and Personality disorders
Daniela has a warm personality and creates a safe and welcoming environment that supports you to explore your needs and experiences. Therapy is a very collaborative space where your needs are met and explored. Daniela has a passion for working with kids, adolescents, and adults with various presentations; Autism, ADHD, anxiety concerns, depressive disorders, and personality disorders (such as, BPD). Daniela also has experience conducting various diagnostic assessments, such as Cognitive, ADHD, and Personality disorders
Goodsky supports adults and teenagers experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation — often after traditional treatments haven't delivered lasting change. Goodsky's multidisciplinary team designs a fully personalised, one-on-one program for each client using a bottom-up, trauma-informed approach that addresses root causes through comprehensive assessments, evidence-based therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. Goodsky offers private beachside retreats on the Sunshine Coast and flexible outpatient care delivered remotely across Australia.
Goodsky supports adults and teenagers experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation — often after traditional treatments haven't delivered lasting change. Goodsky's multidisciplinary team designs a fully personalised, one-on-one program for each client using a bottom-up, trauma-informed approach that addresses root causes through comprehensive assessments, evidence-based therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. Goodsky offers private beachside retreats on the Sunshine Coast and flexible outpatient care delivered remotely across Australia.
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Abbotsford
- Carlton
- Clifton Hill
- Collingwood
- East Melbourne
- Fairfield
- Fitzroy
- Fitzroy North
- Hawthorn
- Kew
- Northcote
- Richmond
- Southbank
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.