Play Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Clifton Hill, VIC

Adi Benarroch
Psychotherapist
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Adi is a psychotherapist and creative arts therapist who supports individuals in reconnecting with their bodies, emotions, and inner knowing. She works with adults navigating trauma, life transitions, anxiety, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Her sessions offer a space to slow down, tune in, and gently explore what’s beneath the surface—at your own pace, in your own way. With a warm and grounded presence, Adi offers therapy as a collaborative, compassionate process where all parts of you are welcome.
Adi is a psychotherapist and creative arts therapist who supports individuals in reconnecting with their bodies, emotions, and inner knowing. She works with adults navigating trauma, life transitions, anxiety, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Her sessions offer a space to slow down, tune in, and gently explore what’s beneath the surface—at your own pace, in your own way. With a warm and grounded presence, Adi offers therapy as a collaborative, compassionate process where all parts of you are welcome.
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Laura Petrie
Social Worker, AASW
Serves Area
Do you experience aspects of your life as dissatisfying or distressing, this may feel like depression, anxiety, hopelessness or a pervasive self criticism? Such dissatisfaction and distress can be supported through Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Laura's focus is the development of a safe, trusting and reliable relationship which becomes the basis for exploring your thoughts and feelings, and generating insights about the sources of your personal struggles. Generating insights open new opportunities for more satisfying connections to self and others, and greater life choices.
Do you experience aspects of your life as dissatisfying or distressing, this may feel like depression, anxiety, hopelessness or a pervasive self criticism? Such dissatisfaction and distress can be supported through Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Laura's focus is the development of a safe, trusting and reliable relationship which becomes the basis for exploring your thoughts and feelings, and generating insights about the sources of your personal struggles. Generating insights open new opportunities for more satisfying connections to self and others, and greater life choices.
(03) 8797 5226 View (03) 8797 5226
Tegwen King
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Tegwen (Tee-gan) is an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families across the lifespan. She brings a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that people are experts in their own lives and deserve care that is respectful, affirming, and responsive to their individual needs. Her clinical experience spans educational, forensic, disability, private practice, and Out of Home Care (OoHC) settings, supporting individuals and families within complex personal and systemic contexts.
Tegwen (Tee-gan) is an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families across the lifespan. She brings a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that people are experts in their own lives and deserve care that is respectful, affirming, and responsive to their individual needs. Her clinical experience spans educational, forensic, disability, private practice, and Out of Home Care (OoHC) settings, supporting individuals and families within complex personal and systemic contexts.
0423 445 477 View 0423 445 477
Helen Killmier
Psychologist, MAPS
Serves Area
Guidestar provides a safe space for confidential psychology, counselling, assessment and support services for children, adolescents and adults. We are neurodiverse affirming, Rainbow Tick accredited and a safe space for the LGBTIQA+ community. Our psychologists are registered with the AHPRA and are members of the APS or AAPi. Each psychologist has a different focus and approach; review the profiles of our psychologists on our website.
Guidestar provides a safe space for confidential psychology, counselling, assessment and support services for children, adolescents and adults. We are neurodiverse affirming, Rainbow Tick accredited and a safe space for the LGBTIQA+ community. Our psychologists are registered with the AHPRA and are members of the APS or AAPi. Each psychologist has a different focus and approach; review the profiles of our psychologists on our website.
(03) 9070 5239 View (03) 9070 5239
Freya Hanly Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
My interest lies in helping individuals living with trauma, anxiety-related disorders, interpersonal difficulties and emotional regulation issues. I have a particular passion for working with C-PTSD and sexual trauma. I am dedicated to helping clients improve their relationship with themselves (and by extension others) through developing a self-compassionate understanding of their emotional difficulties. From this place we move forward together to process "stuck" memories and explore the development of new ways of being in the world.
My interest lies in helping individuals living with trauma, anxiety-related disorders, interpersonal difficulties and emotional regulation issues. I have a particular passion for working with C-PTSD and sexual trauma. I am dedicated to helping clients improve their relationship with themselves (and by extension others) through developing a self-compassionate understanding of their emotional difficulties. From this place we move forward together to process "stuck" memories and explore the development of new ways of being in the world.
(02) 4504 0152 View (02) 4504 0152

More Therapists Nearby

Veritas Art Therapy & Counselling
Psychotherapist, MA
2 Endorsed
Berwick, VIC 3806
My gift and desire to help others use creative expression is what has me leaping out of bed each day. I want to help others use creative expression to explore what's going on for them, helping them delve into their inner worlds. I grew up in an intensely creative and neurodiverse family, highly attuned to the beauty of nature, music, art and words. I've always loved the opportunities these forms of expression provide to express myself, and to feel deeply—beyond words.
My gift and desire to help others use creative expression is what has me leaping out of bed each day. I want to help others use creative expression to explore what's going on for them, helping them delve into their inner worlds. I grew up in an intensely creative and neurodiverse family, highly attuned to the beauty of nature, music, art and words. I've always loved the opportunities these forms of expression provide to express myself, and to feel deeply—beyond words.
(03) 5910 5006 View (03) 5910 5006
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.
(03) 9034 6183 View (03) 9034 6183
Thrive within Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
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
(08) 7110 0028 View (08) 7110 0028
Kat Aycardo
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mitcham, VIC 3132
Kat has been passionate about supporting adults and children with neurodiversity since 2007. She has specialized in assessment and intervention for individuals with ASD, ADHD, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, giftedness, and developmental differences. She is a warm and collaborative clinician with an evidence based and neurodiverse affirming approach to supporting children, adolescents, and adults to reach their individual goals.
Kat has been passionate about supporting adults and children with neurodiversity since 2007. She has specialized in assessment and intervention for individuals with ASD, ADHD, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, giftedness, and developmental differences. She is a warm and collaborative clinician with an evidence based and neurodiverse affirming approach to supporting children, adolescents, and adults to reach their individual goals.
(03) 8203 5767 View (03) 8203 5767
Eliza Mealey
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I am a qualified counsellor registered with ACA and hold a BA of Creative Arts Psychotherapy from Ikon Institute Australia. The combination of having experience in both counselling and art therapy allows me to reach a diverse clientele. I work in a holistic way, guiding clients towards their strengths. I have experience working with adults who face life challenges and young children and adolescents who have social, emotional and behavioural issues. I facilitate individual counselling and group therapy/art therapy for adolescents who struggle with self identity and the pressures that come with school/family and social settings.
I am a qualified counsellor registered with ACA and hold a BA of Creative Arts Psychotherapy from Ikon Institute Australia. The combination of having experience in both counselling and art therapy allows me to reach a diverse clientele. I work in a holistic way, guiding clients towards their strengths. I have experience working with adults who face life challenges and young children and adolescents who have social, emotional and behavioural issues. I facilitate individual counselling and group therapy/art therapy for adolescents who struggle with self identity and the pressures that come with school/family and social settings.
(07) 3132 2928 View (07) 3132 2928
Bayside Counselling and Consultation (Seaford)
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Seaford, VIC 3198
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
James Pateras
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Essendon, VIC 3040
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.
(03) 4427 7119 View (03) 4427 7119
Kirsten Perrins
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Panton Hill, VIC 3759
Waitlist for new clients
Kirsten's specific areas of interest include autism, ADHD, trauma and Eating Disorders. Her work is informed by evidence-based practice, largely working from a trauma-informed, attachment-focused, narrative and neuroaffirming perspective. Neurodevelopmental assessments are also available, undertaken from an affirming perspective, for ages 5+.
Kirsten's specific areas of interest include autism, ADHD, trauma and Eating Disorders. Her work is informed by evidence-based practice, largely working from a trauma-informed, attachment-focused, narrative and neuroaffirming perspective. Neurodevelopmental assessments are also available, undertaken from an affirming perspective, for ages 5+.
(03) 8400 0307 View (03) 8400 0307
South Eastern Play & Creative Therapies
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Online Only
Jenny offers online creative counselling to children, teenagers and adults which includes both talking therapy and creative modalities including virtual sand tray therapy, clay/ play doh, small world play (miniatures), expressive art, games, mindfulness and metaphorical cards.
Jenny can support children, young people and adults with bereavement/grief and loss, anxiety, depression, complex trauma (e.g. family violence, sexual abuse), single event trauma, ASD/ADHD, social/peer relationship difficulties, eating disorders, self harm/suicidal ideation.
Jenny offers online creative counselling to children, teenagers and adults which includes both talking therapy and creative modalities including virtual sand tray therapy, clay/ play doh, small world play (miniatures), expressive art, games, mindfulness and metaphorical cards.
Jenny can support children, young people and adults with bereavement/grief and loss, anxiety, depression, complex trauma (e.g. family violence, sexual abuse), single event trauma, ASD/ADHD, social/peer relationship difficulties, eating disorders, self harm/suicidal ideation.
(03) 5608 5889 View (03) 5608 5889
Dr Maddy Fernando
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Caulfield North, VIC 3161
Hi, I’m Maddy—a senior clinical psychologist helping children, young people, and adults create lives that feel steadier, more connected, and more fulfilling. With younger clients, I use playful, creative approaches to make therapy engaging; with adults, our work is reflective, practical, and empowering. I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
Hi, I’m Maddy—a senior clinical psychologist helping children, young people, and adults create lives that feel steadier, more connected, and more fulfilling. With younger clients, I use playful, creative approaches to make therapy engaging; with adults, our work is reflective, practical, and empowering. I help with common challenges like anxiety, low mood, stress, and adjusting to major life changes, as well as more complex concerns including trauma recovery, navigating neurodivergence (i.e ADHD, autism), borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours—focusing on meaningful, lasting change.
0426 415 617 View 0426 415 617
Pree Arora
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Werribee, VIC 3030
I am a Psychologist who loves to bring positive change in people's lives. My approach is caring, non judgemental and compassionate based. I have experience in working with adults, teens and children and treatment of various mental health difficulties including, anxiety, depression, BPD, PTSD, Complex PTSD, and grief. I do neurodevelopmental assessments and treatment including autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties, Intellectual and behavioural difficulties.
I am a Psychologist who loves to bring positive change in people's lives. My approach is caring, non judgemental and compassionate based. I have experience in working with adults, teens and children and treatment of various mental health difficulties including, anxiety, depression, BPD, PTSD, Complex PTSD, and grief. I do neurodevelopmental assessments and treatment including autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties, Intellectual and behavioural difficulties.
(03) 7302 2670 View (03) 7302 2670
Josie van der Wal
Counsellor, MSc, PACFA
Mitcham, VIC 3132
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.
(03) 8771 5176 View (03) 8771 5176
Nasseema Baidwan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Murrumbeena, VIC 3163
My therapeutic approach is compassionate, empathetic, and grounded, with a warm, down-to-earth style. I place great value on building a strong, trusting relationship, working collaboratively with you to support your goals. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming space, where every individual is respected, understood, and supported without judgment, allowing your unique strengths and experiences to guide your journey.
My therapeutic approach is compassionate, empathetic, and grounded, with a warm, down-to-earth style. I place great value on building a strong, trusting relationship, working collaboratively with you to support your goals. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming space, where every individual is respected, understood, and supported without judgment, allowing your unique strengths and experiences to guide your journey.
(03) 7500 5204 View (03) 7500 5204
Cheryl Tan-Bell
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Relationships are tough! Add in each other's trauma and you are bouncing off everyone like you're in a jumping castle. The old adage of 'individual stuff' and 'couple/s stuff' is true. Conversations can feel like they are going around in circles or rehashing old stuff. You feel stuck. Your partner/s feels stuck. No one is moving forward. This wasn't the life you imagined when you got together. It was meant to be rainbows and fairytales, not discussions around housework, money and sex - or friends and inlaws! What if I told you that 'your stuff' is affecting the relationship? It's a big possibility. It does not have to be that way!
Relationships are tough! Add in each other's trauma and you are bouncing off everyone like you're in a jumping castle. The old adage of 'individual stuff' and 'couple/s stuff' is true. Conversations can feel like they are going around in circles or rehashing old stuff. You feel stuck. Your partner/s feels stuck. No one is moving forward. This wasn't the life you imagined when you got together. It was meant to be rainbows and fairytales, not discussions around housework, money and sex - or friends and inlaws! What if I told you that 'your stuff' is affecting the relationship? It's a big possibility. It does not have to be that way!
(08) 6171 2914 View (08) 6171 2914
Samantha McLean
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Parkdale, VIC 3195
When working with children specifically, I use a play-based approach which creates a fun, calm and engaged environment.
I offer 1:1 therapy as well as diagnostic assessments. Currently we are administering Cognitive (IQ) and learning disorder assessments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments.
When working with children specifically, I use a play-based approach which creates a fun, calm and engaged environment.
I offer 1:1 therapy as well as diagnostic assessments. Currently we are administering Cognitive (IQ) and learning disorder assessments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments.
(03) 8771 4449 View (03) 8771 4449
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.