Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Ballarat Central, VIC
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, phobias, ADHD, or autism spectrum presentations. Many come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope with life's pressures — including those in farming and rural communities facing the unique demands of that lifestyle. I work collaboratively, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and DBT, tailored to each person's needs. Together, we build understanding of their challenges and practical, lifelong skills, helping them move forward with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of wellbeing.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, phobias, ADHD, or autism spectrum presentations. Many come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope with life's pressures — including those in farming and rural communities facing the unique demands of that lifestyle. I work collaboratively, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and DBT, tailored to each person's needs. Together, we build understanding of their challenges and practical, lifelong skills, helping them move forward with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of wellbeing.
I use evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Schema Therapy, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based approaches, and play-based interventions for children.
One of the greatest privileges of being a psychologist is having the opportunity to walk alongside people during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. I have witnessed remarkable resilience, courage, and growth in people who initially believed change was impossible.
I do not believe that people are defined by their diagnosis, their mistakes, their trauma, or their circumstances. Instead, I believe that every person possesses unique individual strengths and potential that can be nurtured when provided with the right support and opportunities. Everyone deserves the gift of HOPE.
I use evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Schema Therapy, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based approaches, and play-based interventions for children.
One of the greatest privileges of being a psychologist is having the opportunity to walk alongside people during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. I have witnessed remarkable resilience, courage, and growth in people who initially believed change was impossible.
I do not believe that people are defined by their diagnosis, their mistakes, their trauma, or their circumstances. Instead, I believe that every person possesses unique individual strengths and potential that can be nurtured when provided with the right support and opportunities. Everyone deserves the gift of HOPE.
My name is Tameka and I am a registered Child Play Therapist.
As a dedicated child play therapist, I integrate humanistic, child-centered, trauma-informed, developmentally and culturally sensitive, and neuroaffirming principles. Backed by ten years of experience supporting children and families through trauma, I bring a playful, warm, and genuinely welcoming energy to sessions.
My name is Tameka and I am a registered Child Play Therapist.
As a dedicated child play therapist, I integrate humanistic, child-centered, trauma-informed, developmentally and culturally sensitive, and neuroaffirming principles. Backed by ten years of experience supporting children and families through trauma, I bring a playful, warm, and genuinely welcoming energy to sessions.
Hi, I'm Freya. I've been counselling for over 25 years, and 7 years ago started incorporating my animals (horses, dogs, cats) into my therapeutic practice. I work with all ages, and the people I work with are as unique as the issues they want to address. My clients are individuals, couples, and children. I have lived experience of neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, HSP) and consequently work with a lot of people who are neurodiverse themselves. My work focusses on understanding why we are the way we are, with techniques that foster change and growth. The end goal is permanent healing and improved resilience to navigate life.
Hi, I'm Freya. I've been counselling for over 25 years, and 7 years ago started incorporating my animals (horses, dogs, cats) into my therapeutic practice. I work with all ages, and the people I work with are as unique as the issues they want to address. My clients are individuals, couples, and children. I have lived experience of neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, HSP) and consequently work with a lot of people who are neurodiverse themselves. My work focusses on understanding why we are the way we are, with techniques that foster change and growth. The end goal is permanent healing and improved resilience to navigate life.
I’m a dedicated and compassionate psychotherapist. I offer a warm, non-judgmental and empathetic space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace.
My approach is person-centred and integrative, informed by psychodynamic therapy. That means I’ll meet you where you are, while also gently helping you make sense of patterns, emotions, and relationship experiences that may be shaping how you feel and cope day to day.
Emotional wellbeing and stress
Low mood, worry and overwhelm
Life transitions and adjustment
Relationship concerns and communication
Neurodivergence and disability
I’m a dedicated and compassionate psychotherapist. I offer a warm, non-judgmental and empathetic space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace.
My approach is person-centred and integrative, informed by psychodynamic therapy. That means I’ll meet you where you are, while also gently helping you make sense of patterns, emotions, and relationship experiences that may be shaping how you feel and cope day to day.
Emotional wellbeing and stress
Low mood, worry and overwhelm
Life transitions and adjustment
Relationship concerns and communication
Neurodivergence and disability
Jennifer is a clinical psychologist with experience in diagnosis and treatment of a range of mental health issues, with children, adolescents, families and adults through to older age, in a range of settings. She has a strong interest in life adjustment challenges, including mid-life; neurodiversity including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism; grief and loss; phobias; emotional dysregulation; anxiety disorders; and faith-related issues. Jennifer also has experience completing cognitive assessments and supporting clients with learning based challenges.
Jennifer is a clinical psychologist with experience in diagnosis and treatment of a range of mental health issues, with children, adolescents, families and adults through to older age, in a range of settings. She has a strong interest in life adjustment challenges, including mid-life; neurodiversity including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism; grief and loss; phobias; emotional dysregulation; anxiety disorders; and faith-related issues. Jennifer also has experience completing cognitive assessments and supporting clients with learning based challenges.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Play Therapist, & EMDR clinician; offering highly effective therapies for getting to core of the problem quickly.
Are you feeling that talk therapies aren’t quite getting to the heart of the problem? Are you or your kids experiencing big emotions that appear out of nowhere and can’t quite be explained by words? Do your kids need help, but encouraging them to attend sessions has turned into a weekly carpark battle? Do you want a therapist who can work creatively with your family rather than answering questions like a textbook? Do you wish therapy could just simply feel easier?
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Play Therapist, & EMDR clinician; offering highly effective therapies for getting to core of the problem quickly.
Are you feeling that talk therapies aren’t quite getting to the heart of the problem? Are you or your kids experiencing big emotions that appear out of nowhere and can’t quite be explained by words? Do your kids need help, but encouraging them to attend sessions has turned into a weekly carpark battle? Do you want a therapist who can work creatively with your family rather than answering questions like a textbook? Do you wish therapy could just simply feel easier?
Offering psychological therapy services and assessments from ages 7 and over. Experience in a range of psychometric testing, ASD assessments (ADIR, ADOS, Sensory Profile), cognitive assessments (WISC, WAIS), ADHD assessments, Adaptive functioning (ABAS, Vineland), and other diagnostic assessments (PAI, Conners). As I am usually very busy in sessions with clients, the best way to make contact with me is via email. Board approved supervisor offering supervision for 5+1 pathway.
At Peers Psychology we have a team of dedicated therapists to support your needs across all ages.
Offering psychological therapy services and assessments from ages 7 and over. Experience in a range of psychometric testing, ASD assessments (ADIR, ADOS, Sensory Profile), cognitive assessments (WISC, WAIS), ADHD assessments, Adaptive functioning (ABAS, Vineland), and other diagnostic assessments (PAI, Conners). As I am usually very busy in sessions with clients, the best way to make contact with me is via email. Board approved supervisor offering supervision for 5+1 pathway.
At Peers Psychology we have a team of dedicated therapists to support your needs across all ages.
For more than 30 years I have walked alongside children, individuals, and families through many layers of life, trauma, change, relationships, identity, and the search for meaning. These years of listening to people’s stories have shaped a deeply compassionate and trauma-informed approach to my work. I currently work as a child therapist with the Australian Childhood Foundation, supporting children and families to process trauma and rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and connection.
I also work with adults and couples who are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply wanting to understand themselves more deeply
For more than 30 years I have walked alongside children, individuals, and families through many layers of life, trauma, change, relationships, identity, and the search for meaning. These years of listening to people’s stories have shaped a deeply compassionate and trauma-informed approach to my work. I currently work as a child therapist with the Australian Childhood Foundation, supporting children and families to process trauma and rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and connection.
I also work with adults and couples who are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply wanting to understand themselves more deeply
Online Therapists
Life can be very tough and stressful and sometimes we need some professional help. I am committed to the care of clients ranging from adolescents, adults, the elderly and couples. I strongly believe in the importance of a well-matched client-therapist relationship. I counsel people with a range of problems which includes depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, personal skills development and self-esteem. I have experience in conducting assessments and preparing reports for the courts and migration issues. I am also fluent in Vietnamese. I offer Telehealth and face to face counselling.
Life can be very tough and stressful and sometimes we need some professional help. I am committed to the care of clients ranging from adolescents, adults, the elderly and couples. I strongly believe in the importance of a well-matched client-therapist relationship. I counsel people with a range of problems which includes depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, personal skills development and self-esteem. I have experience in conducting assessments and preparing reports for the courts and migration issues. I am also fluent in Vietnamese. I offer Telehealth and face to face counselling.
The main way children learn and encounter the world is through play, which is why a large proportion of my therapy time with children is play-based.
I have over 25 years of experience working and collaborating with children and families in the areas of early childhood education and counselling. I am passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential, however that might look like for each individual. I am adept at meeting people where they are at in a non-judgmental way.
The main way children learn and encounter the world is through play, which is why a large proportion of my therapy time with children is play-based.
I have over 25 years of experience working and collaborating with children and families in the areas of early childhood education and counselling. I am passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential, however that might look like for each individual. I am adept at meeting people where they are at in a non-judgmental way.
Maybe you are facing some difficult situations in your life right now. You need to talk, you want to be heard and validated and you have the desire to propel forward. When you came to me with your worries and concerns, I saw your courage to change and your motivation to grow. Jing has several years of work experience in schools, hospitals, and communities, delivering counseling services (English and Mandarin Speaking) to children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families, working in the service of positive outcomes for clients. Currently, Jing works full time in a secondary college, providing
Maybe you are facing some difficult situations in your life right now. You need to talk, you want to be heard and validated and you have the desire to propel forward. When you came to me with your worries and concerns, I saw your courage to change and your motivation to grow. Jing has several years of work experience in schools, hospitals, and communities, delivering counseling services (English and Mandarin Speaking) to children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families, working in the service of positive outcomes for clients. Currently, Jing works full time in a secondary college, providing
Amy is a registered Clinical Social Worker and Play Therapist supporting children and young people enrich their mental health and wellbeing.
Amy has a Master of Social Work and is working towards becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (2025). Amy is a registered Play Therapist. Amy has credentials in Dialectal Behavioural Therapy. Amy also provides CBT, ACT, IPT-A, Family Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Amy is a trauma-informed practitioner.
Amy is a registered Clinical Social Worker and Play Therapist supporting children and young people enrich their mental health and wellbeing.
Amy has a Master of Social Work and is working towards becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (2025). Amy is a registered Play Therapist. Amy has credentials in Dialectal Behavioural Therapy. Amy also provides CBT, ACT, IPT-A, Family Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Amy is a trauma-informed practitioner.
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.
Karinya offers high quality professional counselling services to anyone regardless of race, gender, lifestyle, religion, or status.
Karinya offers high quality professional counselling services to anyone regardless of race, gender, lifestyle, religion, or status.
My therapeutic approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.
With 20 years’ experience working in psychology, I have supported many community members on their mental health journeys and helped a wide range of people, including adults and children. I am a relationship based professional and I pride myself on being able to establish engaging relationships with my clients and their carers, in a safe and calming space. I work with women and men, and specialise in being able to connect with men and young people.
My therapeutic approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.
With 20 years’ experience working in psychology, I have supported many community members on their mental health journeys and helped a wide range of people, including adults and children. I am a relationship based professional and I pride myself on being able to establish engaging relationships with my clients and their carers, in a safe and calming space. I work with women and men, and specialise in being able to connect with men and young people.
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.
I’m a General Psychologist, and supervisor with over 10 years of experience.
I work with children (7+), adolescents, and adults experiencing concerns such as; trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, depression, impacts of domestic violence, grief, addiction, and burnout. I also provide inclusive, affirming support for LGBTQIA+ clients.
At my clinic, Sit With Me Psychology, I offer a calm, judgment-free space where you can slow down, take a breath, and feel genuinely heard. My therapeutic style is warm, relaxed, and collaborative.
I’m a General Psychologist, and supervisor with over 10 years of experience.
I work with children (7+), adolescents, and adults experiencing concerns such as; trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, depression, impacts of domestic violence, grief, addiction, and burnout. I also provide inclusive, affirming support for LGBTQIA+ clients.
At my clinic, Sit With Me Psychology, I offer a calm, judgment-free space where you can slow down, take a breath, and feel genuinely heard. My therapeutic style is warm, relaxed, and collaborative.
I’m an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and the founder of Mindverse Psychology with over a decade of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan.
Many of the families I work with come to therapy seeking clarity, connection, and support. You might be a parent trying to better understand your child’s behaviour, or a young person feeling overwhelmed by school, friendships, or emotions that are hard to explain. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, social challenges, or developmental concerns, it’s not always easy to know what’s going on—or how to help. You’re not alone, and reaching out is a powerful first step.
I’m an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and the founder of Mindverse Psychology with over a decade of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan.
Many of the families I work with come to therapy seeking clarity, connection, and support. You might be a parent trying to better understand your child’s behaviour, or a young person feeling overwhelmed by school, friendships, or emotions that are hard to explain. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, social challenges, or developmental concerns, it’s not always easy to know what’s going on—or how to help. You’re not alone, and reaching out is a powerful first step.
Over the years, I've trained in a range of approaches, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and CBT-based play therapy.
I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and a member of the AASW. I work primarily with adults, supporting people through life’s challenges with warmth, respect, and understanding. My approach is grounded in understanding your story, your strengths, and what matters most to you. I believe that the connection between client and counsellor forms the foundation of meaningful healing and growth.
作为一名注册心理健康社工，我可以用中文（普通话）或英文为您提供心理咨询服务。无论您正在面对生活压力、情绪困扰、人际关系或文化适应的挑战，我都会以温暖、尊重和理解的态度陪伴您，一起寻找前进的方向。
Over the years, I've trained in a range of approaches, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and CBT-based play therapy.
I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and a member of the AASW. I work primarily with adults, supporting people through life’s challenges with warmth, respect, and understanding. My approach is grounded in understanding your story, your strengths, and what matters most to you. I believe that the connection between client and counsellor forms the foundation of meaningful healing and growth.
作为一名注册心理健康社工，我可以用中文（普通话）或英文为您提供心理咨询服务。无论您正在面对生活压力、情绪困扰、人际关系或文化适应的挑战，我都会以温暖、尊重和理解的态度陪伴您，一起寻找前进的方向。
See more therapy options for Ballarat Central
Nearby Searches for Ballarat Central
- Alfredton
- Ballan
- Ballarat East
- Beaufort
- Buninyong
- Creswick
- Daylesford
- Golden Point
- Lake Wendouree
- Newtown
- Sebastopol
- Wendouree
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.