Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Carrum Downs, VIC

Kay Wise
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Carrum Downs, VIC 3201
I'm passionate about Counselling and supporting people who are experiencing challenging times with their mental health, family violence, trauma related issues, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, healthy/unhealthy relationships, anger management, addictions, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, grief and loss, life challenges, disabilities ,work or carer challenges, and parenting skills, . Building on their strengths and teaching strategies such as EFT, Breathwork & grounding to build confidence and improve coping skills, giving clients a voice to feel heard and walking alongside them through their healing journey to reach their goals.
I'm passionate about Counselling and supporting people who are experiencing challenging times with their mental health, family violence, trauma related issues, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, healthy/unhealthy relationships, anger management, addictions, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, grief and loss, life challenges, disabilities ,work or carer challenges, and parenting skills, . Building on their strengths and teaching strategies such as EFT, Breathwork & grounding to build confidence and improve coping skills, giving clients a voice to feel heard and walking alongside them through their healing journey to reach their goals.
(03) 5907 5000 View (03) 5907 5000
Kerryn Knight
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
These include Clinical Counselling, Art Therapy and Sand Tray/ Sand Play Therapy.
Hi I'm Kerryn Knight, Clinical Counsellor, Sandtray Therapist and Masters Qualified Art Therapist with over 17 years of experience. At Empowered Art Therapy within Kindred Art Space, I combine creative therapies with traditional psychotherapy to support your mental health and wellbeing. My approach is particularly effective if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and transitions in life, helping you find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
These include Clinical Counselling, Art Therapy and Sand Tray/ Sand Play Therapy.
Hi I'm Kerryn Knight, Clinical Counsellor, Sandtray Therapist and Masters Qualified Art Therapist with over 17 years of experience. At Empowered Art Therapy within Kindred Art Space, I combine creative therapies with traditional psychotherapy to support your mental health and wellbeing. My approach is particularly effective if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and transitions in life, helping you find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
(03) 9068 5278 View (03) 9068 5278
Bayside Counselling and Consultation (Seaford)
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
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.
(03) 5907 5890 View (03) 5907 5890
Edita Manak
Psychologist, MPsych
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Edita has a special interest in supporting young people experiencing a range of difficulties, ranging from trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, bullying to explosive behaviour. Edita works from a neurodiversity affirming framework recognizing the importance of valuing differences in how our brains work. Edita recognizes that early support from a therapist can lead to long lasting changes in child’s life. Edita is passionate about helping children (and their families) achieve their best in terms of mental health and emotional well-being, and also creating supportive social networks. She feels strong about building positive partners
Edita has a special interest in supporting young people experiencing a range of difficulties, ranging from trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, bullying to explosive behaviour. Edita works from a neurodiversity affirming framework recognizing the importance of valuing differences in how our brains work. Edita recognizes that early support from a therapist can lead to long lasting changes in child’s life. Edita is passionate about helping children (and their families) achieve their best in terms of mental health and emotional well-being, and also creating supportive social networks. She feels strong about building positive partners
(08) 8514 9930 View (08) 8514 9930

More Therapists Nearby

Taren Mieran
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Greensborough, VIC 3088
Hello! I am passionate about supporting clients to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, build resilience, and work towards meaningful goals. I believe that the foundation of therapeutic change lies in a strong therapeutic alliance, and am dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for my clients. My clients value my approachable style, relatability, and client-centred focus. I have experience supporting people with a range of challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, grief, and interpersonal difficulties. My particular interests include adolescent mental health, ADHD, and video game addiction.
Hello! I am passionate about supporting clients to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, build resilience, and work towards meaningful goals. I believe that the foundation of therapeutic change lies in a strong therapeutic alliance, and am dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for my clients. My clients value my approachable style, relatability, and client-centred focus. I have experience supporting people with a range of challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, grief, and interpersonal difficulties. My particular interests include adolescent mental health, ADHD, and video game addiction.
(03) 8771 5018 View (03) 8771 5018
One Another
Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
South Yarra, VIC 3141
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.
0488 061 064 View 0488 061 064
Sophie Boord
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Frankston South, VIC 3199
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.
(03) 6146 1663 View (03) 6146 1663
MindfulNest Therapeutic Services
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Spotswood, VIC 3015
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!
(03) 9000 0643 View (03) 9000 0643
Kate Wallace-Boyd
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Richmond, VIC 3121
It’s not always easy to ask for support, especially when you’ve been holding it all together for so long. You might be feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re managing a chronic illness, feeling lost in a big life transition, burnt out from work or study, or questioning who you are and what matters to you now. Even if you're someone who usually copes well, it might feel like things just aren’t working anymore. You might be craving a space that feels calm and affirming, where you can take a breath, feel understood, and begin to figure things out at your own pace, with someone who really gets it.
It’s not always easy to ask for support, especially when you’ve been holding it all together for so long. You might be feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re managing a chronic illness, feeling lost in a big life transition, burnt out from work or study, or questioning who you are and what matters to you now. Even if you're someone who usually copes well, it might feel like things just aren’t working anymore. You might be craving a space that feels calm and affirming, where you can take a breath, feel understood, and begin to figure things out at your own pace, with someone who really gets it.
0466 050 552 View 0466 050 552
Northground
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
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.
0411 607 463 View 0411 607 463
Susan Jackson
Social Worker, AMHSW
Frankston, VIC 3199
I am an Accredited Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist specialising in working with high conflict family relationships. My expertise is working with the spectrum of family diversity with multiple generations together in the room with a focus on perinatal mental health, couples and families. My work is grounded in attachment, polyvagal and Bowen theory with a strong trauma informed approach. I aim to support clients to develop an understanding of transgenerational patterns learnt in our family of origin and how they show up in the present and continue to cause us distress and to be stuck.
I am an Accredited Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist specialising in working with high conflict family relationships. My expertise is working with the spectrum of family diversity with multiple generations together in the room with a focus on perinatal mental health, couples and families. My work is grounded in attachment, polyvagal and Bowen theory with a strong trauma informed approach. I aim to support clients to develop an understanding of transgenerational patterns learnt in our family of origin and how they show up in the present and continue to cause us distress and to be stuck.
(03) 5905 7114 View (03) 5905 7114
Kerryanne T Ansari
Social Worker, MA, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialise in providing trauma focussed therapy (EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS) for adults, children and young people and am passionate about working with people who are neurodiverse & those coming to terms with childhood trauma or the trauma of being neurodiverse in today’s society. I honour each person’s unique way of being & love working with adolescents & children, fostering healing that builds self-trust, connection & authentic self-expression, developing life long skills, so you can reconnect with yourself, process trauma and feel fully alive again. Our space is safe, respectful, and centered on you.
I specialise in providing trauma focussed therapy (EMDR & Internal Family Systems (IFS) for adults, children and young people and am passionate about working with people who are neurodiverse & those coming to terms with childhood trauma or the trauma of being neurodiverse in today’s society. I honour each person’s unique way of being & love working with adolescents & children, fostering healing that builds self-trust, connection & authentic self-expression, developing life long skills, so you can reconnect with yourself, process trauma and feel fully alive again. Our space is safe, respectful, and centered on you.
(03) 5906 9725 View (03) 5906 9725
Ashleigh Barber Psychology
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Kew, VIC 3101
I'm an educational and developmental psychologist who works with school-aged children and their families who are seeking support for challenges with big emotions, anxiety and worries, learning or attention, school or social interactions. These children may feel overwhelmed or struggle with regulation in their daily lives. I work with children and parents to help a child thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, ensuring they both feel understood and supported. I specialise in comprehensive psychological and diagnostic assessments including cognitive, educational & literacy, dyslexia, autism, & adhd.
I'm an educational and developmental psychologist who works with school-aged children and their families who are seeking support for challenges with big emotions, anxiety and worries, learning or attention, school or social interactions. These children may feel overwhelmed or struggle with regulation in their daily lives. I work with children and parents to help a child thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, ensuring they both feel understood and supported. I specialise in comprehensive psychological and diagnostic assessments including cognitive, educational & literacy, dyslexia, autism, & adhd.
0468 882 166 View 0468 882 166
George Nelson
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Prahran, VIC 3181
George is a qualified psychotherapist, coach, clinical counsellor, relationship therapist, educator, speech therapist, voice production and training consultant. George has worked with children, teenagers and adults to help them with communication, speech, voice production and dramatic expression for presentation, (certain clients include news-presenters, actors, reporters and radio announcers). Working with individuals, couples & adolescents, George has developed a specialisation for relationship/couples counselling, family therapy as well as Men’s Health (for men, their partners and families).
George is a qualified psychotherapist, coach, clinical counsellor, relationship therapist, educator, speech therapist, voice production and training consultant. George has worked with children, teenagers and adults to help them with communication, speech, voice production and dramatic expression for presentation, (certain clients include news-presenters, actors, reporters and radio announcers). Working with individuals, couples & adolescents, George has developed a specialisation for relationship/couples counselling, family therapy as well as Men’s Health (for men, their partners and families).
(03) 7302 8896 View (03) 7302 8896
Katherine Natoli
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA General
Southbank, VIC 3006
I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and adults through a collaborative, person centred, and neuroaffirming approach. I aim to build strong therapeutic relationships where clients and families feel understood and empowered to work towards meaningful goals that support improved wellbeing and quality of life.
I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and adults through a collaborative, person centred, and neuroaffirming approach. I aim to build strong therapeutic relationships where clients and families feel understood and empowered to work towards meaningful goals that support improved wellbeing and quality of life.
(03) 9070 5549 View (03) 9070 5549
Nature plus Nurture
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
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
(03) 5608 9727 View (03) 5608 9727
Reshma Simon
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Chirnside Park, VIC 3116
I employ a blend of evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, play therapy and mindfulness therapy to meet the unique needs and objectives of each client.
I support clients across the age range (from as young as 4 and above) to address a comprehensive range of presentations, including neurodivergent presentations (ASD, ADHD), anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, OCD, panic, phobias, separation anxiety), school refusal, self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, trauma & depression. I also offer assessment for ADHD for both adults and children & work closely with schools on strategies. I focus on building a safe and positive therapeutic relationship with my clients. I am particularly attuned to the cultural diversity of the city, and have a special interest in cross cultural challenges.
I employ a blend of evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, EMDR, play therapy and mindfulness therapy to meet the unique needs and objectives of each client.
I support clients across the age range (from as young as 4 and above) to address a comprehensive range of presentations, including neurodivergent presentations (ASD, ADHD), anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, OCD, panic, phobias, separation anxiety), school refusal, self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, trauma & depression. I also offer assessment for ADHD for both adults and children & work closely with schools on strategies. I focus on building a safe and positive therapeutic relationship with my clients. I am particularly attuned to the cultural diversity of the city, and have a special interest in cross cultural challenges.
(03) 8771 4064 View (03) 8771 4064
Claire Landsberry
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Armadale, VIC 3143
Claire is a warm and understanding psychologist; passionate about getting to know each client's individual needs and history. She works with adolescents and adults presenting with a range of concerns including complex trauma, attachment and relationship issues, anxiety, burnout, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and life transitions. She also has experience supporting individuals exploring neurodivergence, including ADHD and Autism. Claire’s approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and evidence-based.
Claire is a warm and understanding psychologist; passionate about getting to know each client's individual needs and history. She works with adolescents and adults presenting with a range of concerns including complex trauma, attachment and relationship issues, anxiety, burnout, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and life transitions. She also has experience supporting individuals exploring neurodivergence, including ADHD and Autism. Claire’s approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and evidence-based.
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Tiffany Williamson
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I support adolescents, adults and families who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or impacted by trauma, neurodivergence, grief, phobias, burnout, distressing memories, shutdowns or strong emotional responses. Clients often come to therapy wanting to feel safer in themselves, understand their patterns, and find practical ways to move forward. I offer a warm, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed space where clients feel understood, supported and respected.
I support adolescents, adults and families who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or impacted by trauma, neurodivergence, grief, phobias, burnout, distressing memories, shutdowns or strong emotional responses. Clients often come to therapy wanting to feel safer in themselves, understand their patterns, and find practical ways to move forward. I offer a warm, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed space where clients feel understood, supported and respected.
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Eliza Phillips
Counsellor, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Avonsleigh, VIC 3782
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.
(03) 5907 1013 View (03) 5907 1013

See more therapy options for Carrum Downs

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.