Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Brunswick East, VIC
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’m a clinical psychologist and educational/developmental psychologist with experience across public and community mental health services, specialist clinics and private practice. My work is informed by psychoanalytic psychotherapy and contemporary clinical psychology, and shaped by careful clinical assessment and formulation. I offer a reflective, therapeutic space that prioritises careful listening, curiosity and clinical responsibility. Rather than focusing only on symptom management, we work to understand the patterns and meanings shaping ongoing difficulties. I work primary with women and non-binary people, adults and children
I’m a clinical psychologist and educational/developmental psychologist with experience across public and community mental health services, specialist clinics and private practice. My work is informed by psychoanalytic psychotherapy and contemporary clinical psychology, and shaped by careful clinical assessment and formulation. I offer a reflective, therapeutic space that prioritises careful listening, curiosity and clinical responsibility. Rather than focusing only on symptom management, we work to understand the patterns and meanings shaping ongoing difficulties. I work primary with women and non-binary people, adults and children
Throughout my career, I've been deeply committed to providing treatment that is accessible, equitable, and compassionate. Psychological pain is often overlooked, yet it can be isolating and disorienting. I understand how it feels when your mind seems to be working against you. My goal is to help you understand and work with your mind. Together, we can work towards not just healing, but being the person you want to see yourself as.
Throughout my career, I've been deeply committed to providing treatment that is accessible, equitable, and compassionate. Psychological pain is often overlooked, yet it can be isolating and disorienting. I understand how it feels when your mind seems to be working against you. My goal is to help you understand and work with your mind. Together, we can work towards not just healing, but being the person you want to see yourself as.
I am a registered counsellor with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). My experience is in early intervention, childhood behaviour support, anxiety and parenting. Through the hand in hand approach, I give practical tools to parents to support children in a way that promotes lifelong well-being and resilience. The tools help to build emotional connection, encourage us to delight in our children and support them with their feelings. The Hand in Hand approach is supported by well-established psychological and neuroscience research.
I am a registered counsellor with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). My experience is in early intervention, childhood behaviour support, anxiety and parenting. Through the hand in hand approach, I give practical tools to parents to support children in a way that promotes lifelong well-being and resilience. The tools help to build emotional connection, encourage us to delight in our children and support them with their feelings. The Hand in Hand approach is supported by well-established psychological and neuroscience research.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
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).
Caring for matters of the mind in a Christ-centered way is important to my practice. I believe mental health is an integral part of overall wellbeing You may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your concerns, gain clarity, and begin moving toward healing and positive change. I use evidence-based approaches and practical strategies. For those who desire it, I also integrate Christian faith and prayer into the counselling process to support growth and restoration.
Caring for matters of the mind in a Christ-centered way is important to my practice. I believe mental health is an integral part of overall wellbeing You may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your concerns, gain clarity, and begin moving toward healing and positive change. I use evidence-based approaches and practical strategies. For those who desire it, I also integrate Christian faith and prayer into the counselling process to support growth and restoration.
Michaela Klabanova
Psychologist, MPsych, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Hampton, VIC 3188
Hello, my name is Michaela, and I'm a psychologist and psychodynamically trained psychotherapist whose approach is tailored to each client through Trauma-Informed therapy. I’m passionate about helping people achieve their full potential. I offer medium to long-term therapy for people with complex mental health issues, including trauma, addiction recovery, and neurodiversity (ADHD & ASD). I also offer the Safe&Sound Protocol. My experience includes working with children, youth and adults.
Hello, my name is Michaela, and I'm a psychologist and psychodynamically trained psychotherapist whose approach is tailored to each client through Trauma-Informed therapy. I’m passionate about helping people achieve their full potential. I offer medium to long-term therapy for people with complex mental health issues, including trauma, addiction recovery, and neurodiversity (ADHD & ASD). I also offer the Safe&Sound Protocol. My experience includes working with children, youth and adults.
As children of migrant parents, we know what it’s like to feel unheard, caught between cultures, and unsure of where to turn. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to be the kind of therapists we once needed—ones who understand the weight of culture, faith, and identity. We offer a safe, supportive space that’s both culturally and spiritually sensitive. Our approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, tailored to your story. With empathy and practical tools, we’ll support you to heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of self.
As children of migrant parents, we know what it’s like to feel unheard, caught between cultures, and unsure of where to turn. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to be the kind of therapists we once needed—ones who understand the weight of culture, faith, and identity. We offer a safe, supportive space that’s both culturally and spiritually sensitive. Our approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, tailored to your story. With empathy and practical tools, we’ll support you to heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of self.
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.
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.
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.
As the Principal Psychologist at Core Healing Psychology, I bring extensive therapeutic experience to support individuals and families navigating trauma, emotional overwhelm, neurodivergence, and complex life transitions. I understand that healing is deeply personal; every client carries a story shaped by culture, relationships, lived experiences, and the nervous system’s attempts to protect them. My work centres on creating a gentle, safe space where you can reconnect with yourself, rebuild trust, and begin to breathe again.
As the Principal Psychologist at Core Healing Psychology, I bring extensive therapeutic experience to support individuals and families navigating trauma, emotional overwhelm, neurodivergence, and complex life transitions. I understand that healing is deeply personal; every client carries a story shaped by culture, relationships, lived experiences, and the nervous system’s attempts to protect them. My work centres on creating a gentle, safe space where you can reconnect with yourself, rebuild trust, and begin to breathe again.
Depending on the client Maree utilises developmentally appropriate and evidenced based approaches such as interpersonal, psychodynamic, behavioural and play therapy as required.
As a Clinical Psychologist with additional specialist training in Family Therapy Maree has undergone extensive training to help her understand, prevent and relieve distress. She has over 15yrs experience in the private & public mental health care industry where she has provided individual, couple and family therapy to clients aged 6–80yrs. Her approach respects that the needs of each client will be unique and can't be simplified by a generic diagnosis or treated in a generic way. Therefore, every client will be afforded the opportunity to be listened to deeply at their own pace and following an assessment offered tailored treatment.
Depending on the client Maree utilises developmentally appropriate and evidenced based approaches such as interpersonal, psychodynamic, behavioural and play therapy as required.
As a Clinical Psychologist with additional specialist training in Family Therapy Maree has undergone extensive training to help her understand, prevent and relieve distress. She has over 15yrs experience in the private & public mental health care industry where she has provided individual, couple and family therapy to clients aged 6–80yrs. Her approach respects that the needs of each client will be unique and can't be simplified by a generic diagnosis or treated in a generic way. Therefore, every client will be afforded the opportunity to be listened to deeply at their own pace and following an assessment offered tailored treatment.
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
Is your child struggling? Depressive symptoms, anxiety, school refusal, social issues? Does your child receive NDIS funding but still finds day-to-day activities a challenge? Children don't come with a manual, and childhood development and adolescence don't always go to plan, but counselling can help you and your child or young person to overcome issues and upsetting events to live a life of optimism, resilience and meaning.
Is your child struggling? Depressive symptoms, anxiety, school refusal, social issues? Does your child receive NDIS funding but still finds day-to-day activities a challenge? Children don't come with a manual, and childhood development and adolescence don't always go to plan, but counselling can help you and your child or young person to overcome issues and upsetting events to live a life of optimism, resilience and meaning.
When developing therapy goals, Dimity values each child’s unique strengths along with their sensory, communication and play preferences.
Dimity is a warm and collaborative psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She has worked across community organisations, public mental health, and schools, and brings a gentle, neuro-affirming approach to all her therapeutic work. Dimity is experienced in supporting young people with trauma histories, low mood, anxiety, school refusal, eating and feeding challenges, and a wide range of behavioural and emotional differences.
When developing therapy goals, Dimity values each child’s unique strengths along with their sensory, communication and play preferences.
Dimity is a warm and collaborative psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She has worked across community organisations, public mental health, and schools, and brings a gentle, neuro-affirming approach to all her therapeutic work. Dimity is experienced in supporting young people with trauma histories, low mood, anxiety, school refusal, eating and feeding challenges, and a wide range of behavioural and emotional differences.
I am member of the AASW and hold a Bachelor of Social Work and am trained in many different counselling modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Based Modalities and Lego Play
My mission is to offer a safe space for healing and growth, empowering individuals to overcome life's challenges. With a combination of my professional and lived experience, I aim to help you find your inner peace to lead the fulfilling life you deserve. I work with clients of all ages.
I am member of the AASW and hold a Bachelor of Social Work and am trained in many different counselling modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Based Modalities and Lego Play
My mission is to offer a safe space for healing and growth, empowering individuals to overcome life's challenges. With a combination of my professional and lived experience, I aim to help you find your inner peace to lead the fulfilling life you deserve. I work with clients of all ages.
I use a collaborative approach to treat a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, trauma-related disorders, and many more. I am also here to support you through life’s challenges such grief and loss, relationship and marital problems, parenting challenges and living with the impact of chronic health conditions. With expertise in childhood trauma, I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I am committed to helping you better understand yourself and how you relate to others, to uncover the patterns that get in the way of your well-being.
I use a collaborative approach to treat a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, trauma-related disorders, and many more. I am also here to support you through life’s challenges such grief and loss, relationship and marital problems, parenting challenges and living with the impact of chronic health conditions. With expertise in childhood trauma, I bring a strong attachment focus to therapy. I am committed to helping you better understand yourself and how you relate to others, to uncover the patterns that get in the way of your well-being.
I am a Medicare Registered Mental Health Clinician and Registered EMDR therapist, with more than 20 years of clinical experience, offering integrative mind-body psychotherapy, play therapy, incorporating a humanistic trauma-informed and attachment focused approach to facilitate your trauma recovery and relational growth.
Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist utilising attachment-based interventions for couples. Certified family trauma therapist utilising effective techniques to treat traumatized children, adolescents and families. I incorporate EMDR therapy to help individuals process traumatic experiences by processing in a safe and structured way.
I am a Medicare Registered Mental Health Clinician and Registered EMDR therapist, with more than 20 years of clinical experience, offering integrative mind-body psychotherapy, play therapy, incorporating a humanistic trauma-informed and attachment focused approach to facilitate your trauma recovery and relational growth.
Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist utilising attachment-based interventions for couples. Certified family trauma therapist utilising effective techniques to treat traumatized children, adolescents and families. I incorporate EMDR therapy to help individuals process traumatic experiences by processing in a safe and structured way.
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for Brunswick East
- Alphington
- Ascot Vale
- Brunswick
- Carlton
- Carlton North
- Clifton Hill
- Collingwood
- Fairfield
- Fitzroy
- Fitzroy North
- Northcote
- Thornbury
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.