Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Ascot Vale, VIC
Jake is a registered psychologist known for his warm, grounded approach. Founder of Wayfind Psychology and Consulting, he supports children, adolescents, and adults to gain insight into any challenges they're experiencing, and develop practical strategies to navigate them. He provides both in-person and Telehealth support to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioural and social-emotional difficulties, and neurodivergent presentations such as ADHD and autism. Additionally, Jake has delivered school-based support, targeted group programs, and professional development.
Jake is a registered psychologist known for his warm, grounded approach. Founder of Wayfind Psychology and Consulting, he supports children, adolescents, and adults to gain insight into any challenges they're experiencing, and develop practical strategies to navigate them. He provides both in-person and Telehealth support to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioural and social-emotional difficulties, and neurodivergent presentations such as ADHD and autism. Additionally, Jake has delivered school-based support, targeted group programs, and professional development.
Children learn through play which is the cornerstone of my evidence based therapeutic interventions.
I am experienced working on a range of mental health problems including; behavioural disorders, oppositional defiance disorder, neuro-diversity, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I also enjoy working with people who need support due to; life stressors, relationship problems, life stage transition, parent burnout and family discord/conflict.
Children learn through play which is the cornerstone of my evidence based therapeutic interventions.
I am experienced working on a range of mental health problems including; behavioural disorders, oppositional defiance disorder, neuro-diversity, eating disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I also enjoy working with people who need support due to; life stressors, relationship problems, life stage transition, parent burnout and family discord/conflict.
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.
These include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy & Play Therapy.
Dr Germaine Gergis, is a board-endorsed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor and Lecturer with many years' experience in delivering high quality assessments and treatment to infants, children, adolescents and adults, and their families. Germaine has worked across private and public sectors helping those who have presented with a diverse range of mental health issues and neurodevelopmental disorders. She has extensive experience in working with mood & anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma-related disorders and personality disorders. Speciality roles include infant mental health & autism spectrum disorders, including providing second opinions.
These include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy & Play Therapy.
Dr Germaine Gergis, is a board-endorsed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor and Lecturer with many years' experience in delivering high quality assessments and treatment to infants, children, adolescents and adults, and their families. Germaine has worked across private and public sectors helping those who have presented with a diverse range of mental health issues and neurodevelopmental disorders. She has extensive experience in working with mood & anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma-related disorders and personality disorders. Speciality roles include infant mental health & autism spectrum disorders, including providing second opinions.
As a therapist, I work from a person-centred, trauma-informed, and neuroaffirming foundation — attuned to the unique pace and story of each person along this supportive path to self-discovery and healing. I focus on fostering a safe, inclusive environment where clients can explore their stories, build resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
As a therapist, I work from a person-centred, trauma-informed, and neuroaffirming foundation — attuned to the unique pace and story of each person along this supportive path to self-discovery and healing. I focus on fostering a safe, inclusive environment where clients can explore their stories, build resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
Many of my clients are children and teens who are navigating anxiety, ADHD, autism, or challenges at school. Parents often come to me seeking answers, support, and a plan to help their child feel more regulated, understood, and connected. These families want someone who truly “gets it”—who can balance professional skill with warmth and care.
Many of my clients are children and teens who are navigating anxiety, ADHD, autism, or challenges at school. Parents often come to me seeking answers, support, and a plan to help their child feel more regulated, understood, and connected. These families want someone who truly “gets it”—who can balance professional skill with warmth and care.
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
Dr Robert Eres
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I am a gender affirming clinical psychologist with a primary interest in supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as people in rural and remote areas of Australia. I help support people with a range of concerns, but ultimately I support children, adolescents, and adults to become the best versions of themselves.
If you're a junior psychologist seeking supervision or an experienced psychologist looking for extra support around gender affirming assessment and care, please feel free to reach out. I am a PsyBA approved supervisor.
I am a gender affirming clinical psychologist with a primary interest in supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as people in rural and remote areas of Australia. I help support people with a range of concerns, but ultimately I support children, adolescents, and adults to become the best versions of themselves.
If you're a junior psychologist seeking supervision or an experienced psychologist looking for extra support around gender affirming assessment and care, please feel free to reach out. I am a PsyBA approved supervisor.
More Therapists Nearby
Also qualified Art Therapist and Play Therapist.
Eliza is a child and adolescent counsellor with additional qualifications in Art Therapy and Play Therapy. She is also a qualified and registered teacher. Eliza utilises different creative modalities to assist children and their families experiencing anxiety, school refusal, trauma, grief, depression, behavioural challenges etc. Eliza has experience working with clients with ASD, ADHD, PDA, learning delays/disabilities, OCD and sensory issues. Also available for adult Art Therapy.
Also qualified Art Therapist and Play Therapist.
Eliza is a child and adolescent counsellor with additional qualifications in Art Therapy and Play Therapy. She is also a qualified and registered teacher. Eliza utilises different creative modalities to assist children and their families experiencing anxiety, school refusal, trauma, grief, depression, behavioural challenges etc. Eliza has experience working with clients with ASD, ADHD, PDA, learning delays/disabilities, OCD and sensory issues. Also available for adult Art Therapy.
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.
Paediatric and adult clinical neuropsychologist specialising in the assessment and management of Autism and ADHD. Services include:
- Neuropsychological assessments including diagnostic assessments to inform treatment, support, and funding applications.
- Intervention and ongoing support e.g., executive functioning, social functioning, learning and memory, study skills and post-diagnosis support.
- WPATH assessments for those seeking gender affirming treatment.
Paediatric and adult clinical neuropsychologist specialising in the assessment and management of Autism and ADHD. Services include:
- Neuropsychological assessments including diagnostic assessments to inform treatment, support, and funding applications.
- Intervention and ongoing support e.g., executive functioning, social functioning, learning and memory, study skills and post-diagnosis support.
- WPATH assessments for those seeking gender affirming treatment.
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.
Instead, they often communicate through their behaviour, big emotions or play.
With over 10 years' experience supporting children, young people and families, I provide a warm, child-centred, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approach to therapy. Integrating counselling, play and creative therapies, I help children better understand their experiences, build confidence, develop healthy ways of coping, and navigate life's challenges.
Instead, they often communicate through their behaviour, big emotions or play.
With over 10 years' experience supporting children, young people and families, I provide a warm, child-centred, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approach to therapy. Integrating counselling, play and creative therapies, I help children better understand their experiences, build confidence, develop healthy ways of coping, and navigate life's challenges.
I have a special interest in Integrating Child-Centred Play Therapy with Gestalt speech acquisition.
I provide a safe and supportive environment for children and their families who are experiencing varied developmental, social, emotional and physical difficulties and/or disabilities. My goal is to contribute to the health of our community, working in collaboration with educators, health professionals and varied organisations.
I have a special interest in Integrating Child-Centred Play Therapy with Gestalt speech acquisition.
I provide a safe and supportive environment for children and their families who are experiencing varied developmental, social, emotional and physical difficulties and/or disabilities. My goal is to contribute to the health of our community, working in collaboration with educators, health professionals and varied organisations.
Bayside Counselling & Consultation (Wheelers Hill)
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
2 Endorsed
Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
Bayside Counselling and Consultation provides psychological support to private and government organisations through Employment Assistance Programs. Our team includes Psychologists and Mental Health Social Worker experienced in the provision of work-based mediation, critical incident debriefing, trauma-focused therapy, the effects of substance abuse in the workplace, anger management, and increasing work attendance and satisfaction. Private counselling is also available in our practice.
Bayside Counselling and Consultation provides psychological support to private and government organisations through Employment Assistance Programs. Our team includes Psychologists and Mental Health Social Worker experienced in the provision of work-based mediation, critical incident debriefing, trauma-focused therapy, the effects of substance abuse in the workplace, anger management, and increasing work attendance and satisfaction. Private counselling is also available in our practice.
As a multilingual psychotherapist, I specialise in supporting clients through complex challenges such as trauma, grief, anxiety, substance abuse, body dysmorphia, couples and individual therapy etc. I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and understood. Using tailored approaches like PCT, CBT, DBT, Gestalt, Mindfulness, and Art therapy, I aim to empower you to overcome emotional and behavioural difficulties, achieve personal growth, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. My goal is to guide you towards lasting positive change and resilience, helping you find balance and purpose in your life.
As a multilingual psychotherapist, I specialise in supporting clients through complex challenges such as trauma, grief, anxiety, substance abuse, body dysmorphia, couples and individual therapy etc. I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and understood. Using tailored approaches like PCT, CBT, DBT, Gestalt, Mindfulness, and Art therapy, I aim to empower you to overcome emotional and behavioural difficulties, achieve personal growth, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. My goal is to guide you towards lasting positive change and resilience, helping you find balance and purpose in your life.
I also work from a children's centre in Ashmore where parents can relax in the waiting room while I work with their child, using play therapy.
Hi - I'm Sandra :) I'm a warm, open, compassionate and caring woman who in the role of counsellor, is here to support clients with their goals for therapy, and in their lives. It may be dealing with a relationship issue or breakup, or dealing with grief at the loss of someone or something, or experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or being diagnosed with a chronic illness or condition. These are just some of the things I work with clients on. I also work with children, to build them up from the inside so they feel confident dealing with life challenges, and with teenagers.
I also work from a children's centre in Ashmore where parents can relax in the waiting room while I work with their child, using play therapy.
Hi - I'm Sandra :) I'm a warm, open, compassionate and caring woman who in the role of counsellor, is here to support clients with their goals for therapy, and in their lives. It may be dealing with a relationship issue or breakup, or dealing with grief at the loss of someone or something, or experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or being diagnosed with a chronic illness or condition. These are just some of the things I work with clients on. I also work with children, to build them up from the inside so they feel confident dealing with life challenges, and with teenagers.
I am a dedicated psychologist with a passion for supporting children, adolescents and families - particularly within the Autism, ADHD and developmental delay communities. I enjoy collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to foster growth and connection.
I also work across the lifespan, supporting adults who face a wide range of challenges, including interpersonal difficulties, emotional regulation, anxiety, and life transitions. My goal is to help individuals build healthier relationships, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies that promote overall well-being and personal growth.
I am a dedicated psychologist with a passion for supporting children, adolescents and families - particularly within the Autism, ADHD and developmental delay communities. I enjoy collaborating with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to foster growth and connection.
I also work across the lifespan, supporting adults who face a wide range of challenges, including interpersonal difficulties, emotional regulation, anxiety, and life transitions. My goal is to help individuals build healthier relationships, enhance self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies that promote overall well-being and personal growth.
I help women find clarity, confidence and contentment. If you're finding yourself stuck in a rut, at a cross-roads, anxious, overwhelmed, having relationship issues, lacking confidence, questioning your career or anything else that is having a negative impact on your life, I can help. Let's work together to create the life you really want to live.
I help women find clarity, confidence and contentment. If you're finding yourself stuck in a rut, at a cross-roads, anxious, overwhelmed, having relationship issues, lacking confidence, questioning your career or anything else that is having a negative impact on your life, I can help. Let's work together to create the life you really want to live.
I am a Registered Psychologist who brings genuine care and warmth into the therapy space. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of emotional or life challenges including anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, and relationship or family difficulties.
I work from a relational, trauma-informed, and attachment-based perspective, with a strong interest in how relationship dynamics and early experiences can shape the way we think, feel, and connect with others. I also draw on evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based strategies, tailoring therapy to each person’s needs and goals.
I am a Registered Psychologist who brings genuine care and warmth into the therapy space. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of emotional or life challenges including anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, and relationship or family difficulties.
I work from a relational, trauma-informed, and attachment-based perspective, with a strong interest in how relationship dynamics and early experiences can shape the way we think, feel, and connect with others. I also draw on evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based strategies, tailoring therapy to each person’s needs and goals.
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Ascot Vale
- Brunswick
- Brunswick East
- Carlton
- Carlton North
- Essendon
- Fitzroy North
- Flemington
- Footscray
- Moonee Ponds
- North Melbourne
- Pascoe Vale
- Seddon
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.